Residential & Neighbourhoods

Fire Prevention Secondary Suite FAQ

Secondary suite means a second, self-contained dwelling unit that is located within a primary dwelling unit where both dwelling units are registered under the same land title.

Dwelling unit means a townhouse, row house, single or semi-detached home or duplex.

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Are there restrictions for developing or continuing the use of existing secondary suites?

Yes, there are zoning requirements. For Zoning Bylaw 12800 inquiries call 780-496-3100 and ask for a Development Technical Advisor. All secondary suites must have zoning approval prior to developing or continuing the use of a secondary suite.

Is there funding available for upgrading or developing a secondary suite?

You may be eligible for financial assistance through the City of Edmonton Cornerstones Plan. For more information, see Secondary Suite Grants or call 780-442-6284 for further information about this program.

If I have a secondary suite, how do I know if it meets building and/or fire code standards?

The Secondary Suites Zoning Project pages have that information.

If I have a basement suite is it mandatory to upgrade it to the Fire Code Amendment Regulation for secondary suites?

If a homeowner has a secondary suite that was in existence prior to December 31, 2006 they are required to upgrade their suite to meet the Alberta Fire Code STANDATA 97-FCB-031 requirements.

What is the City doing to address complaints about secondary suites?

If the City receives a complaint about an illegal suite, it will investigate the complaint and if a suite is confirmed, the homeowner will be advised of the options: upgrade or decommission the suite.

What do the standards look for in terms of safety?

Primary considerations relate to ensuring the existing plumbing and heating systems can support an additional suite, fire prevention and protection in terms of smoke alarms, exit routes, fire separation, and structural requirements like minimum ceiling height and window sizes.

For More Information

Fire Prevention

Title	Secondary Suite Fire Code Inquiries
Telephone	780-496-3628