Secondary suite bylaws slated for final adoption

1:00 pm

Delta is one step closer to legalizing secondary suites. At the June 22, 2010 Public Hearing, Council gave third reading to Bylaws 6851, 6852 and 6853 to legalize and to establish regulations for secondary suites in single family homes in Delta.

The rising cost of housing and diminishing rental stock have increased the demand for secondary suites - currently, there is an estimated 5,300 to 7,000 secondary suites in Delta, many of which do not meet current zoning or building code standards.

"Secondary suites offer a much-needed affordable housing option in our community," said Mayor Lois E. Jackson. "It has taken us a number of years to get to this point and it is important for our residents' safety that we regulate these suites to ensure they are built in a safe manner that adhere to the BC Building Codes."

Since 2009, Delta's Housing Task Force has been working to create a framework for the legalization of secondary suites. A housing questionnaire was conducted last fall which found that almost 60% of the 600 respondents were in favour of the legalization and regulation of secondary suites.

To encourage property owners to bring existing secondary suites up to current building code standards, Delta's program will waive the fees associated with the first inspection and re-inspection of an existing secondary suite until January 31, 2012. A bylaw enforcement program is being introduced to ensure compliance with these bylaws. All secondary suites will need to be registered with the Corporation of Delta, and owners will be required to pay additional annual utility fees.

The secondary suite bylaws will go for final adoption at the July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting of Delta Council. After December 31, 2010 a $200 daily fine will come into effect for property owners who:

• have more than one secondary suite in a single family dwelling; 
• have a secondary suite that does not comply with the BC Building Code; or
• have insufficient off-street parking.

For more information, contact Thomas Leathem, Director of Community Planning & Development at (604) 946-3381.