Home permit guide
Secondary suite and ADU permits
Adding another dwelling unit usually involves more than one rule: building safety, zoning, fire separation, exits and services can all matter.
Updated September 24, 2026
The short answer
A suite can involve zoning/use approval, building permit work, fire/life-safety upgrades, plumbing/HVAC and separate electrical or gas approvals. Eligibility often depends on the property and building form.
Provincial housing rules do not automatically make every suite legal on every property. The local approval path still matters.
What to check first
- Whether the property allows a suite
- Fire separations and exits
- Parking and servicing
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC work
Check the rule in your city
Choose your municipality for the local permit rule, thresholds and official source.
How the rule changes by city
- Airdrie, AB: Airdrie requires a development permit for all secondary suites and then a basement building permit for the suite construction/conversion. Official source ↗
- Abbotsford, BC: Abbotsford requires the necessary building and plumbing permits for work creating or legalizing a secondary suite before it can be registered. Official source ↗
- Moncton, NB: Moncton publishes a dedicated checklist for creating a secondary suite and routes the work through its building/development permit process. Official source ↗
If a permit is required
What you may need to submit
Site plan where relevant; full floor plans; exits/egress; fire separations; smoke/CO alarm plan; mechanical/plumbing details.
Inspections
Multiple rough-in and final inspections are common because several code systems are affected.
Use the local guide before you start
Permit rules, exemptions and application routes are set locally. Open your municipality guide before relying on a threshold or starting work.
Find your municipality →