A secondary suite is a self-contained living unit with its own cooking facilities, washroom and a separate exit created in a single family home.  Secondary suites can be an important affordable housing option, provided the suites are constructed safely.

The Town of Westlock Land Use Bylaw does not address secondary suites specifically.  Instead, when a secondary suite is in place, the building is no longer considered a single family dwelling.  It becomes a two family dwelling, which is a discretionary use in a single family district.  Both a Development Permit and a Building Permit are required for secondary suites.  Permits and inspections may also be required in the disciplines of plumbing, gas and electrical.   Contact the Development Department for assistance.

The Safety Codes Council has developed a set of secondary suite standards that may assist you in determining the extent of work that you will need to undertake in order to develop a compliant secondary suite or to bring an existing one into compliance.

Please note:  This does not apply to new building construction.  If you are constructing a home and wish to incorporate a secondary suite it will be treated as a duplex for the purposes of the building code and will need to comply with current Alberta Building Code Standards and Land Use Bylaw regulations for a new two-family dwelling.

Parking requirements are two per dwelling unit and all parking stalls must be developed on site.  Reduced parking requirements for the secondary unit may be approved at the discretion of the Municipal Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis.