Secondary suite issue a hot potato in Calgary

The ongoing discussion about secondary suites in Calgary – affordable and safe rental alternatives – rages on.

At the Real Estate Investment Network, we have kept an eye on the progress of the debate, while advocating for safe rental suites across the city. As of mid-March, it looks like a window of opportunity is opening for those in the city who currently have suites that may not be licensed – or "not legal," as some would say.

We, of course, are not the only ones keeping a close eye on this important subject. We recently received some helpful information from respected Calgary realtor, Brett Turner, who explains what those who have suites (and those wanting them) can do during this window. All Calgary investors should pay close attention.

Here is his take:

Late last year, the city commissioned a working group to explore ways to clean up the secondary suite mess. In the past, these committees have generally been a waste of everyone’s time, but this latest one is actually going in the right direction – towards a solution. But, because it is quite detailed (and you may not have time to read it all), here is an edited version:

• The group wants to allow existing illegal suites an 18 month window to legalize
• During this window, owners of secondary suites will not have to apply for a development permit if they were built prior to 2007
• During this window, suites can be legalized according to Alberta fire code, not Alberta building code. This is huge because it saves owners the HVAC headaches, and wireless smoke detectors can be used rather than hard-wired ones
• Owners who go for it and have their suites legalized, will get a big sticker that says their suites are safe. This can then be marketed as a legal suite going forward
• After the-18 month window expires, it sounds like the city is going to get a lot tougher on suites that aren’t compliant.

Many investors who have existing suites will be candidates for this new program. This will be a relief for many homeowners as well as renters, if you have the correct zoning.

Do you have a suite but not the right zoning?

For those who have suites but not the proper zoning, there is good news for you as well. If your property does not currently have the zoning for a secondary suite, there is a further proposed amendment to the bylaw that would see four wards allow secondary suite development for all land use designations. If you want to know if your property could qualify for this exemption, click here.

Related reading:

The issue with secondary suites

What's next for Calgary's housing market?

Investors – think customers, not tenants

What's really happening in the Calgary real estate market?