How much does it cost to legalize a secondary suite in Burnaby?

Legalization costs in Burnaby depend on the current condition of the suite and what upgrades are required. Minor projects cost less than full gut renovations. Budget Contracting provides a free assessment and written estimate.

How long does secondary suite legalization take in Burnaby?

The full process typically takes 3 to 5 months. Permit review takes 4 to 8 weeks. Construction takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on the scope of work required.

Does Burnaby have a specific Secondary Suite Program?

Yes. The City of Burnaby has a formal Secondary Suite Program that allows homeowners to register and legalize existing suites. The program is designed to make the process straightforward while ensuring suites meet minimum safety standards.

Can I have both a secondary suite and a laneway house in Burnaby?

Under BC's new multiplex legislation, many Burnaby properties can now have multiple dwelling units. Budget Contracting can review your specific property and advise on all available options for adding rental income.

What happens if I rent out an unauthorized suite in Burnaby?

Renting an unauthorized suite in Burnaby creates significant liability risks. If a tenant is injured and the suite is found to be non-compliant, you could face legal liability. Your home insurance may not cover incidents in an unauthorized suite. The city can also order you to stop renting the suite and require remediation.

Does Budget Contracting serve Burnaby for secondary suite legalization?

Yes. Budget Contracting serves all of Burnaby for secondary suite legalization and new suite construction. We manage the full process from assessment and permit application through construction and final inspection.

Budget Contracting

Burnaby has a formal Secondary Suite Program that makes it easier to legalize an existing suite. This guide covers Burnaby's specific requirements, permit fees, the application process, and what it costs to bring your suite up to code.

Burnaby's Secondary Suite Program

The City of Burnaby has a formal Secondary Suite Program that allows homeowners to register and legalize existing secondary suites. Burnaby permits one secondary suite per single-family dwelling in most residential zones. The program is designed to make the legalization process as straightforward as possible while ensuring suites meet minimum safety and habitability standards.

Burnaby's secondary suite policy has evolved significantly in recent years. The city now actively encourages secondary suite development as a way to increase rental housing supply and help homeowners offset mortgage costs in one of Canada's most expensive real estate markets.

Burnaby Secondary Suite Requirements

To qualify for registration under Burnaby's Secondary Suite Program, a suite must meet the following requirements:

Located within a single-family dwelling (not a duplex, townhome, or apartment)
Minimum floor area of 37 square metres (400 square feet)
Minimum ceiling height of 1.95 metres (6 feet 5 inches) in all habitable rooms
Separate entrance from the main dwelling
Full kitchen facilities
Bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower or tub
Fire separation between suite and main dwelling
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in required locations
Egress windows in all bedrooms
Electrical work done by a licensed electrician

Burnaby's Secondary Suite Permit Process

The Burnaby Secondary Suite Program involves the following steps:

Pre-Application Consultation

Burnaby offers a pre-application consultation service that allows homeowners to discuss their suite with a building official before submitting a formal application. This can help identify issues early and avoid delays. Budget Contracting can accompany you to this consultation or attend on your behalf.

Permit Application

Submit a building permit application to the City of Burnaby. The application requires drawings showing the suite layout and proposed upgrades. Burnaby's permit fees for secondary suite work are based on the value of construction, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 for a legalization project.

Inspections

Burnaby requires inspections at key stages of the work. The building inspector will verify that all work meets the requirements of the BC Building Code and Burnaby's specific bylaws.

What Does Secondary Suite Legalization Cost in Burnaby?

Legalization costs in Burnaby are similar to other Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley municipalities. Here is a typical breakdown:

Costs vary depending on the scope and size of your project. Contact Budget Contracting for a free, detailed written quote.

Burnaby Rental Income Potential

A legal secondary suite in Burnaby generates strong rental income depending on location, size, and quality. Burnaby suites near SkyTrain stations (Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed) command the highest rents due to transit accessibility.

Burnaby's New Zoning and Multiplex Rules

In 2024, the Province of BC passed legislation requiring municipalities to allow multiplexes (up to 4 units) on single-family lots. Burnaby has updated its zoning bylaws to comply. This means that in addition to a secondary suite, many Burnaby homeowners can now add a laneway house or convert their home to a duplex. Budget Contracting can advise on all options for maximizing the rental income potential of your Burnaby property.