Secondary Suites
A secondary suite is an authorized suite, located within a single detached residential dwelling and cannot be strata-titled.
The City of Nelson Land Use Regulation Bylaw #2243 permits secondary suite use within a single detached residential dwelling in specific zones subject to a number of conditions. The zones in which secondary suites are allowed are R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R9. The City of Nelson Zoning Map (pdf 1.2MB) identifies the established zones within the City of Nelson. The Secondary Suite Handout (pdf 277KB) provides more detailed information on the requirements for installing a secondary suite in a single detached residential dwelling.
Getting Started If you are planning to construct a secondary suite, your first step should be to ensure that your property complies with all necessary zoning and other requirements for the construction of a secondary suite. The City of Nelson's Department of Development Services and Sustainability, located on the first floor of Nelson City Hall, can assist you with these inquiries. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Building Inspectors are available for on-site pre-project inspections for a $100 fee. Once you have confirmed that your property complies, you must apply for a Building Permit at Nelson City Hall. To learn more about the process and to have your specific questions answered, contact the Department of Development Services and Sustainability at 250-352-8260, or at development@nelson.ca. A Building Permit requires that a homeowner comply with the secondary suites standards in the BC Building Code.
When is a suite considered authorized? A suite is considered authorized when all the required building, plumbing and electrical permits have been applied for and approved; and where all work has been completed, inspected and final occupancy permission has been granted by the City of Nelson Building Inspectors.
Greening Your Suite There are a number of resources you can access in order to construct an energy efficient suite: Related Links Please contact City staff at 250-352-8260, or development@nelson.ca for further information on secondary suites.
