Illegal Basement Suites in Edmonton

In Edmonton, if an illegal secondary suite exists without a valid development permit, the first offence faces a fine of $1,000, and subsequent offences can face fines of $2,500. Afterward, the suite owners will have to either decommission or bring into compliance eligible secondary suites through the permit process.

Please note that all secondary suites developed without a development permit will be subject to double the standard application fees, regardless of any construction dates.

City of Edmonton, Residential Neighbourhoods, accessed 22 October 2023, <http:/www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/secondary-suites>.

How many Legal Basements are in the City of Edmonton?

As of October 2023, there are 9,320 properties with Secondary Suites in Edmonton. There are approximately 380,000 households in Edmonton, according to point2homes.

Definition of Legal Basement Suite:
This kind of suite has complied with all the city's necessary building codes, regulations and requirements to be legally recognized as a secondary suite. Such includes proper egress windows, ceiling heights, separate entrances, fire safety measures, et cetera. Once the condition has been met, the suite can be registered and becomes a "legal" suite.

Rentability- Because it is a legal unit, homeowners can put it up on a rental to anyone, not just for family members.

Zoning and Regulation- Homeowners may be regulated on parking, spacing, and overall size of the suite; thus, one has to ensure that the property is zoned for a basement suite.

In-law Suite (also sometimes referred to as a "mother-in-law suite" or "granny suite"):

The term "in-law suite" describes another place of habitation, generically for the family in a house or on the property. The latter can be qualified as a legal secondary suite according to all the requirements outlined by the city or yet can properly fail to meet them.

Rentability- As the name suggests, most of these are used to house family members. However, it may be against regulation to take in tenants for an in-law suite who are not family members should they not meet legal secondary suite requirements and, as such, are not registered.

Zoning and Regulation- There probably would be some exceptions to the rule since it is not considered a separate rental unit.

Remember, however, that bylaws, regulations, and zoning can change. When considering adding a suite to your home or altering an existing one, it is always best to consult your local city’s planning, bylaw departments, or Basement Development Contractor. This way, you'll ensure the most recent rules and regulations for Edmonton or any other municipality are in compliance.