Property owners who would like to establish a secondary suite should refer to Bylaw 1065, 2007, which regulates these living spaces. We have also prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions (below).
How do I create a secondary suite?
Step 1: Contact the Planning Department to check your zoning, and review the current Town of Gibsons regulations for secondary suites.
Step 2: Prepare your plans and apply for a Building Permit.
Step 3: Begin construction and book your inspections.
Step 4: Complete construction and request final inspection.
Step 5: Receive Occupancy and start renting out your new secondary suite.
What fees and charges apply to a Secondary Suite?
A Building Permit is based on value of construction – see the Town’s Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw here.
Optional extra garbage and organics pick-up: As of April 1, 2024, residential properties will only be charged for one bi-weekly garbage can and one weekly organics bin. If needed you can request additional pick-up. The rates for 2024 are as follows:
- Additional garbage bin (6-months): $54.00
- One time extra garbage tag: $4.00
- Additional organics bin (6 months):$77.50
Why were the bylaws related to Secondary Suites amended in summer 2020?
In December 2019, the BC Building Code changed the technical standard for secondary suites, allowing them to be constructed in duplexes and townhouses, as long as there is a vertical fire separation from the foundation to the roof separating each single real estate entity. Given this technical update, and with a view to increasing the affordable housing available within the Town of Gibsons, staff determined that some amendments to our Zoning Bylaw were required.
On July 28, 2020, Zoning Bylaw Amendment 1065-58, 2020 and OCP Bylaw Amendment 985-27, 2020 were adopted.
How have the bylaws changed?
See Table of Proposed Changes re: Secondary Suites here.
On June 16, 2020, staff reported to the Planning and Development Committee on the proposed changes, which include:
- Updating and adding new definitions to the Zoning Bylaw to provide a method for outlining which dwelling unit on a property is the accessory dwelling;
- Introducing “Lock-off suites” (an accessory rental dwelling unit within an apartment);
- Updating the parking requirements to require a parking space on site. However, there is some flexibility – if the property is within a 200m radius of a bus stop and on-street parking is permitted adjacent to the property, no additional spaces are required;
- Clarifying density: the principal dwelling unit, i.e. the single family dwelling, townhouse unit, or duplex unit should be seen as one unit, regardless of whether it includes a separate suite for rental accommodation; and
- Staff have removed the statement that secondary suites are to be rented on a year-round basis for more than 30 days at a time. This is due to the proposed addition of Short-Term Rentals to the Zoning Bylaw.
- Secondary suites are proposed to be permitted in Single-Family Dwellings, Duplexes, and Townhouses in most residential zones. Lock-Off suites are proposed to be permitted in apartment units.
The related Staff Report, which includes background information on the BC Building Code changes and a full description of proposed changes to the OCP and Zoning Bylaws can be found here.
Was there any public consultation on the bylaw amendments?
Yes. On June 24, 2020, Council set a Virtual Public Hearing for Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 5:30pm. At this meeting, Council heard from the public on the two bylaw amendments related to Secondary Suites and Lock-off Suites.
