Secondary suites

• Floor area* of the suite must be no larger than 33 percent of the combined floor area of the principal dwelling and the secondary suite, or 74 m² (800 sq. ft), whichever is less.
• Floor area of the secondary suite cannot be less than 32.5 m² (350 sq. ft).
• Only one entrance to the building may be located on the façade that faces the street, unless the dwelling contained another street-facing entrance before the secondary suite was established.
• Secondary suites cannot be used as home-based businesses, care homes, or neighbourhood rehabilitation facilities.
• Properties with secondary suites must provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces.
• Attached secondary suites may be permitted in all zoning districts that allow single family dwellings. These include zoning districts: A, RR5, RR2, R1, R2, RMF, RMU, and C1.

*Based on the requirements of the City of Winnipeg Zoning By-law 200/2006 which is more restrictive than the Manitoba Building Code. If you want to establish a suite larger than zoning allows, apply for a conditional use and explain the reason for the increased size.

• The property must be a minimum of 325 m² (3,500 sq. ft).
• The secondary suite must be located within the rear yard behind the principal building.
• No windows except for clerestory windows (a row of windows above eye-level), balconies or entrances are permitted facing the interior side lot line where the interior side yard setback is 2.4 m (8’-0”) or less.
• All habitable areas must be located above grade.
• Plans showing the location and design of the secondary suite, including building elevations, floor plans, materials, exterior lighting, windows, doors, balconies, patios, outdoor spaces, fencing, landscaping and parking areas must be submitted before or with a development permit application, and approved by the Director, before the development permit will be issued.
• Floor area of the suite must be no smaller than 32.5 m² (350 sq. ft) and no larger than 55.7 m² (600 sq. ft).
• The height of the secondary suite is limited to 4.57 m (15’-0”) if it is situated on grade and 7.62 m (25’-0”) if above a detached garage.
• It can be no closer than 3.05 m (10’-0”) from the primary dwelling.
• Minimum rear yard setback is 7.6 m (25’-0”) if there is no rear lane.
• Minimum rear yard setback is 1.5 m (5’-0”) if there is a lane where no entrance, balcony or window may face the rear lot line.
• It must be no greater than 45.7 m (150’-0”) from the nearest curb on the front street and an unobstructed pathway. A minimum of 762 mm (2’-6”) in width must be provided between the front property line and the secondary suite.
• No roof decks are allowed above the floor area.
• The maximum lot coverage of the property shall be no greater than the applicable zoning district allows.
• The maximum lot coverage for all accessory structures on the property shall be no greater than 44.9 m² (484 sq. ft) or 12.5% of the total lot area, to a maximum of 81.75 m² (880 sq. ft).
• It cannot be used as home-based business, care home or neighbourhood rehabilitation facility.
• Properties with detached secondary suites must provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces. A secondary suite may not be subdivided from the principal building.
• Detached secondary suites are only permitted in R1 and R2 zoning districts with single-family dwellings.

Sewer and water services can be extended from the primary dwelling or can be brought in from the street with the approval of the Water & Waste Department. To extend sewer and water services, provide a site servicing plan prepared by a licensed Manitoba Land Surveyor or a professional civil engineer licensed to practice in Manitoba with your development permit application.

Note:

• Sewer line shall be set at a minimum depth of 1.83 m (6’-0”) below grade to avoid frost and must meet sloping requirements of the Manitoba Plumbing Code
• Water line shall be set at a minimum 2.29 m (7’-6”) below grade

If the above specifications cannot be met, figure 1 applies: