Increase the Maximum Size of Secondary Suites by Removing the Fixed Maximum Floor Area Limit

Whereas Part 1, Article 1.4.1.2 of the BC Building Code 2018 provides that the maximum size of a secondary suite is limited to the lesser of 90 m2 970 sf or 40 of the total floor area of the single family residence in which it is located; And whereas for many homeowners, restricting the floor area to a fixed maximum of 90 m2 970 sf presents design challenges and adds cost to the construction of a secondary suite, particularly where the cellar floor area exceeds the fixed maximum; And whereas this restriction also excludes secondary suites as a housing option for larger households and the maximum of 40 of total floor area is sufficient to ensure that the secondary suite remains an accessory use: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to amend the BC Building Code to increase the maximum size of secondary suites by eliminating the fixed maximum standard of 90 m2 970 sf, retaining only the maximum of 40 of total floor area.