Secondary Suites

Secondary suites provide rental housing and contribute to the amount and diversity of housing available in Delta, while preserving the character of residential neighbourhoods.

What You Need to Know

We no longer require or issue Secondary Suite Rental Permits - as of April 8, 2024.
Secondary suites must meet the regulations of Delta's Zoning Bylaw and the BC Building Code, but are permitted in most single detached houses in Delta.
Only one secondary suite may be permitted per single detached dwelling. Secondary suites cannot be strata-titled or sold, but can be used for family or as long term rental units.
Every secondary suite must be provided with an on-site parking space. However, units smaller than 33 m² (~355 ft²) or within 400 m of frequent transit on Scott Road are not required to have parking.
If you have questions about a new secondary suite, contact the Application Centre at development@delta.ca or 604-946-3380.

Constructing a Secondary Suite

All applications to install a secondary suite will require a building permit issued through the Development Department.

Properties that have a secondary suite are required to have a water meter installed, as this is the most equitable way to charge for utility usage, on a user pay-as-you go basis. Almost all of Delta’s industrial, commercial and agricultural properties now have water meters installed. Once a water meter is installed, water and sewer will be charged quarterly based on consumption, rather than being charged annual flat rates for water and sewer.
Delta accepts Secondary Suite Non Rental Annual Declarations for properties with secondary suites that meet both of the following criteria:
- the property owner lives on the property as their principal residence; and
- the property is not generating rental income of any kind.
By signing the declaration, a property owner is acknowledging that they have a secondary suite on their property, but are not generating rental income from their property. If you are generating rental income from the property, you are not eligible to sign a Secondary Suite Non Rental Annual Declaration. Once a declaration is signed and approved, Delta’s Finance Department waives the flat rate utilities for the secondary suite.
Declarations are not processed before the flat rate utility bills are generated. Allow at least four to six weeks for us to process your declaration. Due to large call and email volumes, we are not able to notify you when the declaration has been processed. Please log into your MyCity account to see when the processing is completed. If you do not have a MyCity account, please visit Delta Online to register for one.

What You Need to Know

Constructing a Secondary Suite

Unauthorized Secondary Suites