The definition
A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling unit located within — or on the same parcel as — a principal single-detached home. "Self-contained" is the key phrase: it must have its own cooking facilities, sleeping area, bathroom and a separate entrance.
A room-mate arrangement, a mother-in-law bedroom with a mini-fridge, or a rented basement that shares the main kitchen upstairs is not a secondary suite. It's just a shared home.
Four types recognised in Calgary
- Secondary suite — inside the main house, most often in the basement.
- Backyard / garden suite — a detached, ground-level dwelling in the rear yard.
- Garage suite — a dwelling above a detached garage.
- Garden suite — a detached dwelling not attached to a garage, purpose-built for living.
One suite per parcel
A single-detached lot in Calgary can host one secondary suite (of any of the four types above) in addition to the principal dwelling. Two suites on one lot generally requires a different land use designation — see the bylaws & zoning page.
What isn't a suite
- Short-term rental (Airbnb) rooms — governed separately.
- Lodging houses (four or more unrelated occupants sharing).
- Suites in row houses, semis or apartments (different rules).