Can I build a secondary suite in my Ottawa home?

Yes, you likely can build a secondary suite in your Ottawa home, but it depends on your property's zoning and meeting specific City of Ottawa requirements. Most residential properties in Ottawa allow secondary suites, making this an excellent way to generate rental income or house family members.

Zoning and Basic Requirements

The good news is that Ottawa allows secondary suites in most residential zones, particularly R1, R2, R3, and R4 zoning. Your property must be owner-occupied (either in the main dwelling or the secondary suite), and you can only have one secondary suite per property.

Key size requirements under Ottawa's bylaws include minimum unit sizes of 28 square meters (about 300 sq ft) for a bachelor unit and 37 square meters (400 sq ft) for a one-bedroom. The suite must have its own separate entrance, though it can share the same building entrance if there's a lockable door separating the units.

Fire separation is critical - you'll need a 45-minute fire-rated separation between the main dwelling and secondary suite. This typically involves specific drywall, insulation, and door requirements that must be properly installed and inspected.

Permits and Approval Process

You'll need both zoning compliance and a building permit through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424). The process typically takes 4-8 weeks for secondary suite permits, and you'll need detailed plans showing the unit layout, fire separations, emergency exits, and mechanical systems.

Parking requirements vary by zone and location - some areas require additional parking spaces for the secondary suite, while others (particularly near transit) may not. Properties built before 1995 often have more flexibility with parking requirements.

Common Conversion Options

Basement suites are the most popular choice in Ottawa, offering good ceiling heights in newer homes and natural separation from the main dwelling. However, proper waterproofing, egress windows, and adequate ceiling height (minimum 6'6" for habitable rooms) are essential.

Main floor or upper level conversions work well in larger homes, though they require more extensive planning for separate entrances and fire separations.

Costs and Timeline

Expect to invest $80,000 to $200,000 for a complete secondary suite conversion in Ottawa, depending on the space's current condition and your finish level. This includes permits, fire separations, separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and all mechanical systems.

The typical timeline runs 3-6 months including permits and construction. Starting the permit process early is crucial, as approvals can take several weeks.

Next Steps

First, verify your property's zoning through the City of Ottawa's online mapping tool. Then, consider having a professional assess your space for feasibility - factors like ceiling height, access, and mechanical systems significantly impact both cost and complexity.

For dedicated basement expertise and secondary suite conversions, our specialists at Ottawa Basements (https://ottawabasements.com) can provide detailed feasibility assessments. Want to discuss your specific property? We offer free consultations to help determine your best options for creating a legal, profitable secondary suite.