Council Report: A Policy and Procedure for the De-Commissioning of Secondary Suites

A Policy and Procedure for the De-Commissioning of Secondary Suites

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee recommends to Council that the attached "Decommissioning of Unauthorized Suites" policy and procedure be approved by Council resolution.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I support the recommendation.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMENTS:

I support the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To introduce to Council a policy and procedure for the removal of secondary suites, as well as to provide Council the opportunity to review a new "Guide to Decommissioning Suites". This policy and procedure was written as a tool for staff to use as a standard for the removal of suites. The Guide will provide clear direction for public use.

BACKGROUND:

Town staff receives many reports and complaints regarding “illegal secondary suites”. When enforcement action is taken, there is no clear guide as to how to deal with the suites or what actions should be taken.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

This policy and procedure has been created as a means to assist in rectifying the current illegal suite conditions that exist. The attached policy and procedure has been created from similar policies and procedures staff has researched throughout the province. It will give staff a tool to ensure consistency when dealing with suites that must be removed.

The primary issues addressed by the draft policy are the required removal of wiring for a stove and the removal of kitchen cabinetry, and the option to remove a bathroom and/or to develop a connection point or hallway between the former suite and the main dwelling. The attached draft guide is intended for distribution to homeowners and builders, and carefully explains the requirements to remove illegal suites. If approved, it will be available both on the Town website as well as at the front counter at Town hall.

ISSUES:

The main issues surrounding existing unregistered suites revolve around inconsistent procedures in having suites removed. This creates possible unsafe residences as construction has been undertaken without permits and may or may not be up to BC Building Code minimum standards.

Working with homeowners to either remove suites that are not permissible or bring the suites up to Type 1 Code compliant status will create safer housing in neighborhoods within the community.

OPTIONS:

1. The Committee may decide to leave existing unwritten procedures and policy in place.
   • Pros: Staff finds no pros to this option
   • Cons: Inconsistent enforcement with challengeable outcomes
2. The Committee can recommend approval of the Policy and its accompanying Guide for the Removal of Secondary Suites.
   • Pros: Consistent and fair enforcement, a transparent way to deal with an existing problem.
   • Cons: Some manageable backlash from residents not wishing to comply.

A copy of the proposed policy and procedure as well as the “Guide to Decommissioning Secondary Suites” is attached for Council consideration. (Attached 1 and 2)

POLICY IMPLICATIONS:

The proposed policy and procedure will need to be accepted to be created.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee recommends to Council that the attached “Decommissioning of Unauthorized Suites” policy and procedure be approved by Council resolution.

SUBMITTED BY: Gary Faykes, Building Official

REVIEWED BY: Lindsay Chase, Director of Development Services

Attachments:

1. Policy for Decommissioning of Unauthorized Suites
2. A Guide to Decommissioning Secondary Suites