In other news:
- Coldstream and Vernon are making headway in allowing secondary suites within homes
- They have a new zoning designation in Coldstream called "R1's" - and the process of getting a suite seems to have simplified — “The intent of the Residential Single Unit with Secondary Suite Zone is to accommodate single detached dwellings with a secondary suite on standard lots”
- The cost in Vernon to have an assessment done is $90, where as the cost in Coldstream is $1500
We went through the process for our house (click to watch YouTube Video)
Here’s an excerpt of what the City of Vernon told us we would need to do to legalize our basement suite:
(Courtesy of Tom from City of Vernon)
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Jake,
Good to see you yesterday and to help try to figure out your suite. The following is a list of requirements to make your suite legal, safe and ready for occupancy.
A building permit will be required for completion (applications are on line or at the CSB building), application to include;
1. Drawings showing current space and use for rooms
2. Drawings showing proposed use for rooms including fire separation wall, suite area to be 90 square meters or less
3. Current title showing owner
4. Basic site plan showing parking and access
5. Completed application form
6. A business license to operate the suite
7. Access to egress to be hard surfaced, possible handrails as discussed
8. Photo electric smoke detectors to be installed in both bedrooms and a carbon monoxide/smoke combo in the common area. These alarms to be interconnected with the main living unit
9. Range hood will be required to exhaust to outdoors
