Adding a secondary suite to your Airdrie home can be a smart move whether you want rental income, a place for family, or extra living space. But before you start, you need to understand the rules the City of Airdrie has in place. In early 2025, the city updated its Accessory Suite regulations with Bylaw B-06/2025, which brought several important changes. This checklist walks you through the current requirements so you can plan your project with confidence.
Parking Requirements for Your Property
Parking is one of the most straightforward yet critical parts of the Airdrie secondary suite requirements. Under the new rules, the principal dwelling must still have two dedicated parking stalls. If you add a secondary suite, you need one additional parking space for that suite, bringing the total to three stalls on the property. The previous rule required one parking space per bedroom, which could mean more than one space for a multi-bedroom suite. Now it is one space per suite regardless of how many bedrooms the suite contains. This change makes planning easier, especially for larger suites.
Lot Size and Dwelling Type Rules
Secondary Suites (Within the Principal Dwelling)
Secondary suites located inside your home, such as in the basement, have no minimum lot dimensions. That means even a smaller lot may qualify as long as other requirements are met. This is a big advantage for homeowners with standard residential lots. The city removed the previous minimum lot size and width for secondary suites, so your property does not need to meet a specific area or frontage to be eligible.
Garden Suites and Garage Suites
Separate structures like garden suites and garage suites have their own lot rules. A garden suite requires a minimum lot area of 360 m² and a minimum lot width of 11.0 m. A garage suite requires a minimum lot area of 260 m² and a lot width of at least 11.0 m. These requirements are also reduced from older regulations, making it more feasible for properties that are not oversized to host a detached suite.
Semi-Detached Dwellings Now Allowed
Previously, secondary suites were only permitted in single detached dwellings. Under the new bylaw, semi-detached dwellings (duplexes) are now also allowed to have an accessory suite. This opens up possibilities for more homeowners in Airdrie. Note that for semi-detached dwellings and lots located in cul-de-sacs, the suite is considered a Discretionary Use rather than a Permitted Use, meaning you will need a development permit application that may go through a public hearing.
Egress Window Requirements for Safety
Every secondary suite bedroom must have an egress window that meets the National Building Code of Canada standards enforced by the city. The minimum clear openable area is 0.35 m² (3.77 ft²), and no dimension of that openable area can be less than 380 mm (15 inches). This ensures a large enough opening for emergency escape. If you are finishing a basement suite, you may need to cut a new window well into the foundation wall to meet these dimensions. Always confirm that the window sill height is within the maximum allowed from the floor and that the well is large enough for the window to fully open.
Land Use Classification and Entry Options
Permitted vs. Discretionary Use
In many residential districts, secondary suites are now a Permitted Use. That means if your lot meets the zoning and parking rules, you can apply for a permit without going through a lengthy discretionary review. However, if your home is a semi-detached dwelling or is on a cul-de-sac lot, the suite remains a Discretionary Use. The city reviews these applications on a case-by-case basis, and neighbours may have a chance to comment.
Broader Entry Options
The city has also widened the options for suite entrances. You can now use a front entry for the secondary suite, or share a common indoor landing with the main dwelling. In the past, suites often needed side or rear entrances, which could be awkward for both layout and curb appeal. This change gives you more flexibility in designing the suite floor plan.
Multiple Suites and Home-Based Businesses
Under the new regulations, it is possible to have more than one accessory suite on a single property. For example, you could have a basement suite and a garage suite at the same time. Additionally, the city now allows a home-based business to operate on the same property as an accessory suite, provided the total parking requirements can be met. This is helpful if you run a small business from home and also rent out a suite. Be sure to check the specific zoning for your property because not all districts permit multiple suites automatically.
What the 2025 Bylaw Changed: A Quick Reference
The table below summarises the key updates that came with Bylaw B-06/2025, approved on February 4, 2025.
Requirement | Previous Rule | New Rule (2025) |
|---|---|---|
Parking per suite | One space per bedroom | One space per suite (no matter how many bedrooms) |
Permitted dwelling types | Single detached only | Single detached and semi-detached |
Minimum lot dimensions for secondary suites | Larger minimums (specifics varied) | No minimum lot dimensions |
Minimum lot size for garden suites | Larger area and width | 360 m² area, 11.0 m width |
Minimum lot size for garage suites | Larger area and width | 260 m² area, 11.0 m width |
Land use classification | Often Discretionary Use | Permitted Use in many districts (except semi-detached and cul-de-sac) |
Suite entry options | Restricted to side or rear | Front entries and shared common indoor landings allowed |
Steps to Get Your Suite Approved
Putting together a successful secondary suite project in Airdrie involves several steps. Start by checking your property’s zoning district on the city’s online maps or by calling the planning department. Next, make sure you can provide three total parking stalls (two for the main house, one for the suite). Review the egress window requirements and plan for any necessary excavation or window well work. If you are in a semi-detached home or on a cul-de-sac, be prepared to go through a Discretionary Use application, which may take longer. Finally, submit your development permit and building permit applications. A local contractor can help you navigate these steps, coordinate inspections, and ensure everything meets code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a secondary suite to my semi-detached home in Airdrie?
Yes. The 2025 bylaw now permits accessory suites in semi-detached dwellings. However, because these properties are still classified as Discretionary Use, you will need to go through a development permit application that may involve neighbour notification and a public hearing. Your lot must still meet all parking and building code requirements.
How many parking spaces do I need for a secondary suite?
You need a total of three parking stalls on the property: two for the principal dwelling and one for the secondary suite. This new rule is a change from the previous requirement that tied parking to the number of bedrooms in the suite. If you have a garage or driveway, plan the layout to accommodate all three spaces without obstructing sidewalks or lanes.
What are the egress window requirements for a basement suite bedroom?
Each bedroom in the suite must have an egress window with a clear openable area of at least 0.35 m² (3.77 ft²) and no dimension less than 380 mm (15 inches). The window must open easily from the inside without keys or special tools, and the window well must be large enough for someone to climb out. If your basement currently has small windows, an upgrade is likely needed.
Do I need a development permit or just a building permit?
You typically need both. A development permit confirms that your suite complies with land‑use rules like zoning, parking, and lot dimensions. A building permit ensures that construction meets the Alberta Building Code. The city processes these together or sequentially. For Permitted Use properties the development permit is straightforward; for Discretionary Use properties it involves more steps.
Can I run a home business and have an accessory suite on the same property?
Yes, as long as the total parking requirements for both uses are met. The new bylaw explicitly allows home‑based businesses to coexist with a secondary suite, garage suite, or garden suite. Check the specific parking ratios for your type of home business, because some operations may require more than one additional stall.
Understanding the Airdrie secondary suite requirements before you start construction saves time, money, and stress. The recent bylaw changes make it easier for many homeowners to add a legal suite, with relaxed parking rules, broader entry options, and no minimum lot dimensions for internal suites. Whether you are planning a basement suite, a garage suite, or a garden suite, start by reviewing your lot’s zoning and parking capacity. Then work with a local contractor who knows Airdrie’s permit process and building codes. With the right preparation, your secondary suite can become a valuable part of your home.