Before you build a legal secondary suite you will want to make sure that the space is meeting all of the legal requirements. Ceiling height requirements can be a simple thing to overlook, but are extremely important to get right (especially when you have to deal with ductwork or stairs). Fortunately, regulations have recently changed, meaning that hitting this requirement has become easier than ever. Read below to learn about the ceiling requirements for basement suites in Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto.
If you want to learn more about adding a legal basement suite to your home check out Legal Basement Suites: Calgary – The First 4 Steps.
Calgary
In Calgary, the regulations have recently changed, allowing basement suites to have a minimum height of 1.95m (6 feet 4¾ inches).
- Ceiling heights can be reduced to 1.85m (6 feet 0? inches) where ductwork and beams make drop ceilings necessary.
- Doors within the suite may be reduced to 1.89m (6 feet 2? inches) where required.
Just a few years ago regulations said that ceiling heights had to be a minimum of 6 feet 10½ inches. This means that more houses than ever are capable of becoming legal suites.
Vancouver
Vancouver has also stated that they have relaxed their ceiling height requirements recently, although they are still less lax than Calgary is.
- A minimum existing ceiling height of 1.98m (6 feet 6 inches) is required over 80% of the suite area and all exit routes.
The wording on their regulations is a little bit different. Vancouver’s minimum requirement is still easily achievable in most basement suites.
The real question here is what about the other 20% of the suite area? Vague wording like this is usually done on purpose, as it allows for more case by case decisions to be made, depending on the property. The 20% of the area is most likely accounting for ceiling height dips due to ductwork or beams as well, but it does not give a specific minimum. You will want to chat with the Development and Building Services Centre (604-873-7611) to get the right information on your unique property.
Toronto
Finding regulations for legal secondary suite requirements in Toronto has been a bit of a challenge. I have still not been able to find official guidance on the City of Toronto website, but I have been able to find enough sources stating the same number that I feel confident in the answer. You can find the sources here, here, and here.
- The minimum ceiling height is 1.95m (6 feet 5 inches).
- The main entrance must be at least 32 inches by 78 inches.
That is is. The city does not give any guidelines on what to do about ductwork or beams, so you will want to make sure that you call the city about any questions in this area. Their general inquiries number is 416-397-5330.
Conclusion
In Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, ceiling height requirements should not create too many issues for you. Even in Toronto, where the regulations say that the lowest a ceiling height can be is 6’5″ this is more than doable. With proper planning, and careful consideration on secondary heat sources, you should be able to achieve the ceiling height requirements.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to share them!
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