Surrey, B.C. – In a major step to address the housing crisis and increase rental options, Surrey City Council has approved bylaw amendments that will allow secondary suites—commonly known as “lock-off suites”—in newly constructed townhouses within transit-accessible areas.
Announced at Monday night’s Regular Council meeting, the change is designed to provide more affordable housing choices and help homeowners offset mortgage costs by generating rental income. The suites will be permitted in three residential townhouse zones: RM-15, RM-23, and RM-30.
“With the housing crisis we are faced with, it makes good sense to permit secondary suites in townhouses,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “These lock-off suites offer homeowners a revenue stream, bring more rental units to market quickly, and support transit-oriented living.”
Key features of the approved changes include:
- Location-based eligibility: Only allowed in Transit-Oriented Areas and Frequent Bus Stop Areas.
- Size limitations: Suites must be at least 30 square metres (323 sq. ft.) and occupy less than 40% of the habitable floor area of the main unit.
- New construction only: Permitted only in townhouses with building permits issued after the bylaw amendments take effect.
- Development costs: Lock-off suite areas will be included in Development Cost Charges and Community Amenity Contributions.
Ron Gill, General Manager of Planning & Development, noted, “These changes give developers flexibility to include lock-off suites in their townhouse designs, helping to create more housing options in transit-supported neighbourhoods.”
Surrey’s current zoning already allows secondary suites in single-family homes, duplexes, and semi-detached dwellings. The latest amendments extend this flexibility to new townhouse developments, aligning with the city’s efforts to build sustainable, accessible, and affordable communities.
City staff will also begin updating the Secondary Suite Service Fee Bylaw to reflect the inclusion of lock-off suites in townhouses.
For more information, visit surrey.ca.