Secondary Suites & Dwelling Safety

Steinbach is in need of affordable housing, and this need may be met by allowing homeowners to create or legalize a secondary suite, with certain conditions being met.

The best reason to legalize a secondary suite is to reduce your liability. As a homeowner, you can reduce your liability if you:

• Ensure that the suite meets all required fire, building and housing standards;
• Advise your insurance provider of the secondary suite and adjust your insurance accordingly;
• Advise your mortgage holder of the secondary suite; and
• Ensure that you comply with the City’s by-laws (e.g., the City requires one additional on-site parking stall for a secondary suite.)

View the City's By-Laws

All secondary suites built after January 1, 2011 must conform to the Manitoba Building Code as well as City by-laws. 

Secondary Suites Reference Sheet

All homes in Steinbach, including secondary suites, must also comply with the new Dwelling Safety Standards By-Law at minimum, regardless of construction date. 

The homeowner is responsible for complying with the Manitoba Building Code. There are penalties for non-compliance.

Owners require a building permit and may require other permits to create a secondary suite.

The City allows secondary suites in the following zoning classifications, providing that the suites comply with fire, building and safety standards:

RSF - Residential Single Family Zone
RLD - Residential Low Density Zone
RMD - Residential Medium Density Zone
R-MX - Residential Mixed Use Zone
RR - Rural Residential Zone
RRS - Rural Residential Service Zone
CI - Commercial Neighborhood Zone

The Dwelling Safety Standards By-Law is for the safety and health of Steinbach residents. It ensures all homes are equipped with basic safety measures to protect the people that live in them.

The By-Law applies to all new and existing residential properties within the City of Steinbach including both primary and secondary dwellings.

A primary dwelling is the main residence where someone lives, usually a house or apartment.

A secondary dwelling (sometimes referred to as an accessory dwelling or secondary suite) is a self-contained unit with an entrance separate from the main dwelling. Secondary dwellings are often rented out.

Any person may request the City to inspect their dwelling unit.

If the property is compliant and the residential dwelling unit successfully passes an inspection, the City will issue a Certificate of Compliance.

Compliance certificates are valid for 3 years, unless conditions of the property change. Inspections can be requested by calling the Planning & Zoning Department at 204-346-6515 or by filling out the Book an Inspection Form.

I am renting / looking to rent a Secondary Suite.

It is the property owners' responsibility to ensure their dwelling unit complies with the Dwelling Safety Standards By-Law.

Upon your request, the property owner should be able to confirm compliance with tenants or provide tenants with a copy of the Certificate of Compliance for the property being rented or are interested in renting.

Renters can also call the City and request to have their rental unit inspected. To request an inspection, contact the Planning & Zoning Department by calling 204-346-6515 or by filling out the Book an Inspection form.

"I have a secondary suite."

Secondary suites are required to meet Life Safety Standards at minimum, Specifically:

• A smoke alarm in each bedroom and the remainder of the dwelling unit;
• The smoke detector must be tested at least once a year;
• Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed;
• Egress: each building shall have an access so as to provide a safe exit.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department by using the online contact form, calling 204-346-6515 or by filling out the Book an Inspection Form below to request an inspection and receive your Certificate of Compliance on successful completion of the inspection.

"I am thinking about building a Secondary Suite."

It is the property owners' responsibility to ensure their dwelling unit complies with the Dwelling Safety Standards By-Law.

It is recommended that potential builders contact the City to discuss plans before beginning construction.

Upon completion of the unit, property owners can request an inspection from the City and receive a Certificate of Compliance on successful completion of the inspection. To book an inspection, contact the Planning and Zoning Department by using the online Contact the City form, calling 204-346-6515, or by filling out the Book an Inspection Form.

Real estate agents play an important role in the Dwelling Safety Standards By-Law for their clients:

• Clients looking at purchasing a property with a secondary suite should confirm that a Certificate of Compliance has been issued by the City for the property.
• Sellers of property with a secondary suite should be prepared to confirm compliance or provide a copy of the Certificate of Compliance to prospective buyers.
• Clients looking to purchase a property, with the intent of constructing a secondary suite, are encouraged to contact the City regarding the Dwelling Safety Standards By-Law prior to beginning construction.