The starting point
Treat a garage conversion as a permit question before changing the space. A bedroom, home office, secondary suite and detached dwelling are different proposals; describe the actual use and all work to the municipality instead of relying on the word conversion.
Choose the actual project pathway#
Illustrative comparison: using a garage as additional living space in the same dwelling is different from adding a separate kitchen and independent dwelling. The second proposal needs suite or dwelling eligibility research, not only an interior alteration checklist.
Ask about the effect on required parking, building use and any development conditions. Those questions remain property-specific; this guide does not establish that your garage can become habitable space.
Prepare existing and proposed conditions#
Collect a measured layout, intended room uses, openings, floor levels, services and proposed structural changes. Ask your designer and the City how insulation, moisture, ventilation, exits and fire safety should be documented for the chosen pathway.
Burnaby directs residential additions and alterations to its online application process, while restoration follows a different route. Select the current application category rather than sending a generic garage sketch.
Before you apply
- Identify the intended use and whether it creates another dwelling.
- Check zoning, parking and existing approvals.
- Document existing conditions and the proposed alterations.
- Confirm municipal checklists, design input and trade permits.