Annex C: Summary of Code Issues Resolved by Sprinklering
Annex D: Summary of Code Articles Where the Term Dwelling Unit is
Used

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The terms of reference (Annex A) limits our study to existing secondary suites in
existing houses. Where a builder wishes to install a secondary suite in a new ‘
house, he must meet the full requirements of the Building Codes for a two-
dwelling unit building. He can do this with little additional effort or expense at
the time of construction.

We did not address the issue of what allowances could be made to install a new
suite in an existing house. It appears to the Task Force, that in this case full
compliance with the Building Codes is desirable.

A fundamental policy question we did not address, is that of an appropriate cut-
off construction date for applying the secondary suite standards. How old does a
building have to be before it does not have to meet the Code requirements for —
new construction? This could be handled in the same manner as new codes have
been implemented in the past.

Many suites are installed without permit shortly after the construction of the
house has received final approval from a Municipal Building Department.
Owners may do this to circumvent zoning and building bylaws. To apply the
secondary suite standard to these cases would be the same as endorsing this ©
standard for all construction. Fidng a construction date after which the secondary
suite standard would not apply would have the effect of encouragin,, ‘he current
practice of adding a suite after final approval. . It is unlikely that these suites
would be built to the proper secondary suite standard.

This is a conundrum that requires a policy decision beyond the scope of our terms

of reference.
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