How long does it take to get approval for a secondary suite in Saint John?

Secondary suite approval timelines in Saint John typically range from 6-12 weeks, but this can extend to 4-6 months for complex projects or if you need zoning variances. The City of Saint John's Growth & Community Services department handles these applications, and processing time depends heavily on whether your property is already zoned to permit secondary suites.

Zoning is your first critical step — Saint John's zoning bylaws vary significantly by neighbourhood. Some residential zones permit secondary suites as-of-right with conditions, while others require a variance or rezoning application. Properties in older established neighbourhoods often face more restrictions than newer subdivisions. Contact Growth & Community Services at (506) 658-2835 before you start planning to confirm your property's zoning status.

The building permit application itself typically takes 4-6 weeks once submitted with complete drawings and documentation. However, plan review can take longer if your project involves structural changes, requires fire rating upgrades, or if the plans need revisions. Saint John requires detailed drawings showing compliance with the National Building Code 2020 edition (effective May 1, 2025 for new applications), including separate entrance access, egress windows in bedrooms, fire separation between units, and interconnected smoke/CO alarm systems.

Budget $3,000-$8,000 for permit fees and professional services — building permit fees vary based on construction value, plus you'll likely need architectural drawings ($2,000-$5,000) and potentially a structural engineer's stamp if you're modifying load-bearing elements. If zoning variance is required, add another $1,500-$3,000 and 6-8 additional weeks to the timeline.

Start with a pre-application consultation at City Hall — this informal meeting can identify potential issues early and streamline your formal application. Saint John's building officials are experienced with secondary suite conversions and can provide valuable guidance on code compliance strategies specific to your property type and neighbourhood.

Remember that electrical, plumbing, and gas work requires separate permits and inspections through NB's Technical Inspection Services (TIS) at 1-888-659-3222, plus electrical wiring permits from NB Power at 1-800-615-0522. These trades permits can often be obtained concurrently with your building permit to avoid delays.

Find verified contractors experienced with Saint John secondary suite conversions in our New Brunswick directory to help navigate the approval process efficiently.