Foothills county have announced a new bylaw on secondary suites.

The bylaw will allow landowners to have secondary suites within Agricultural District, Agricultural Business District, and Country Residential District parcels of land two acres or larger.

Foothills county Reeve Larry Spilak says public input was important in pushing the bylaw through council.

"We had two open houses and we had good attendance from residents for that. Some good ideas came out, and we actually gave the second and third readings on secondary suites (April 17th)," Spilak said.

Landowners with existing illegal secondary suites will be given a two-year grace period from April 17, 2019 to bring their suites into compliance. Any suites not in compliance after the deadline in 2021 will be subject to enforcement.

"To get permitted, of course you have to meet the safety code. So they'll have to make changes where applicable. Maybe some (suites) don't need them, and then they can get permitted for what they have out there today," Spilak said.

The new bylaw will not necessarily allow landowners to build secondary units separate from their existing residence.

"The country residential parcels will be allowed to have a secondary suite, but not a separate building. As far as property that is zoned agriculture they are allowed to have a separate building for a suite," Spilak said.

Secondary suites can be located within the principal housing unit, or above a garage attached to the house.