Additional Residential Units

Additional residential units are not permitted:

• In any cellar or basement within the lands identified as ‘Sewer Surcharging’ and ‘Sewer Surcharging (Combined Storm and Sewer Systems)’;
• On lands identified as ‘Sewer Capacity Limitations’;
• On lands identified as ‘Loughborough Lake’;
• On a lot containing two or more dwelling units, a garden suite, boarding house, or lodging house; and
• On lands subject to natural hazards or on any lands otherwise identified as a natural hazards area through a site-specific investigation or analysis.

To construct or legalize an additional residential unit on a property that is not located within the areas prescribed within the zoning bylaw you may need an individual analysis. You may require a site-specific zoning bylaw amendment.

Note: To establish an additional residential unit in areas identified as ‘Water Supply/Water Quantity’ and ‘Servicing Capacity (Cana Subdivision)’, you must apply for the removal of a holding symbol.

The gross floor area of a second residential unit can be equal to or less than that of the principal dwelling.

According to the zoning bylaw, gross floor area includes the total area of each floor, whether above or below grade, as well as finished attic spaces. This measurement is taken between the outside of the exterior walls or between the exterior walls and the center line of party walls dividing the building from another. However, it excludes:

• Open porches or balconies 
• Areas within the building intended for vehicle storage

An additional residential unit requires a minimum of one parking space that can be provided in a tandem (one vehicle behind the other) arrangement.​​​​​​​

You must provide safe entrance and exit in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code.

All additional secondary units are required to have a separate entry either from a common entrance vestibule within the principal dwelling or directly from the exterior of the building.

Given that the City's historical land use planning framework did not typically include permissions for additional residential unites, unless you have received previous zoning approval or the second unit has existed for a significant period of time, it is likely your unit is not legal.

If you are planning to continue occupation of your additional unit you must ensure the unit meets appropriate Building Code and zoning requirements.

Be aware that renovations may be required to bring the dwelling up to zoning and Building Code compliance. An inspection conducted by a Building Inspector will determine any existing deficiencies and any required renovations to meet the requirements.

Owners of illegal additional residential units who do not act in good faith to legalize their unit may be required to remove the unit and/or be subject to a fine.

Note: By legalizing your additional residential unit we will collect untagged bag garbage at the curbside.

We will assign a new unit number to assist emergency services, home delivery, and mail services according to the building permitting and zoning review process, to recognize your additional residential unit

Owners of additional residential units must adhere to the responsibilities outlined within the Residential Tenancies Act.

Additionally, all property owners must adhere to other property-related requirements beyond the Building Code and zoning provisions, including the City's Property Standards Bylaw, which sets out standards for the reasonable upkeep and maintenance of buildings and properties, including responsibilities such as yard maintenance and snow removal.

1. Set up a DASH account 
2. Prepare construction drawings such as:
   • Plot plan
   • Floor plan
   • Elevations
   • Cross section
   • Mechanical plan
3. Completed your permit application in DASH and upload your construction drawings
4. Check for an email notification verifying acceptance of your application and the applicable permit fees 
5. Wait to here from a building official, who will issue your permit or request additional information if needed 
6. Request your building inspection through DASH for the different stages of construction to ensure the work complies with the Ontario Building Code. A building official requires a minimum of 24-hour notice to book the inspection.