A second unit (also known as an in-law suite, a basement apartment, a granny suite, a secondary suite or an accessory apartment, etc.) is a self-contained accessory unit consisting of a private kitchen, washroom facilities, sleeping areas, and a private entrance within a dwelling or within a structure ancillary to a dwelling (e.g. an apartment above a detached garage).
Although second units often take the form of basement apartments, they may occupy another portion of the house. A second unit can provide safe and affordable housing for residents.
| Are There Development Policies Related to Second Units? |
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Second Units are regulated through the Town's Zoning By-law and through the Ontario Building Code. Section 3.38 of the Town's Zoning By-law identifies that all Second Units shall be developed in accordance with the following provisions:
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| Where are Second Units permitted? |
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Second Units are only permitted in the following zones:
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| Can a Second Unit be Located in an Accessory Structure? |
| Currently, a second unit is only permitted in an accessory structure where the property is located on a Corner Lot, Through Lot, or a lot abutting a public Lane and located on the same lot as a Detached, Semi-Detached, Street Townhouse, or Townhouse Dwelling |
| Is a Building Permit Required? |
| A building permit is required to add a Second Unit to an existing house. Please visit the Apply for a Permit page for more information about submitting a permit application. |
| Zoning and Permit Application |