Second Dwelling Units, sometimes referred to as accessory apartments, are permitted in single detached, semi-detached, townhouse dwellings or accessory buildings, subject to zoning requirements and restrictions. Legal second units can provide important community benefits such as safe and affordable rental housing. Second units also provide economic benefits to homeowners and they support the flexible housing needs of youth, young families and seniors.
Second Units
Registering a Second Unit |
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Second units are to be registered with a new building permit. Owners of existing second units are encouraged to apply for a building permit in order to register their second units as legal second units. Building permit information and fees can be found here. |
Building a Second Unit (Building Code Guide) |
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To assist you with information on building a second unit, the Building Department has developed a Second Dwelling Unit, Building Code Guide. More information can be found here. |
Determining if a Second Unit is Legal (Second Unit Registry) |
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Only Registered Second Dwelling Units are considered legal second unit dwellings. It is a good idea to confirm if a second unit is legal before buying or selling a property. If you live in a second unit and your dwelling does not appear as registered please submit a complaint with By-law Enforcement for verification. |
Second Unit By-laws |
If you are considering building a coach house (separate from the main house), here is some information from the province on Building or Buying a Tiny Home.
The province of Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan provides Housing Innovations to create or seek affordable housing.
