Additional Dwelling Units
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Additional dwelling units (also known as ADU's, second residential units, SRU's, second units, accessory or basement apartments, secondary suites, carriage houses, laneway suits, and granny suites/in-law flats) are self-contained residential units with kitchens and bathroom facilities, that are located within dwellings or within accessory structures (i.e: within a detached garage). Please see graphic below for representation of what area classifies a primary unit vs. an additional dwelling unit.
| Where are Additional Dwelling Units permitted? |
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Additional dwelling units are permitted where a single dwelling is listed as a permitted use within the Township's Zoning By-law. Generally, single unit dwellings, as defined, are permitted within the following zone categories:
There are two types that can be considered:
The general provisions for second residential units, are contained within Section 3.48 of the Zoning by-law, as detailed below:
3.48 ADDITIONAL DWELLING UNITS
(h) An additional dwelling unit in an accessory structure shall be required to meet the regulations of the zone which apply to accessory uses.
To review the Township of Southwold's Zoning By-law, please visit our Zoning page.
To confirm whether an additional dwelling unit or other type is permitted, please contact the Township Planner by email or call the Township office at 519-769-2010. |
| Building Permit Information |
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Each building can have a different set of circumstances that may affect the design of the additional dwelling unit. Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) applies to the design and creation of additional dwelling units. Specifically the sections of the OBC listed below must be addressed while designing a proposed additional dwelling unit:
When a second unit is created, the OBC requires a distinct physical separation between the individual dwelling units. This can be demonstrated by submitting plans to the Township's Building Department, that confirm the existing conditions meet OBC requirements, or, that the proposed new construction /renovation will meet OBC requirements. A qualified designer will be able to assess the current construction of a building, and prepare the appropriate drawings to accompany a building permit application. For information on the Township's Building Permit process, please visit our Building permit page. |
| Process for occupancy of additional dwelling unit |
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A building permit provides official permission from the Township to start construction of your additional dwelling unit project. The building permit means that the Township has reviewed your project, and is satisfied that the proposed work meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and other regulating documents such as the Zoning by-law. Existing additional dwelling units that were constructed without a permit, will require a building permit and inspections, to ensure that the construction meets the requirements of the OBC. This is important, as it ensures that minimum safety requirements are met. Otherwise, all occupants of the building will be exposed to an increased level of risk. Below is a flowchart to outline the process
To discuss building permits and the OBC, please contact the Township of Southwold's Building Department. |
| Applicable fees |
| Building permit fees are applicable, and area based on the work being proposed for the project. To review our Township's Building Department fees, please visit our User Fees page. |
| Electrical safety and inspections |
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Electrical safety compliance inspections in Ontario are completed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Your electrical contractor should be familiar the permitting and inspection process. For more information, you can contact the ESA directly at: 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233) or on their website: www.esasafe.com A copy of the ESA final inspection report is required by the Township's Building Department before an occupancy permit can be issued for your additional dwelling unit. To review the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, please visit their website: https://esasafe.com/role/oesc/ |
| Legislation |
| Provincial resources |
| Regional resources |
| Township resources |
Corey Pemberton Sandy Lale
Director of Building and Community Services Deputy Chief Building Official
35663 Fingal Line, Fingal, Ontario, N0L 1K0
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Phone: 519-769-2010 Fax: 519-769-2837
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Josh Mueller
Planner
35663 Fingal Line, Fingal, Ontario, N0L 1K0, Map this location
Phone 519-769-2010, Fax 519-769-2837, Email this contact