Contacts
Building Services
City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
Map this location.
Email City Development
T. 905.420.4631
Toll Free: 1.866.683.2760
F. 905.420.7648
New Regulations for Additional Dwelling Units
The Province of Ontario has made changes to the Planning Act to increase housing within existing neighbourhoods. Up to two additional dwelling units (ADUs) will now be permitted on most residential properties.
Information Open House - TBD
Following the approval of the new zoning regulations for additional dwelling units, the City will host an open house to share information about how to construct and/or legalize up to two ADUs on your property.
Stay tuned for more details.
Final Approval - September 25, 2023
Pickering Council approved the ADU amendments on September 25.
For more information, contact Paul Wirch, Principal Planner, at pwirch@pickering.ca or 905.420.4660 extension 2140
Final Recommendation - September 5, 2023
The final draft amendments were approved by the Planning & Development Committee meeting on September 5 at 7:00 p.m.
- Planning Report (PLN 29-23)
- Draft Official Plan Amendment
- Draft Amendment to Zoning By-law 2511
- Draft Amendment to Zoning By-law 2520
- Draft Amendment to Zoning By-law 3036
- Draft Amendment to Zoning By-law 3037
- Draft Amendment to Zoning By-law 7364
- Draft Amendment to Zoning By-law 7553
- Draft Additional Dwelling Unit Registration By-law
Statutory Public Meeting - May 1, 2023
Feedback received at the public meeting will help inform the final draft of the City's new ADU policies and regulations.
Open House - April 4, 2023
- Display Panels - Available upon request
What properties qualify for an ADU? |
Based on recent changes to the Planning Act (through Bill 23), the following properties are permitted to have up to two ADUs:
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What type of ADUs are permitted? |
Qualifying properties are permitted to have either:
* Please contact the City Development Department to learn more about the existing zoning and building permit requirements based on the location of the property and the existing building type. |
What regulations can the City make for ADUs? |
The City is permitted to regulate the following items:
All ADUs will also have to comply with the Ontario Building Code. |
Additional Dwelling Unit Registration
All homes with an additional dwelling unit (including basement apartments, tiny homes, coach houses, etc.) need to be registered with the City of Pickering Building Services Department and Fire Services Department.
If you have any questions, please contact Building Services at 905.420.4631 or by email at binspections@pickering.ca.
Why Register |
Registration of Two-Unit Dwellings is mandatory under City of Pickering Municipal By-law 7579/17.
Registration allows City staff to inspect a residence and confirm that the second dwelling unit is safe for a tenant to occupy.
The knowledge of where Two-Dwelling Unit residences are located will assist the City in providing emergency response and community services.
Registration provides the property owner with a registration certificate, officially recognizing the property as being approved for a legal Two-Dwelling Unit. Possession of the registration certificate may assist in future real estate transactions and insurance coverage. |
Who Can Register |
There are a variety of dwelling types that can be applied for to accommodate a Two-Dwelling Unit, depending on the neighbourhood where they are located. Please contact City staff directly to determine if your dwelling qualifies. |
Registration Process |
The application process is now conducted completely on-line. Once you confirm you are able to register for your property, fill out the registration application that will automatically be submitted to our Building Services Department for review and approval. The application form may also be circulated to the Fire Services Department depending on the age and/or circumstances of the added dwelling unit.
Registration cannot be completed until final construction is complete and inspected by both Pickering Fire and Building Services Inspectors and all outstanding fees are paid in full.
Once registered the City will provide the property owner with a registration certificate by email, officially recognizing the property as being approved for a legal additional dwelling unit. What is an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU)?There are many terms to describe additional dwelling units within a primary residence, including: Additional Dwelling Units (ADU's), Second Dwelling Units, accessory or basement apartments, secondary suites, carriage houses, laneway suites, in-law flats and Two-Unit Dwellings.
While the separate living space (unit) may be used by a family member or on an infrequent basis, it is considered a separate dwelling unit for building code and zoning purposes if it contains all of the following elements:
The second self-contained unit may be located in various locations including a main or second floor, in the basement, or in an accessory building like a garage. |
Register an ADU |
Registration of Two-Unit Dwellings is mandatory under City of Pickering Municipal By-law 7579/17. View the Registration Form.
Registration allows City staff to inspect a residence and confirm that the second dwelling unit is safe for a tenant to occupy.
The knowledge of where Two-Dwelling Unit residences are located will assist the City in providing emergency response and community services.
Registration provides the property owner with a registration certificate, officially recognizing the property as being approved for a legal Two-Dwelling Unit. Possession of the registration certificate may assist in future real estate transactions and insurance coverage. |
Registration Fees |
Once an application is received, a Building Services Clerk will advise you when to make payment.
A one-time registration fee of $500 is required at the time of application, as per our Schedule of Applicable Fees.
Payment can be made in person, or online. Please retain the confirmation email as proof of payment. |
News & Updates |
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