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.

Open House

Join us for a drop-in Open House to learn more about how ADUs will be regulated and share your thoughts.

Tuesday, April 4, 6-8 pm

City Hall Lobby

One The Esplanade, Pickering

Feedback received will help inform the City's new ADU regulations which will be presented to Council in spring, 2023.

For more information, please visit www.pickering.ca/ADU or contact Paul Wirch, Principal Planner, at pwirch@pickering.ca or 905.420.4660 extension 2140.

Backyard Cottage     Entrance to Basement Apartment

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:

  • Properties containing a detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse; and
  • Properties that are serviced with municipal water and municipal sewers.
What type of ADUs are permitted?

Qualifying properties are permitted to have either:

  • One ADU in the main house;
  • Two ADUs in the main house;
  • One ADU in a separate building located in the backyard or side yard; or
  • One ADU in the main house and one ADU in a separate building located in the backyard or side yard.
What regulations can the City make for ADUs?

 The City is permitted to regulate the following items:

  • Maximum size (floor area)
  • Maximum height
  • Minimum distance from property lines
  • Number of required parking spaces (to a maximum of one)

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:

 

  • Sleeping facilities i.e. an area designed as a bedroom, combination bedroom living room or a sleeping area
  • Sanitary facilities, i.e. 2 pc or 3 pc bathroom
  • Cooking facilities i.e. stove/and or oven
  • In addition, the rooms above are designed for exclusive use by the occupant (i.e. not shared with the rest of the house). This is usually indicated by:
    • Doors or partitions separating the suite from other areas of the house
    • A separate entrance from the exterior to the suite 

 

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

 

November 28, 2022 Bill 23:
New regulations for Additional Dwelling Units

View our Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) page

Effective January 1, 2022:
New OBC requirements including Stairs, Guards & Handrails

On January 1, 2022, changes to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) related to Stairs, Guards, & Handrails came into effect and may have significant impact to the construction and/or design of proposed projects or buildings.

Complete building permit applications and developer Certified Models with sitings, submitted for OBC review prior to Friday, December 31, 2021 will be reviewed and processed under the previous OBC provisions.  Applications received after Friday, December 31, 2021 will be reviewed under the new OBC provisions.

If you have any questions about this Code change, we encourage all applicants, designers, and developers to consult Building Services staff prior to submitting your application.