Additional Dwelling Units

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 dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, block townhouse, or street townhouse.

Qualifying properties are permitted to have either:

• One ADU in the main residence;
• Two ADUs in the main residence (considered a Small Building under the OBC);
• One ADU in a separate building located in the backyard or side yard; or
• One ADU in the main residence and one ADU in a separate building located in the backyard or side yard.

* 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.

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.

Registration of additional dwelling units is mandatory under City of Pickering Municipal By-law 8040/23.

Registration allows City staff to inspect a residence and confirm that the additional dwelling unit is safe for a tenant to occupy.

The knowledge of where additional dwelling units 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 one or more additional dwelling units. Possession of the registration certificate may assist in future real estate transactions and insurance coverage.

There are a variety of dwelling types that can be applied for to accommodate an additional dwelling unit, depending on the neighbourhood where they are located. Please contact City staff directly to determine if your dwelling qualifies.

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, and in-law flats.

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/bathrooms
• 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 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.

Registration of additional dwelling units is mandatory under City of Pickering Municipal By-law 8040/23. 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 Additional Dwelling Units 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 additional dwelling unit. Possession of the registration certificate may assist in future real estate transactions and insurance coverage.

Once an application is received, a Building Services Clerk will advise you when to make payment.

A one-time registration fee 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.