Additional Dwelling Units / Second Residential Units (also known as an ADUs, SRUs, Second Units, accessory or basement apartments, secondary suites, carriage houses, laneway suites and in-law flats) are self-contained residential units with kitchen and bathroom facilities within dwellings or within accessory structures (for example, within a detached garage).
Please review the additional information below.
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Where are Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) / Second Residential Units (SRUs) Permitted? |
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ADUs are permitted where a single unit dwelling is listed as a permitted use within the Municipality's Zoning By-law. Generally, single unit dwellings, as defined, (also commonly known as single detached dwellings) are permitted within the following Zone Categories:
There are two option types that can be considered:
The general provisions for second residential units, is contained within Section 4.22 of the Zoning By-law, as detailed below:
4.22 SECOND RESIDENTIAL UNITS
a) Where the second dwelling unit is located within the single unit dwelling: i) an independent entrance to the second dwelling unit from the street shall be provided;
b) Where the second dwelling unit is located within an accessory building: i) the requirements herein with respect to an accessory building shall be complied with;
To review the Municipality of West Elgin Zoning By-law, please visit the Zoning webpage: Municipality of West Elgin Zoning By-law
To confirm whether an ADU / SRU is permitted, please contact the Municipal Planner by referring to the contact information provided below.
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Building Permit Required: |
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Each building can have a different set of circumstances that may affect the design of an ADU / SRU. Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) applies to the design and creation of ADUs / SRUs. Specifically, the sections of the OBC listed below must be addressed while designing a proposed ADU / SRU:
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 Municipality’s Chief Building Official that confirm existing conditions meet the OBC requirements or that proposed new construction/renovation will meet the 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.
To review information on building permits, please visit the Building Permits webpage:
To discuss building permits and the OBC, please contact the Municipality's Chief Building Official by referring to the contact information provided below.
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Process to Occupy the ADU / SRU: |
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A building permit provides official permission from the Municipality to start construction of your ADU / SRU project. The building permit means that the Municipality 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.
Below is a general flow chart to outline the process:
To discuss building permits and the OBC, please contact the Municipality's Chief Building Official by referring to the contact information provided below.
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How Much Does it Cost to Apply to the Municipality? |
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Building permit fees are applicable and are based on the work being proposed for the project.
To review information on building fees, please visit the current Fees and Charges By-law webpage:
To discuss building fees, please contact the Municipality's Chief Building Official by referring to the contact information provided below.
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Electrical Safety and Inspections: |
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In Ontario electrical safety compliance inspections are conducted by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Your electrical contractor should be familiar with the electrical permitting and inspection process.
For more information contact the ESA directly at:
A copy of the ESA final inspection report is required to be provided to the Municipality's Building Department before an occupancy permit can be issued for your new ARU / SRU.
To review the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, please visit ESA's website at: Electrical Safety Authority - Ontario Electrical Safety Code
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Tiny Homes: |
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Please note that tiny homes is not a defined term in the Ontario Building Code or the Municipality's Zoning By-law. If you are considering building a small home in your backyard, this would be considered a detached ADU / SRU. The Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code regulate minimum dwelling unit size. Further, the Zoning By-law does not permit a motor home, recreational vehicle or trailer to be used as a dwelling unit. Please consult a qualified designer for specifics related to your project.
For more information on tiny homes, please refer to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's (MMAH) Building or Buy a Tiny Home Guide, by visiting their webpage MMAH's Building or Buy a Tiny Home Guide
For zoning details, please contact the Municipal Planner by referring to the contact information provided below.
For building details, please contact the Municipality's Chief Building Official by referring to the contact information provided below.
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Legislation: |
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Ontario Building Code (Ontario Regulation 332/12 under the Building Code Act)
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Additional Provincial Resources: |
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Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Add a Second Unit to your House Guide More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan MMAH's Housing Affordability Taskforce Report
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Additional Regional Resources: |
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St. Thomas and Elgin County Housing and Homelessness Services
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Additional Municipal Resources: |
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Municipality of West Elgin Zoning By-law
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Contact Us
Bryan Pearce
Planner
West Elgin Municipality
T. 519-785-0560 ext. 226
F. 519-785-0644
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