What is an accessory apartment?
An accessory apartment is a completely self-contained residential dwelling unit within a single-family dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or townhouse dwelling. Accessory apartments are often referred to as basement apartments, second residential units, in-law suites or secondary suites. The Town has decided to use the terms ‘Accessory Apartment’ and ‘Additional Dwelling’ for these units. Based on the November 2022 passing of the Province’s Bill 23, one additional dwelling may now also be permitted in an accessory structure, provided the main residence on the property has a maximum of two units, and the property is on municipal water and sewers.
Accessory Apartments and additional dwellings must be registered with the Town to be considered legal and must comply with all applicable legislation, including Zoning Bylaw provisions, The Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code. The process of complying with this legislation can vary depending on the date of establishment of the accessory apartment.
What are the requirements?
A building permit is required for an accessory apartment, if the unit:
- Is a new proposed unit within a new or existing structure
- Was established after Nov. 16, 1995 and was not created legally
- Is proven to have been established before Nov. 16, 1995 on a property with municipal water and sewers, and remedial work is required as a result of a Fire Department inspection, or
- Was established after May 9, 1977 on a property serviced by private well and/or septic
A house that contains an accessory apartment must comply with the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code and include:
- Fire separations between apartments and common spaces, such as exit corridors, laundry rooms and other spaces that are accessible by both apartments
- Exits from each apartment
- Interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms and all floors in each apartment
- Sufficient sizing of existing septic system (a house serviced by a septic system may not be allowed to have an accessory apartment unless the system can be confirmed to support the extra loads)
- Note: Heating and ventilation upgrades are often required
A property that contains a home with one accessory apartment must provide two parking spaces for the main dwelling unit plus one parking space for the accessory apartment, for a total of three spaces. Parking spaces must comply with the following:
- All required parking must meet minimum parking space size requirements and be within the property lot lines.
- Only one of the required parking spaces can be located within a garage.
Contact the Building Division regarding requirements for a second apartment, or for an accessory apartment within a detached accessory building, if your property is on municipal water and sewers.
All accessory apartments must be registered by the Registrar (Town Clerk) or person appointed by the Registrar.
What do I need?
- Accessory Apartment Guide and Checklist
- Accessory Apartments Information Package - Existing Prior to Nov. 16, 1995
- Accessory Apartment Registration Application
If only a paper copy is available, contact building@georgina.ca for information
The permit fee for residential interior renovations is $1.14/ft2