Accessory Dwelling Units

Please compare your property to the Zoning By-law for Accessory Dwelling Units. You can also confirm by contacting Community Planning.

Some of the details you should be confirming are the number of available parking spaces, minimum net floor area, maximum gross floor area, etc.

You must confirm and provide evidence supporting the accessory dwelling unit was in existence prior to July 14, 1994. Please return documentation verifying compliance to Community Planning.

Documentation that will be reviewed includes, but is not limited to a(n):

• Tenancy agreement,
• Sworn affidavit,
• Utility bill demonstrating second unit,
• Insurance certificate,
• Tax records,
• MLS listing.

As part of the process for registering an Accessory Dwelling Unit, you must schedule inspection and make alterations/renovations as required by the inspecting authorities in order to successfully register your dwelling.

Required inspections include:

1. BWG Fire and Emergency Services
   Please complete the Fire Inspection Online Request Form to book your inspection.

2. Electrical Safety Authority 
   Electrical inspections for both primary and secondary units are required. To arrange for an Electrical Safety Authority inspection, please call 1 877 372 7233.

3. Enforcement Division
   You must complete a Property Standards Inspection. To arrange an inspection, please call 905 775 5366 ext. 1701.

The final step in the process is completing and submitting our Accessory Dwelling Unit Registration Application, the application fee, and copies of the three (3) inspection approvals to Community Planning.

Please compare your property to the Zoning By-law for Accessory Dwelling Units. You can also confirm by contacting Community Planning.

Some of the details you should be confirming are the number of available parking spaces, minimum net floor area, maximum gross floor area, etc.

The next step is determining whether both the primary and secondary units comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), and if not what renovations are required.

1. To determine if OBC requirements are met, the owner must hire a professional with knowledge of the OBC including an architect, designer, or contractor to review the home and determine what (if any) renovations are required. This professional can also help you produce plans to submit to the Building Department.
2. Following the OBC review, you will determine either that either,
   • No renovations are required: both units meet the OBC, and you can now submit and complete a “Change of Use Form” to the Building Department; OR
   • Further renovations are required: one or both units do not meet the OBC and you must now submit and complete the “Building Permit Application” to the Building Department.

Please Note: along with the applicable application, you would need to submit required plans, fees, documentation, etc. identified on the respective form.

Please connect with our Building Division (905 778 2055) directly should you have any questions or require clarification on this step in the process.

You are now ready to submit the following to BWG's Building Division:

1. Zoning Compliance Application Form, and either the
2. Change of Use Form or Building Permit Application.

If applicable, once any renovations are completed, please schedule a building inspection through BWG's Building Division (905 778 2055).

The final step in the process is completing and submitting our Accessory Dwelling Unit Registration Application, the application fee, and copies of the three (3) inspection approvals to Community Planning.