Accessory Apartments
What is an accessory apartment?
Zoning By-law 60-94, as amended, defines accessory apartment as a self-contained dwelling unit within a single detached dwelling or semi-detached dwelling.
An accessory apartment is an apartment in an existing single detached or semi-detached dwelling. Once added, these houses may be referred to as a single; or semi-detached dwelling with an accessory apartment or a two unit house. All two unit houses must be registered with the City of Oshawa.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register my new accessory apartment? |
When you complete the building permit process to add an accessory apartment, your house will automatically be registered as a two unit house. You will receive your certificate within 60 days of the building inspector closing your Building Permit. If you have an existing apartment in your house that is not registered (legalized) visit our Residential Rental Housing webpage. |
How do I know if I can add an accessory apartment? |
Generally speaking, an accessory apartment may be added to a property that meets the following zoning criteria:
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What if my property does not meet the zoning criteria to add an accessory apartment? |
If your property does not meet the Zoning Criteria (11 m frontage or the third parking space) but you can prove the accessory apartment was created prior to June 23, 2014, you can submit a Two Unit Declaration with your Building Permit Application to be exempt from those two criteria. If your property does not meet the zoning requirements of 11 m frontage or the required parking space, AND you cannot prove it was created before June 23, 2014, you may apply for a minor variance. |
What design requirements or building code items need to be met to add an accessory apartment? |
Our plans examination staff cannot give detailed specifics for requirements needed for individual properties to meet Ontario Building Code to add an accessory apartment. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has prepared a guide Adding a Second Unit in an Existing House. This guide is a reference tool only. Community members should contact a qualified designer to assist with the required building permit drawings to ensure that the accessory apartment complies with the Ontario Building Code requirements. |
What else can affect adding an accessory apartment to my house? |
Your property may be located within Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (C.L.O.C.A.) regulated lands or within the Ministry of Transportation (M.T.O.) Highway Corridor controlled area. Please get in touch with these agencies to obtain a permit. |
How do I apply for a building permit to add an accessory apartment? |
A building permit is required to construct an accessory apartment. Email your Building Permit Application to Building Permit and Inspection Services. Please allow two business days after sending in a permit application to receive a response from our staff on acceptance and how to contact us for payment. If your property does not meet the zoning requirements of 11 m frontage or the required parking space you may apply for a minor variance. |
Forms and resources
- Building permits
- Building Permit Application
- Refer to the Digital Permit Standards, which explain how to prepare your digital drawings and documentation files for the application
- View Building By-Law 33-2009, as amended for permit fees
- Owner's authorization form will be required if you are not the property owner
- Two Unit Declaration