Additional Dwelling Units

Types of Additional Dwelling Units

• Garden Suite

  The Planning Act defines a Garden Suite as a one-unit detached residential structure containing bathroom and kitchen facilities that is ancillary to an existing residential structure and that is designed to be portable.  

  The Township of Tiny Zoning By-law 22-075 further defines a Garden Suite as a dwelling unit contained in a detached accessory building and which is designed to be used on a temporary basis. A Garden Suite is only allowed on a lot where a primary residential use exists and is subject to a temporary use by-law under the requirements of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 c.P. 13 as amended. 

  The Garden Suites are typically a mobile home.

  The Planning Act allows for a Garden Suite as a Temporary Use By-law for up to 20 years. A Temporary Use By-law Application would be required if an owner of property wishes to request consideration for a Temporary Use of a Garden Suite on the property. 

  For additional information, please contact the Planning & Development Department​.

• Semi-Detached and Duplex Dwellings

  Semi-Detached Dwelling is a dwelling unit contained within a building containing two dwelling units which are separated by a common wall dividing the pair of dwellings vertically, in whole or in part, each of which has an independent entrance, either directly from the outside or through a common vestibule.

  Duplex Dwelling is a dwelling unit contained within a building that is divided horizontally into two separate dwelling units, each of which has an independent entrance either directly from the outside or through a common vestibule.

  To determine if a Semi-Detached or Duplex is permitted on your property, you must first determine how the property is zoned. To do this please visit our Interactive Zoning Map. Please note, when searching a vacant lot, a Tax Assessment Roll Number will be required. 

  Once you have established the zoning, please consult the Zoning By-law to determine permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and building heights.

  Please contact the Township Planning Department with any questions.

• Additional Dwelling Unit(s)

  To determine if Additional Dwelling Unit(s) are permitted on your property, you must first determine how the property is zoned. To do this please visit our Interactive Zoning Map. Please note, when searching a vacant lot, a Tax Assessment Roll Number will be required. 

  Once you have established the zoning, Section 4.0 of the Zoning By-law​ will aid you in determining the permitted uses. Where Additional Dwelling Unit(s) are listed as a permitted use, the provisions of Section 2.2 shall apply.

  Please contact the Township Planning Department with any questions.

• Will I need Sewage System Approval?

  ​It is imperative to determine if your current system can support a Secondary Dwelling Unit. Please refer to the On-site Sewage System Design Information​ (PDF) sheet for additional information.​

• What if I have municipal water?

  For properties serviced by municipal water, additional costs will be incurred to connect a Secondary Dwelling Unit to the Township water supply.  For further information, please contact the Township Water Department.​

• Are Building Permits required?

  Yes, Building Permits are required for a Garden Suite, Accessory Apartments and Semi-Detached or Duplex dwellings​.

• Are Development Charges applicable?

  Please contact the Building Department to determine if Development Charges are applicable to your desired additional dwelling unit.

How do I legalize an existing Unit?

• 1. Determine that the Zoning By-law permits the use.

  To determine how a property is zoned please visit our Interactive Zoning Map. 

  The zone standards for any proposed development must conform to the Zoning By-law at the time of building permit submission. Please consult the Zoning By-law webpage to determine permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and building heights.

  Please contact the Township Planning Department with any questions.

• 2. Determine that the sewage system is large enough.

  Please refer to the On-site Sewage System Design Information (PDF)​ sheet for additional information.

• 3. Work with a qualified designer to determine what upgrades, if any, are required to ensure compliance with the OBC.

  Residential designers must be qualified and registered with a Provincial B.C.I. Number or be a certified Engineer or Architect within the province of Ontario. Although a B.C.I.N. qualified designer can produce plans for you they are restricted to Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code meaning that any Part 4 design such as point loads, heavy timber, tall walls, slab on grade in most circumstances etc. must be prepared by a Professional Engineer.  

• 4. Apply for a Building Permit

  Building Permit application packages and corresponding requirement checklists can be found on the Building Permit Applications webpage.