Thinking of Adding on?
Additional Residential Units (ARU)
In 2022 The More Homes Built Faster Act was passed and there are some great things regarding adding additional living spaces to your home. This plan is part of a long term strategy to help build more homes and make life more affordable for Ontario Families.
With the More Homes Built Faster plan, up to three residential units are permitted “as of right” on most land zoned for one home in residential areas without needing a municipal by-law amendment. Depending on the property in question, these three units could all be within the existing residential structure or could take the form of a residence with an in-law or basement suite and a laneway or garden home. These new units must be compliant with the building code and municipal by-laws. These units would also be exempt from development charges and parkland dedication fees. Here is a great link More Homes Built Faster that will give you an update on the Province of Ontario’s newsroom site.
You have probably heard the terms ARU or ADU (Additional Residential Unit or Additional Dwelling Unit), In-Law Suite, Laneway home, Garden Suite or Granny Flat. These are all different in size, style and require different building permits and zoning requirements. They are required to be a self-contained unit and must include a kitchen, bedroom a bathroom and a separate entrance. It is important to make sure that you do your research for the area you live in or are thinking about moving to for their specific requirements.
County of Simcoe
In the County of Simcoe they have a program that is called Secondary Suites Program which offers some financial benefit (limited) to building on to your existing home to help make social housing more affordable. The County of Simcoe provides great information and resources regarding the Secondary Suites Program and the Ontario Renovates Incentives.
Remember that each Township has different regulations and links to each one is listed below for reference.
Here are some great visuals of a Laneway House (these are commonly found in Downtown Toronto), a Granny Flat or Granny Suite or an addition to an existing home whether a build on or full suite in the basement. Average size of an ARU/ADU is between 600-1200 sq.ft. It can cost anywhere from $300-$600 a square foot depending on cost of materials and labour.
Having a good Architect or Builder/Contractor, can help with permits and regulations for your specific area. Simcoe County Home Builder’s Association is a great website for research and knowledge on building!
Wanting to know more about the requirements for the different Towns/Townships within Simcoe County? Check on the links below for your desired area:
City of Barrie
Town of Innisfil
Springwater Township
Essa Township
Additional Residential Unit FAQ
City of Orillia
While not all areas have updated their sites it is recommended that you reach out to specific planning departments regarding building any new units/addition before purchasing vacant land or existing property. This due diligence will save you time and money down the road.
Dufferin County
For those of you looking at Dufferin County make sure you also do your research. There are links below to help with what you may need if you’re looking for building an Additional Residential Unit.
- Dufferin County stretches across several townships. These include Amaranth, East Garfraxa, Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmer, Orangeville, Shelburne Many of these areas are on Environmentally Protected Lands.
- You can look into Dufferin County’s Planning Site to reach out and connect with their buliding and planning departments.
All building permits are facilitated through the County of Dufferin’s new e-permitting platform. You can submit applications, check permit status, schedule inspections and find more information at:
It has become clear that aging parents and family members are having a more difficult time getting care at reasonable and affordable costs. Looking into building on for them could be the more advantageous response to what has become expensive and long wait time for long term care. Also the cost of affording a home for our children has become out of reach as home prices have continued to soar. Let us help you in getting the information you need and feel free to Contact us
