Additional Dwelling Units
Additional Dwelling Units
Additional Dwelling Units (also known as an ADUs, Second Units, accessory or basement apartments, secondary suites, carriage houses, laneway suites and in-law flats) are often described as self-contained residential units with kitchen and bathroom facilities within dwellings or within accessory structures (for example, within a detached garage).
Single Unit and Duplex Unit Dwellings
For a single detached and duplex dwelling, the main building may contain a maximum of three (3) dwelling units with zero (0) dwelling units in the accessory building or a maximum of two (2) units in the main building and one (1) dwelling unit in the accessory building.
Semi-Detached Dwellings
For a semi-detached dwelling, the main building may contain a maximum of three (3) dwelling units with zero (0) dwelling units in the accessory building per semi or a maximum of two (2) units in the main building and one (1) dwelling unit in the accessory building per semi.
The informative video below provides an overview of Additional Dwelling Units as the permitting process to legally establish these units:
Below is a summary of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable to Additional Dwelling Units. (Please see the Chapter 6 of the Official Plan and Section 5.99.80 of Zoning By-law 8600 for detailed requirements.) One additional parking space must be provided for an ADU, except for properties located within older core areas of the city that have smaller lots sizes and are well served by transit. See map of the area where an additional parking space is not required. If a second ADU is added to a lot, no additional parking space is required for that unit. Properties listed on the Municipal Heritage Register or located within a heritage area cannot alter any part of the exterior of the dwelling that is visible from the street for the purposes of adding an ADU. Please contact the Heritage Planner at 519-255-6543 ext. 6179 or email planningdept@citywindsor.ca if you have questions about the Municipal Heritage Register. Additional Dwelling Units located within accessory buildings (detached ADUs): For a detached ADU, must not have a maximum height exceeding the building height of the main building on the lot. For example, a two-storey ADU is not permitted on a lot where the main building is only a single storey. Please see Section 5.99.80 of Zoning By-law 8600 for detailed requirements. For questions related to ADU policies and zoning regulations contact: Each building can have a different set of circumstances that may affect the design of an Additional Dwelling Unit. Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) applies to the design and creation of ADUs. Specifically, the sections of the OBC listed below must be addressed while designing a proposed ADU: When a second unit is created, the OBC requires a distinct physical separation between the individual dwelling units. This can be demonstrated by submitting plans to the City’s Building Division that confirm existing conditions meet the OBC requirements or that proposed new construction/renovation will meet the OBC requirements. A qualified designer will be able to assess the current construction of a building and prepare the appropriate drawings to accompany a building permit application. For more information on ADUs within the main building (for example, basement or attic suites), please see the following: Add a Second Unit to Your House. A building permit is required for any Additional Dwelling Unit. Units created before November 20, 2018 will not be grandfathered. See information about submitting a building permit application. For questions relating to submitting a building permit application contact: Please note that tiny homes is not a defined term in the Ontario Building Code or the City's Zoning By-law. If you are considering building a small home in your backyard, this would be considered a detached Additional Dwelling Unit. The Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code regulate minimum dwelling unit size. Further, the Zoning By-law does not permit a motor home, recreational vehicle or trailer to be used as a dwelling unit. Please consult a qualified designer for specifics related to your project. Municipalities in Ontario were mandated to have policies permitting additional dwelling units as part of local official plans. The Province of Ontario introduced Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act in 2022. Bill 23 amended parts of the Planning Act to strengthen the additional residential unit framework across Ontario. The City of Windsor amendments to implement ADUs were presented to the Development and Heritage Standing Committee at the June 5, 2023, meeting and were approved by City Council at the July 10, 2023, meeting. The amendments have the effect of allowing a total of three units on any urban parcel of residential land containing a single detached, semi-detached or street townhouse dwelling, but all three units could be located in the main building or have one unit located in a detached building and two units in the main building. For general inquiries, please contact 311.Benefits of Additional Dwelling Units
Where are Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) Permitted?
Land Use Policy and Zoning Regulation
Parking
Heritage Properties
Accessory Buildings
Building Permit Required
New Regulations for Additional Dwelling Units