Renfrew County homeowners have more options when it comes to developing housing.
A report presented to County Council on Wednesday, March 27th, 2022, talked about secondary dwellings.
Secondary dwellings are self-contained residential units that have a kitchen, bathroom and is located on the same property as the primary dwelling. Secondary dwellings can be lived in by the property owner, other family members, or rented out.
Changes to the Planning Act and County of Renfrew Official Plan have made secondary dwellings a new housing option for municipalities and property owners to consider. Municipalities are updating their zoning by-laws and developing provisions for allowing these housing units.
The County of Renfrew says depending where you live, secondary dwellings are an option.
Owners wishing to create a second dwelling unit, whether as a basement apartment, small addition or the construction of a coach house, must register the unit prior to occupancy.
If a secondary dwelling is something you are considering, it might make sense to act soon, as the County of Renfrew is considering implementing a county wide development charge, which would be in addition to any development charges at the municipal level.
For properties on full municipal services:
- A secondary dwelling can be permitted.
- Check your local Zoning By-law for minimum standards for secondary dwelling units (look for things like dwelling unit area, minimum lot area, parking and servicing, etc.).
For properties on private services:
- If your lot is greater than 4.94 acres, secondary dwellings are permitted and do NOT have to share the same water and septic systems.
- If your lot is greater than 2 acres, but less than 4.94 acres, secondary dwellings are permitted but
must share the same water and septic services as the main dwelling. - If your lot is greater than 1 acre but less than 2 acres, a secondary dwelling unit may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A Minor Variance application to your local municipality is required, supported with a hydrological evaluation that the site is suitable for the proposed secondary dwelling. Contact your local municipality for details.
STEPS TO OCCUPANCY
The County of Renfrew says homeowners considering secondary dwellings need to check make sure the project follows all zoning by-law regulations, submit a building permit and complete the work with proper inspections before an occupancy permit is issued.
RESTRICTIONS ON SECONDARY DWELLINGS
The County of Renfrew says mobile homes and recreational vehicles are not considered secondary dwellings. A secondary dwelling is not permitted on an a lake that is considered at capacity or near capacity. Environmental studies will be required for secondary dwellings on waterfront properties. Secondary dwellings may not be severed from the primary dwelling.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
