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Interior renovations to create multiple ADUs within an existing single detached, semi-detached or on-street townhouse
Scope of work
- Renovating an existing single detached, semi-detached or on-street townhouse to accommodate two or more additional dwelling units (ADUs) not increasing building footprint.
- The structure will have a total of 3 or 4 dwelling units including the host unit.
Type of permit application
- ICI Renovation
- Sub type: 3 Unit Residential Building (please use this sub type for 4 Units as well)
Submission requirements
The following is a list of documents required to be submitted with your application. Please ensure all your documents, including drawings and forms, are ready in PDF format before starting your online application.
Plans for the entire building completed by a BCIN designer qualified in Small Buildings or an Architect or Structural Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) that include:
- Overall floor plans of each storey of the house with the total square footage of each floor level measured to the outside of exterior walls
- Location of fire separations, fire doors and their required ratings
- Room names and sizes
- Window sizes (including natural light)
- Ceiling heights (including under bulkheads)
- Location of all plumbing fixtures (including kitchen layout), laundry facilities, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Cross section(s) through the building that illustrates the required horizontal fire separations and sound transmission ratings (if applicable)
- Exiting plan showing how the required means of egress is being provided for each unit
- Elevations of all sides
- Mechanical drawings (plumbing and HVAC) for the entire building completed by a BCIN designer qualified in Building Services or a Mechanical P. Eng.
- Plumbing fixture count sheet
- Site Servicing drawings completed by a BCIN designer, Architect or P. Eng. that include:
- Location, size and type of material of the existing and proposed water and sewer lines from the property line to the house
- Location, size and type of material of the existing and proposed (if upgrading) laterals from the City main to the property line
- Site Plan for the entire property completed by a BCIN designer qualified in Small Buildings or an Architect, P. Eng. or Ontario Land Surveyor showing:
- All buildings and accessory structures including setbacks to property lines
- All required parking spaces
- Entry door location and 1.2 m wide unobstructed pedestrian access to the unit, if no interior connection
- Schedule 1 form (can be uploaded as a PDF or see fillable form in step 5) – This will be filled out by your BCIN designer
- Commitment to General Review form filled and signed by the property owner and all engineers/architects (if required per T-1.2.2.1. of Div. C)
- An OBC analysis completed by the qualified designer
- An OBC analysis Part 11 completed by the qualified designer (if applicable)
- Small Multi Unit Residential Registration form for each unit, filled and signed by the registered property owner
If proposing exterior stairs, the following additional information is required:
- Location of stairs/landing – Include distances to property line(s) on the survey or site plan and floor plan.
- Exterior stair design – Indicate landings, stairs and thickness of concrete walls. One pour design is not permitted. Foundation walls must have proper footings. Footings must bear on undisturbed soil which would be at the same depth as the house footings.
Building Code requirements
The following tables outline minimum Building Code requirements for room sizes and minimum glass areas for windows serving those rooms.
Reference: Sections 9.5 and 9.7 of the Ontario Building Code.
Individual room dimensions
| Room type | Minimum room size (measured to the inside face of walls) | Minimum window glass area, in houses less than 5 years old | Minimum window glass area, in houses more than 5 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | 145 square feet | 14.5 square feet | 7.25 square feet |
| Dining room | 75 square feet | 7.5 square feet | 3.75 square feet |
| Kitchen |
|
Windows not required | Windows not required |
| Master bedroom |
|
5 square feet | 2.5 square feet |
| Second bedroom |
|
3.75 square feet | 1.9 square feet |
| Bathroom/utility room | No minimum (bathroom must be functional and usable) | Windows not required | Windows not required |
Combination rooms (open concept primary rooms, not including bathrooms)
| Number of bedrooms in apartment | Room size (minimum, measured to the inside face of walls) | Minimum window glass area serving living/dining room, in houses less than 5 years old | Minimum window glass area serving living/dining room, in houses more than 5 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two bedrooms |
|
18 square feet | 9 square feet |
| One bedroom |
|
15 square feet | 7.5 square feet |
| Bachelor apartment | Living room plus dining room plus kitchen plus bedroom: 145 square feet | 14.5 square feet | 7.25 square feet |
Ceiling heights
A minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 5 inches is required in an ADU. A minimum of 6 feet 1 inches is permitted under bulkheads within the ADU (e.g. beams and ducts).
Building permit fees
Once your building permit application is deemed complete, you will be notified by email of the applicable fees to be paid. The fees must be paid before your application can be placed in order to be reviewed.
Please visit guelph.ca/building for the current fee schedule.
Inspection requirements
Once the building permit has been issued, construction can begin. The mandatory inspections are identified on the building permit. Please book an inspection through the Guelph Permit and Application System. Please allow 48 hours’ notice for inspections.
An electrical contractor inspection form must be submitted at time of the final building inspection (from a licensed electrical contractor or the Electrical Safety Authority), certifying the additional dwelling unit has been inspected and there are no visible fire or shock hazards associated with the electrical system. This report will be required for both new and existing additional dwelling units and is in addition to any other electrical permits, inspections or certificates that may be required.
Planning your project
A BCIN designer qualified in Small Buildings, an Architect and/or a Professional Engineer will be required to prepare your drawings and specifications.
Some elements may need to be designed by an Architect or Professional Engineer.
All work indicated on your drawings must conform to the Ontario Building Code, City of Guelph Zoning By-law and all other applicable law. If your proposal does not comply with the Zoning By-law, please speak with Planning Services (519-837-5616 or [email protected]) to discuss your options.
For more information
Building Services
519-837-5615
[email protected]