Second Dwelling Units and Coach Houses

Complete applications for accessory dwelling units must include:

• applicable law approval documentation when required
• completed application package
• building permit fees
• building application plot plan
• floor/ framing plans
• cross section plan

The information provided should be used as a sample only to help you with creating your application.

Before you start

Second Dwelling Units, sometimes referred to as accessory apartments, are permitted in single detached, semi-detached, townhouse dwellings or accessory buildings, subject to zoning requirements and restrictions.

Please note that prior to applying for a building permit, it is your responsibility to ensure that all necessary approvals or permits have been obtained from other agencies for any Applicable Law identified in the Ontario Building Code that is relevant to your project.  These approvals are required as part of a complete building permit application package.

Applying for a permit

Please complete Application to Construct or Demolish form and make sure to include a Plot Plan with your submission. We will need the owner's authorization if you are not the property owner.

A Schedule 1: Designer Information Form is required to be filled out for all submissions. Property owners are exempt from requiring qualifications. All other designers must have appropriate qualifications

Apply online

You will need to create an account to apply through our online portal. Be sure to have all you documents ready to attach.

Required design documents

Typically requirements are listed below, additional information may be required. Please note that if the accessory unit is located in a new addition, the design requirements for residential additions will also apply.

Your plot plan should include:

• Current use of the building
• Lot lines including dimensions
• Measurements for the distance from the house and accessory buildings in relation to lot lines
• Lot area, building area, and building height
• Floor area of accessory unit
• Size and location of driveways and parking spaces
• Percentage of front yard that is landscaped (ex. grassed)

• If applicable, location of new entrance

• Location of septic systems (if applicable)
• Location of overhead electrical conductors (if applicable)

• North arrow and Municipal address
• If proposing a detached accessory unit, also reference accessory buildings
• if proposing an addition, also reference residential additions

Your floor/ framing plan(s) should include:

• One floor plan for each floor level
• Location, fire rating and construction of all fire separations
• Wall location and thickness (new and existing)
• Identify use of all rooms
• Window and door locations including sizes
• Location of egress windows and doors
• Plumbing fixture locations
• Location of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Exhaust fan size / location and duct size

Your cross section drawing should include:

• Wall construction and fire separation details
• Height of ceiling and bulk heads

Additional information required:

• If a singled forced air heating system is being used for both units, details of required duct type smoke detector and furnace fuel and electrical supply shut down mechanisms are to be provided

Required Inspections:

• Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical rough-in prior to insulation
• Insulation, air and vapour barriers prior to covering
• Fire separations and fire stopping
• Prior to occupancy

Any proposed changes from the approved plans must be approved by a Building Inspector prior to construction. Failure to have the required inspections performed may result in you having to uncover and expose the work for inspection.

Fees

We determined fees based on our Building By-Law.

*(without septic upgrade)

Printable Information Guides

The City of Belleville Second Dwelling Units Building Code Basics

Second Dwelling Units and Coach Houses Information Guide

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Guide to Adding a Second Dwelling Unit in an Existing House