Basement Apartments

Second Suite Dwelling means a second dwelling unit located above or below grade or both, within a detached dwelling unit, semi-detached dwelling unit, or link house dwelling unit subject to the following condition:

(i) Where three (3) or more link house dwelling units are joined, a second suite dwelling unit shall be permitted, provided that the link house dwelling unit is joined only below grade.

Owners of Two-Unit houses which were in existence after November 16, 1995 or owners proposing to create a Two-Unit house by constructing a second suite dwelling unit are required to comply with the Zoning Bylaw, the Ontario Building Code and the Registration Bylaw No. 5221-10.

A Change of Use Permit or Building Permit is required for the existing Two-Unit douse and for the creation of a Two-Unit house; for permit requirements, refer to the Application Checklist for a Two-Unit house below. The Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish is also available for download below.

Owners are also required to schedule an inspection with the Electrical Safety Authority (formerly Ontario Hydro) at 1-877-372-7233.

Two-Unit houses shall be registered with Building Services. The application for registration of a Two-Unit House is available for download below.

Two-Unit Houses existing on or before November 16, 1995 are grandfathered by the Land Use Planning and Protection Act (Bill 20) and are subject to the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code. Owners are required to schedule an inspection with Central York Fire Services by calling 905-895-9222.

For information regarding the retrofitting of an existing Two-Unit House, please contact Central York Fire Services.

Owners are also required to schedule an inspection with the Electrical Safety Authority (formerly Ontario Hydro) at 1-877-372-7233.

Existing Two-Unit Houses shall be registered with  the Building Services division and the Application for Registration of a Two-Unit house is available for download below.

If you have any questions or require additional information​, please contact the Building Services division at 905-727-3123 ext. 4390 or 4394.