Additional Residential Units

An Additional Residential Unit (or ARU) is a self-contained living unit with a private kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. Additional residential units can take various forms, including basement apartments, coach houses or a detached structure.

The province has recently introduced changes that allow more property owners to add additional residential units to their property. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how you can add extra residential units to your property legally.

Eligibility

In Woodstock, you may be permitted to add one ARU within your existing dwelling and one within an accessory structure if your property is zoned R1, R2, R3, C3 or HD. If you are not sure what your property is zoned, you can find a map at www.oxfordcounty.ca/woodstock-dev-maps. It’s always important to check if you’re eligible because special zoning conditions may also apply to your property.

Permits and Approvals

A building permit is required to create an additional residential unit legally and ensure the work complies with the Ontario Building Code. Depending on the work that needs to be done, you may also need to hire an architect, engineer or other professional. Failure to get a permit could have serious implications including orders from the building department, the fire department and potentially voiding your insurance. 

Contact the building department to ensure your property is eligible and to learn more about the permit process and how to submit the necessary drawings and plans.

Other resources

To help more residents access safe, affordable housing, Oxford County offers a My Second Unity grant program. Conditions do apply and you can learn more about the eligibility requirements at www.oxfordcounty.ca/mysecondunit