Thinking of building a Secondary Dwelling Units (SDU) or Basement Apartment in Ottawa? Here’s What You Need To Know
Especially in recent years, the concept of maximizing property by adding secondary dwelling units or converting basements into apartments has gained traction among homeowners. Both options offer the opportunity to generate additional income or provide living space for family members.
The process of adding basement apartments or secondary dwelling units in Ottawa involves navigating zoning and bylaws, permits, and ensuring compliance with building codes. It can be overwhelming! Let’s jump into the differences between secondary dwelling units and basement apartments, and touch on the essential steps and permits that may be required to build them.
HINT: Stick around until the end for some helpful links to City of Ottawa resources.
What are Secondary Dwelling Units and Basement Apartments?
Secondary Dwelling Units
Secondary Dwelling Units (SDUs) are self-contained residential units within a primary residence or on the same property. They’re gaining in popularity around Ottawa, and for good reason! They can be attached to the main house, like an addition, or detached, like a coach house. SDUs will have their own entrance and separate living and sleeping area(s), kitchen, and bathroom(s). They’re often built for rental income or to use as a guesthouse.
Basement Apartments
Basement Apartments are a type of secondary dwelling unit located within the basement of a house. Basement apartments are particularly popular in Ottawa as they don’t require adding on to the footprint of the home or building an entirely new structure on the property. Some basement apartments will have a separate entrance and full amenities while others may share a common entrance and facilities.
The most common Reasons for a Secondary dwelling unit or basement apartment
Income Generation:
Renting out a secondary unit can provide financial flexibility and help pay your mortgage.
Increased Property Value:
Well-designed secondary units can significantly increase your property’s market value.
Flexible Living Solutions:
Optimized living space for family or tenants that can adapt to changing needs over time.
City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaws and Permits
Before you think about adding a secondary dwelling unit or a basement apartment, you’ll need to dig into Ottawa’s zoning bylaws and permit requirements. If you’re working with Gilded Design + Build, we’ll guide you through the entire process as part of our total project management service but here’s a rundown.
Zoning Bylaws: Ottawa’s zoning bylaws dictate where and IF secondary units can be built, their size, and how they’re used. Check the City of Ottawa’s zoning bylaw to confirm your property’s eligibility.
Building Permits: A building permit is required for the construction of any secondary dwelling unit or the conversion of a basement into an apartment. This permit ensures that the construction complies with the Ontario Building Code and those zoning bylaws we just spoke about.
Other Permits: Depending on your project’s scope, you may also need electrical permits, plumbing permits, and possibly a development permit if you’re making significant changes to the property’s structure or land use.
HINT: If a contractor says you don’t need a permit – RUN!
AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS FOR BUILDING A Secondary Dwelling Unit or Basement Apartment
- Research and Planning: Review Ottawa’s zoning bylaws to ensure your SDU or basement apartment project is feasible. Resource: Click here to view the City of Ottawa’s resource, “A Home within a Home”.
- Design: Work with a local Ottawa renovation contractor to design the unit according to all relevant laws and regulations. A well-planned and legally executed SDU or basement apartment will add significant value to your property and help you avoid legal headaches and wasted investment.
- Permit Application: Submit your building permit application to the City of Ottawa, including detailed construction plans and any other required documents. Gilded Design + Build client? We’ll take care of all the permit applications!
- Construction: Once your permit is approved, your contractors can begin construction. Regular inspections may be required during construction to ensure compliance with the building code and permit conditions.
- Final Inspection: After construction is completed, a final inspection by the city will ensure everything is up to code and your new secondary dwelling unit is legal and ready to be occupied.
summary + resources
Whether you’re considering adding a separate secondary dwelling unit or converting your basement into an apartment in Ottawa, you have to be aware of bylaw restraints and permit requirements so your dream project doesn’t turn into a total nightmare! While the process may seem daunting, working with a team of professional contractors who have extensive experience with the process can help take the burden off of you.
Looking for more info? Take a look at the City of Ottawa resources below.
Resource: City of Ottawa, Adding an apartment (Secondary Dwelling Units)
Resource: City of Ottawa, A Home within a Home PDF
Hire LOCAL CONTRACTORS To Help Build Your SDU or Basement Apartment
→ Request a Quote for your Secondary Dwelling Unit or Basement Apartment construction here.
