Additional Dwelling Units

Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) are a self-contained residential units within a main dwelling (ie. single, semi, townhome dwelling unit) or within a detached building or structure on the same lot as the main dwelling (ie. within a detached garage).

Where permitted, ADUs - also referred to as an in-law suite or garden suite- can be constructed to provide long term rental accommodations for independent family members, friends and people of all demographics. ADUs also make more efficient use of existing infrastructure and the housing stock, and are a great way to generate rental income to assist with the cost of home ownership.

Where are ADUs permitted?

1.  ADUs are permitted within a single, semi, or town home dwelling unit in Agricultural and select Residential zoning districts.
2. ADUs are also permitted in a detached building or structure accessory to a main dwelling (such as within a detached garage or garden suite constructed for such purpose) in Agricultural and select Residential zoning districts.
3. An ADU is not permitted in a mobile home or residential zoning districts permitting exclusively three (3) season occupancy.
4. An ADU is not permitted within a required front, side, or rear yard.
5. ADUs in an accessory building are not permitted on a lot with less than the required minimum lot width.

Land Use Policy and Zoning Regulations

• The number of ADUs permitted within a main residential dwelling and a detached structure will depend on the Zoning classification, whether the lot is located within a settlement area (such as Essex Centre and Harrow), and whether the lot is serviced by municipal or private water and sewage systems.
• Generally, two (2) ADUs are permitted on a residential lot in an area of settlement where servicing is available.
• Two (2) ADUs may be constructed within the main dwelling or one (1) ADU may be permitted within a main dwelling and one (1) ADU may be permitted within a detached structure.
• ADUs cannot be severed from a lot to create a new and separate lot.
• The Gross Floor Area (GFA) of the ADU cannot exceed the GFA of the main dwelling.
• ADUs are limited to one (1) storey in height in a residential district except where an ADU is located within an accessory building (ie. garage) that is not located within a required yard.
• One (1) onsite (ie. off-street) parking space is required for each ADU.
A separate service connection will not be permitted to service an ADU when available services are municipally owned and operated.
• An ADU cannot be used in whole or in part as a short term rental.
• Tiny homes, which are not a defined term in the Ontario Building Code or the Town’s Zoning By-law, can be considered an ADU.
• A motor home, recreational vehicle, or trailer is not considered an ADU.

Building Permit Required

A building permit is required for the addition or construction of an ADU, and may be required for the conversion of ADUs within the main building (for example, basement or attic suites). 

For more information on constructing and/or adding ADUs in the Town of Essex , please  follow the link below to the ADU Building Manual or contact the Building Division at buildingdept@essex.ca or 519.776.7336 ext. 1400.

Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments

On Tuesday May 21, Council will host a Special Council Meeting to consider Amendments to its Zoning Bylaw, Bylaw 1037, for the purpose of Housing. Amendments will include new regulations for Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) in areas of settlement. Amendments will also include the addition of new dwelling types, allowances for Semi-Detached Dwellings in the R1.1 Zoning District , allowances for Townhome Dwellings in the R2.1 District. For information about the Special Council Meeting and the Amendments, please visit our Council Calendar , or contact the Planning Division.

Planning Department
Town of Essex, 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario N8M 1A8, T. 519-776-7336 ext 1128
essexplanning@essex.ca