New Policies and Regulations Concerning Second Dwelling Units

Town of Essex Passes New Policies and Regulations Concerning Second Dwelling Units in Detached Structures

Essex – The Town of Essex has amended its Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw, Bylaw 1037, to allow more flexibility in constructing Second Dwelling Units (SDUs) in the main dwelling or in detached buildings in agricultural and select residential districts. Past regulations in the Town of Essex limited the creation of second dwelling units to the main dwelling in select residential districts only.

SDUs, which are commonly known as in-law suites, granny flats or garden suites, assist Municipalities in meeting Provincial mandates with the goal of providing a wide variety of housing options and opportunities for residents. In 2019, the Province of Ontario enacted the More Homes, More Choice Act 2019, which expanded the range of second dwelling unit options municipalities were required to adopt.

“This is an opportunity to increase the number of residential units in our community, which has been a priority for this Council,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “As elected leaders, we have heard from many residents on the need to support changing demographics by providing more housing options for extended families or aging parents, while addressing the area’s lack of affordable and rental housing. This is an opportunity to give property owners more flexibility to help us bridge that gap.”

A full account of the amendments can be found at www.essex.ca/SDUs.

Residents with questions or requests for more information about the changes are encouraged to contact the Planning Division at essexplanning@essex.ca or by calling 519-776-7336 ext 1128.