Accessory Dwelling Units

The Town's Zoning By-law 2010-050 permits accessory dwelling units in most residential zones (in single-detached and semi-detached residential buildings) subject to other provisions in the zoning by-law.

There are two registration processes summarized into checklists below. Applicants should follow the registration process most applicable to their property:

  • If the accessory dwelling unit was created on or before July 14, 1994, and is connected to municipal water and sewer services, please click on the checklist for existing accessory dwelling units to see which actions are required prior to the unit being registered.
  • If the accessory dwelling unit was created after July 14, 1994, or has not yet been created, please click on the checklist for new accessory dwelling units to see the actions required prior to the unit being registered.

Accessory dwelling units are permitted in the following Residential zones: R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R4, and ER, subject to the regulations of the Town's zoning by-law and various requirements by the Building Division, the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the Property Standards Division, and the Electrical Safety Authority, as applicable.

Existing Accessory Dwelling Units

Checklist/Process

Use this checklist for registering an accessory dwelling unit constructed on or before July 14, 1994. This checklist can only be used for properties within BWG.

To register an existing accessory dwelling unit, please complete the following and return the associated supporting documentation along with the application form to the Community Planning Division:

1. Confirm Zoning Compliance

Please compare your property to the Zoning By-law for Accessory Dwelling Units. You can also confirm by contacting Community Planning.

Some of the details you should be confirming are the number of available parking spaces, minimum net floor area, maximum gross floor area, etc.

2. Proof of Existence Prior to 1994

You must confirm and provide evidence supporting the accessory dwelling unit was in existence prior to July 14, 1994. Please return documentation verifying compliance to Community Planning.

Documentation that will be reviewed includes, but is not limited to a(n):

  • Tenancy agreement,
  • Sworn affidavit,
  • Utility bill demonstrating second unit,
  • Insurance certificate,
  • Tax records,
  • MLS listing.
3. Pass Required Inspections

As part of the process for registering an Accessory Dwelling Unit, you must schedule inspection and make alterations/renovations as required by the inspecting authorities in order to successfully register your dwelling.

Required inspections include:

 

  1. BWG Fire and Emergency Services
    Please complete the Fire Inspection Online Request Form to book your inspection.
  2. Electrical Safety Authority 
    Electrical inspections for both primary and secondary units are required. To arrange for an Electrical Safety Authority inspection, please call 1 877 372 7233.

  3. Enforcement Division
    You must complete a Property Standards Inspection. To arrange an inspection, please call 905 775 5366 ext. 1701.
4. Complete and Submit Your ADU Application

The final step in the process is completing and submitting our Accessory Dwelling Unit Registration Application, the application fee, and copies of the three (3) inspection approvals to Community Planning.

 

New Accessory Dwelling Units

Checklist/Process

Use this checklist for registering an accessory dwelling unit constructed or is proposed to be constructed after July 14, 1994. This checklist should also be used for properties not connected to municipal water and sewer services.

To register an existing accessory dwelling unit, please complete the following and return the associated supporting documentation along with the application form to the Community Planning Division:

1. Confirm Zoning Compliance

Please compare your property to the Zoning By-law for Accessory Dwelling Units. You can also confirm by contacting Community Planning.

Some of the details you should be confirming are the number of available parking spaces, minimum net floor area, maximum gross floor area, etc.

2. Ensure Compliance with Ontario Building Code

The next step is determining whether both the primary and secondary units comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), and if not what renovations are required.

  1. To determine if OBC requirements are met, the owner must hire a professional with knowledge of the OBC including an architect, designer, or contractor to review the home and determine what (if any) renovations are required. This professional can also help you produce plans to submit to the Building Department.
  2. Following the OBC review, you will determine either that either,
    • No renovations are required: both units meet the OBC, and you can now submit and complete a “Change of Use Form” to the Building Department; OR
    • Further renovations are required: one or both units do not meet the OBC and you must now submit and complete the “Building Permit Application” to the Building Department.

Please Note: along with the applicable application, you would need to submit required plans, fees, documentation, etc. identified on the respective form.

 

Please connect with our Building Division (905 778 2055) directly should you have any questions or require clarification on this step in the process.

3. Building Division Submission

You are now ready to submit the following to BWG's Building Division:

  1. Zoning Compliance Application Form, and either the
  2. Change of Use Form or Building Permit Application.
4. Schedule a Building Inspection

If applicable, once any renovations are completed, please schedule a building inspection through BWG's Building Division (905 778 2055).

5. Complete and Submit You ADU Application 

The final step in the process is completing and submitting our Accessory Dwelling Unit Registration Application, the application fee, and copies of the three (3) inspection approvals to Community Planning.

Following your submission, staff will review your application package for completeness and if deemed to be complete and in compliance with the Zoning By-law, they will process your application. Please allow 2-3 weeks for formal registration.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the documentation required to register an accessory residential dwelling unit, please contact the Community Planning Division.​

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ADU Application

Visit our Application Library for the the latest Accessory Dwelling Unit application form.

 Interior of modern urban residence in basement of the family home, with dinning room, common area and the view of the kitchen.
Registered ADU List

View our current list of registered Accessory Dwelling units throughout BWG.

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ADU Zoning By-law

Visit our By-law library to review ADU requirements within Zoning By-law 2010-050.

Address: Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, 100 Dissette St., Unit 7&8, Bradford, ON, L3Z 2A7

Phone: 905-775-5366, Send an Email

By GHD Digital