Additional Residential Unit Regulations

The Additional Residential Units By-law 22-017 and Official Plan Amendment No. 51 is in effect as of June 25, 2022. 

Through the More Homes, More Choices Act (Bill 108), the Province of Ontario expanded the requirements and removed barriers for municipalities to permit ‘additional residential units’ (formerly known as second units, secondary suites, accessory dwelling units etc.) in their Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws. Municipalities are now required to permit additional residential units (ARU's) in single, semi-detached and row homes and in an accessory building or structure, totaling three residential units on the property.

The current Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw permit one ARU in either the primary home or within an accessory structure, subject to meeting a number of requirements. The City of Cambridge is now amending the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to permit a third ARU on certain residential properties.

Timeline

• Two virtual public consultation sessions were held on October 21, 2021. If you were not able to join, the video presentation can be found on the right side of the page.
• Public survey that closed November 13, 2021.
• Statutory Public Meeting was held on December 14, 2021. You can find the presentation and Council report under the 'Documents' tab.
• Staff Recommendation Report was approved by Council on March 22, 2022.
• OPA No.51 Approved by the Region of Waterloo June 25, 2022

The Additional Residential Units By-law 22-017 and Official Plan Amendment No. 51 is in effect as of June 25, 2022. Please see the 'Documents' tab for the bylaws.

Additional Residential Unit Examples (or accessory dwelling unit)