Additional Residential Units

An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a secondary residential dwelling or unit, located on the same property as a main house. It can be inside the main home (like a basement apartment) or in a separate building (such as a garage), and it is considered secondary to the main home. In certain circumstances, up to three (3) ARU’s may be permitted on a residential lot within the Municipality of Kincardine.

Under the Ontario Building Code, an ARU must accommodate all amenities to the same extent as a residence. This means the ARU must include a bedroom, bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and living room/ dining room and service room/ space. In addition, the ARU must also include all necessary functioning services such as a heating system, ventilation system, insulation requirements, plumbing facilities (including separate water service/ water meter), sanitary service connections, electrical servicing, lighting fixtures, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detection, exiting requirements, interior finishes, parking and access.

Where are ARU's Permitted?

If your property is in an urban area:

• Zoning: Must be zoned for residential use.
• Number of Units: You may have up to two (2) ARUs in addition to your main dwelling.
• Servicing: The property must be fully serviced by municipal water and sanitary connections.
• Zoning Compliance: Each ARU must comply with zoning regulations (e.g., setbacks, lot coverage, parking, height).

If your property is in a rural area:

• Zoning: Must permit residential use.
• Number of Units: You may have only one (1) ARU in addition to the main dwelling.
• Location: The ARU must be:
  • Within an existing dwelling or an accessory building, and
  • Located within 50 metres of the Farm Building Cluster.
• Servicing: Must have adequate water and sanitary service — either private (well/septic) or municipal.
• Septic upgrades may be required.
• Minimum Lot Size: 4,000 sq. m. (approximately 1 acre).
• Detached ARU’s shall meet the applicable Minimum Distance Separation (MDS 1) from adjacent livestock facilities unless exemptions under 3.19 of the Kincardine Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw apply

Please refer to the ARU Construction Guide for all permit and submission requirements.