Windsor Ontario. Canada N9A 6S1
Phone: (519) 255-6543
Emai:planningdept@citywandsor.ca 

Building Permit Required

Each building can have a different set of circumstances that may affect the design of a second residential unit. Pan 9 of the Ontario Boildmg Code (OBC)app:les to the cosign and creation of second units. Specifically. the sections of the OBC Woo below must be addressed while designing a proposed second unit: 

When a Second Unit is created, the OBC requires a distinct physical separation between the individual dwelling units. This can be demonstrated by submitting plans to the City's Building Division that confirm existing conditions meet the OBC requirements or that proposed new cOnstruCtiOndenOvaliOn will meet the OBC requirements. A qualified designer will be able to assess the current construction of a burtchng and prepare the appropriate drawings to accompany a building permit application. 

For more information on secondary units, please see the following link: Add a Second Unit lo Your House.

A building permit rs required for any Second unit. Units created before November 20. 2018 wld not be grandfathered. See Information about submitline a building permit application.

To submit a building permit application

Planning 8 Building Services Department Building Division:
2nd Floor, 350 City Hall Square West
Windsor, Ontario. Canada N9A 6SI
Phone: (519) 255-6267
Email: building@cilywinclsouca 

Second Residential Units and Shared Rental Housing 

The addition of a second unit does not change the total number of lodgers p.o. persons that may be provided with lodging for hire) within the entire residential dwelling (i.e. both primary and second units). Currently, more than three lodgers requires a property to be zoned and !scensed for use as a lodgmg house. 

Proposed Changes from Second Units to Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) 

Municipalities in Ontano ware mandated to have entities permitting additional residential units (previously referred to as second units) In 2011 under Bill 140, the Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act. In the summer of 2019, the Province of Ontario passed Bril 108, Mere Homes, More Choice Act. which amended pans of the Pianning Act to inquiet municipabties to establish Official Plan policies and zoning that authorize the use of additional residential units. For more Information, visit Mere Homes, More Choice: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan. 

The City of Windsor has initiated amendments to Itte othcial plans and zoning by.taws lo Permit an addrkinal residential dwelling unit within a detached house, semi.detached house, or rowhouse, and within an accessory structure on the same