Several groups may be interested in building Additional Residential Units (ARUs). Homeowners often use ARUs to increase property values and create additional income through rental opportunities or to provide independent living space for family members, such as ageing parents or adult children. For many, ARUs offer a practical solution to multigenerational living while maintaining privacy and independence.

The Town also supports ARU developments as a tool to increase affordable housing options and make better use of existing residential land and infrastructure. Overall, ARUs appeal to those looking for flexible housing solutions that meet both personal and community needs.

The Town allows ARUs on legally conforming lots in any zone where the main building is a single-detached house, semi-detached house, duplex, triplex or street townhouse.

The Town now allows up to four (4) residential units per lot, subject to zoning provisions. For example, a maximum of three (3) ARUs would be permitted for a single-detached house and only one (1) ARU for a triplex.

An ARU within the main house can be located anywhere within the house, as long as it is self-contained with its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. For ARUs built as addition or an accessory structure, where they can be situated depends on the zone of your property, the size and shape of your property, and the location of any openings such as windows and doors. Properties with ARUs in the principal building have the same requirements on minimum lot area, lot frontage, lot coverage, and setbacks as per their respective zones. Properties with ARUs as detached structures have the same requirements except for the rear yard setback. Detached ARUs have a minimum rear yard setback of three (3) metres.

Yes, a building permit is a requirement in order to construct an ARU or any low-rise housing in Saugeen Shores. The permit ensures the construction is compliant with the Ontario Building Code and Towns Zoning By-law.

The cost of an ARU varies widely due to specific conditions and features on a lot. Ease of construction access, location of services (water, sewer, etc.), specific design features and material choices all impact the cost.

A temporary ARU is often referred to as a Garden Suite and is governed via a temporary use by-law. An existing Garden Suite may be converted into a permanent ARU, please consider the potential costs and verify the requirements with our building staff. Mobile homes and recreational trailers are not permitted as ARUs but are encouraged to locate within Mobile Home Parks (MHP) zones.

Different properties and building types may have different submission requirements and fees. At a minimum, you will need to apply for a Building Permit to establish your use, which will include a site plan drawing and a floor plan drawing.

Yes, your property taxes will increase. Property taxes depend on the assessed value of the property, which is calculated by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) from the location, age of buildings, gross floor area, quality of construction, etc. MPAC conducts a reassessment every four (4) years, where any alteration to the property can affect the assessment value. A Building Permit application will also trigger an automatic reassessment from MPAC. The increase will depend on the change in the number of secondary structures, number of bathrooms, any materials used in the renovation, etc.

You can contact MPAC at the following telephone number 1 (866) 296-6722.

Pre-approved designs refer to building plans that have been thoughtfully developed in alignment with the Town’s zoning by-law and the typical size and layout of residential lots in Saugeen Shores. These designs have already been reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, helping to reduce the need for custom design work and associated engineering costs. As these designs are ready-to-go and meet regulatory requirements, they can significantly shorten the development approvals process. This helps streamline your proposal, minimizes delays, and supports a more efficient path from planning to construction.

The Town now allows up to four (4) residential units per residential lot subject to zoning provisions. However, you should refer to the Town’s Zoning By-law or contact building@saugeenshores.ca with your property address to confirm permitted uses for your lot and additional provisions.

It is possible to customize these pre-approved designs, however, any modifications to these plans must be dealt with the designer directly to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the Towns Zoning by-laws.