ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS

 What is an Additional Residential Unit?
 An ARU is defined in By-law 23-077 as self-contained residential dwelling units, with its own cooking facility, sanitary facility and sleeping area, that either forms part of and is attached to the principal dwelling or is located within a detached building on the same lot as the principal dwelling. 
 Where are Additional Residential Units permitted?
 Throughout the City of Cambridge, any individual lot containing a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or townhouse dwelling may contain up to 2 additional residential units, for a total of 3 units, in either of the following configurations: 
  • Up to 2 units within the main residential building, and 1 additional unit within a detached accessory structure; or
  • Up to 3 units within the main residential building.   

Additional Residential Units can be created through: 

  • the conversion of existing space within the main residential building
  • an addition to the main residential building
  • the conversion of an existing accessory structure on the lot
  • the addition of a new accessory structure on the lot
 What is required to create a new Additional Residential Unit?
ARUs are required to be constructed with a building permit in accordance with the Ontario Building Code. Occupancy of the unit must be approved by the City of Cambridge Building Services Division. Additional Residential Units must comply with the City's Zoning By-law 150-85, and the City's Additional Residential Unit (ARU) By-law 23-077 which sets out the zoning regulations for ARUs, including setbacks, parking, access to and location of entrances. The City and Region do not collect development charges for ARUs. The School Boards (WRDSB and WCDSB) do collect development charges under certain circumstances. For more information, contact the School Boards at edc@wrdsb.ca and edc@wcdsb.ca.
 Looking for assistance?

For guidance on preparing a building permit application for one or more additional residential units, please refer to the City's Building Permit Requirements for Creating an Additional Residential Unit Guidelines. For more information on the permit application process or Ontario Building Code for ARUs, email building@cambridge.ca.  For more information on ARU By-law 23-077,  email planning@cambridge.ca. 

 

Background Documents & Information: 

*NEW* FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

As of November 1, 2024, the City will be accepting applications from property owners who have constructed an Additional Residential Unit to qualify for a one time grant of up to $10,000.   The grant is offered to compensate for costs related to:  • upgrading of sanitary and/or water services;    • professionally prepared permit drawings; and  • hard construction costs (labour and materials).   Before applying, please review Section 6.3 of the Financial Assistance Program CIP Document to confirm whether you are eligible and what documents and information are required. 

 How to apply

Applications are now being accepted online. 

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to apply: 

 

1. Visit our online portal. Create an account or login with your existing account. 

2. Click "Financial Incentives" on the side menu.  

3. Select "New Application" from the options that appear. 

4. On the main screen, select “Additional Residential Unit Community Improvement Plan”

5. Follow the prompts to fill out and submit your application

 

Please be advised that as part of the application process, the following supporting documents will be required: 

1. a parcel register as proof of property ownership

2. invoices indicating a breakdown of costs such as: 

  • professionally prepared drawings
  • upsizing sanitary and water pipes
  • labour and building material costs

After reviewing an application, the City will advise whether the applicant has (or has not) been awarded a grant, or additional information is required.  

If you have questions about the program, or the status of your application, please contact Nicole Goodbrand, Program Lead at goodbrandn@cambridge.ca. 

Important Documents: 

 Additional Residential Unit Examples