Homeowners often use SRDUs 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, SRDUs offer a practical solution to multigenerational living while maintaining privacy and independence.

The Town supports SRDU development as a tool to increase affordable housing options and make better use of existing residential land and infrastructure.

SRDUs are permitted in most residential areas in Huntsville. The precinct (zoning) on your property can be viewed on the Town of Huntsville Interactive Map.

Shoreline residential lots are not permitted to have SRDUs.

Where SRDUs are permitted, a maximum of 2 may be constructed. This could include one SRDU within a dwelling and one in a detached structure, or two within a detached structure.

In the urban serviced area, a SRDU must be 1.5m from a side lot line, 7m from the front lot line and 5m from a rear lot line. In rural and un-serviced areas, the SRDU shall be 7m from a side lot line and 10m from the rear lot line. When located above a garage, the provisions for a SRDU may be different. The Town will advise on these provisions upon initial consultation with the applicant.

Yes, a building permit will be required. Building permit drawings are included with each package, however the building permit itself is separate.

Each design plan has an approximate construction cost associated with it. These are the base, construction-grade estimated costs. Many factors affect this cost including site preparation, costs for servicing (hydro, water, septic, gas etc.), design changes, cost of materials, etc. The homeowner must work with their contractor to determine exact project costs.

A building permit will be required. Staff will work with homeowners to ensure that the proposed SRDU size and location comply with all by-law provisions and help alleviate any requirements for a Community Planning Permit. In exceptional circumstances a planning approval may be required.

Property taxes are calculated on the assessed value of the property, which is determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). MPAC reviews the location, age of buildings, gross floor area, quality of construction, etc. A Building Permit application will trigger an automatic assessment from MPAC. Property taxes may increase, this would depend on the change in the number of secondary structures, number of bathrooms, any materials used in the renovation, etc.

MPAC can be contacted at the following telephone number 1 (866) 296-6722.

Pre-approved designs are building plans that have been reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, helping to reduce the need for custom design work and associated engineering costs. As the designs have been reviewed in advance to 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.

If a homeowner wants changes to an approved plan, they must be dealt with the designer directly. There will be additional fees associated with any changes that would be payable to the designer and would necessitate a review of the modified plans for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the Town’s Community Planning Permit By-law. All costs related to customized designs are at the expense of the homeowner.