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Secondary Suites Frequently Asked Questions

What is a secondary suite?

A secondary suite is a self-contained unit within a house that has its own kitchen, bathroom facilities and a separate entrance.

Why was the secondary suite policy created?

Secondary suites are intended to increase the number of affordable housing options in the City of Vaughan. The Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act, 2011 amended the Planning Act to require municipalities to authorize secondary suites in their Official Plans and Zoning By-laws.

What are the benefits of a secondary suite?

Secondary suites can be a viable housing option that meets the needs of a variety of people including singles, students, seniors, extended family members and people on fixed incomes, provided they are constructed in compliance with all the applicable regulations.

What is involved in creating a secondary suite?

Before homeowners decide to proceed with renovating their homes to incorporate a secondary suite, they should visit Vaughan’s Building Standards department to discuss their plan and obtain the necessary information regarding zoning, fire code and building permit requirements. All applications must comply with Vaughan’s Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code.

What are some of the safety measures required under the Retrofit requirements of Ontario Fire Code for a secondary suite?

Some of the safety requirements associated with secondary suites are:

Smoke alarms must be located outside all sleeping areas, on every floor level in each unit and should be connected to each other so that when one alarm sounds, they all do.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas in each unit.
The floor between the secondary suite and the primary dwelling must be constructed as a fire separation. A secondary suite located on the same floor as the primary dwelling must be separated by a vertical fire separation.

How big can a secondary suite be?

A secondary suite may occupy up to 45 per cent of the gross floor area of the main dwelling, but not be less than 35 square metres in floor area.

Does my contractor need to be licensed?

The City of Vaughan requires all renovators/contractors to have a City of Vaughan business license to work in Vaughan. Homeowners have the right and are encouraged to ask if a renovator/contractor is licensed or contact the City to verify licence status before hiring them.

Do I need to provide parking on-site?

Yes. An eligible dwelling must have at least three parking spaces to ensure sufficient parking is available to accommodate the main dwelling and secondary suite. The parking spaces must be located on a properly surfaced driveway or in a garage or carport, and can not include parking on the street.

Can the entrance to my secondary suite be at the side or rear of my home?

Yes, provided that the path to the entrance is unobstructed and paved with a hard surface landscape material measuring at least 1.2 metres in width.

What about issues of excessive garbage, vehicles parked on the street and expansion of driveways? Are homes containing secondary suites subject to Vaughan’s Property Standards By-law?

All properties within the City of Vaughan are subject to the minimum standards established by the City’s Property Standards By-law 231-2011 and all other applicable laws. By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, Enforcement Services will respond to any public complaints and enforce the requirements of the Property Standards By-law 231-2011 and other applicable by-laws to ensure compliance with the way properties are maintained and used in the city. Residents are encouraged to contact Access Vaughan regarding any inquiries or to file complaints for the concerns to be investigated.

Are short term rentals like Airbnb being looked at as part of the secondary suites program?

The consideration of policies regarding short term rental properties do not fall within the mandate of this program. The City is aware of the concern and is assessing the issue. Residents are encouraged to contact Access Vaughan with any complaints from issues that may arise from short-term rentals, including excessive street parking, noise, garbage and debris, etc.

Contact Information

Building Standards

Phone: 905-832-8510
Inspection Services: 905-832-8511
City of Vaughan: 905-832-2281

Fax: 905-832-8558

Email: buildingstandards@vaughan.ca

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1