City’s Official Plans and Zoning By-laws amended to conform with Provincial Bill 108

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In response to the significant increase in demand for affordable housing province wide, last year the Province of Ontario passed Bill 108 – The More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019, that came into effect on September 3, 2019. To encourage the development of more affordable housing units, Bill 108 requires municipalities to include policies to permit up to one additional dwelling unit in a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or street townhouse, and one additional dwelling unit within an accessory building, for a total of three residential units on a property. Tandem parking is also permitted.

In accordance with the direction of the Province, at their meeting held September 22, 2020 Brantford City Council approved amending the City’s applicable Official Plans and Zoning By-laws to ensure the City’s regulations conform with Bill 108.

Important Requirements

  • A total of three residential units are now permitted, subject to satisfying the regulations in the City’s Zoning By-laws and the Building Code Act.
  • A dwelling unit proposed to be located within a detached accessory structure is not permitted to be located above the first floor and basement units are not permitted on lands that are located within the floodplain.
  • Units must be registered with the City at a cost of $150.00.
  • Not all residential properties can accommodate accessory dwelling units. For example, 50% of the front yard must still be maintained as landscaped open space and yard regulations must be satisfied. As well, accessory dwelling unit policies do not apply to lands zoned R2, R3, or RC because those zones already permit additional dwelling units.

We’re here to help

Individuals wishing to create accessory dwelling units may need to seek approval to vary current regulations through an application to the Committee of Adjustment. The City’s Planning staff can assist with this process.

For detailed information regarding the requirements to establish Accessory Dwelling Units, please contact the City of Brantford Building Department at 519-759-4150 or building@brantford.ca.