Rapid Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Initiative

A combination of up to a maximum of three (3) attached or detached ARUs shall be permitted on residentially or rurally zoned properties in accordance with the provisions in Section 4.40, for a total of up to four (4) dwelling units total per lot. 

An ARU shall have independent access to the exterior of the dwelling but may have a shared hallway with the main building.

What this means: a separate and independent entrance can be straightforward when designing an ARU with a separate entrance at the front, side or back of the house. It can be a bit complicated when there is a shared hallway, but your design expert can help you come up with solutions. 

If your dwelling is connected to municipal services, you're eligible to pursue one, two or three ARUs within the main dwelling.

Adding an ARU to a house serviced by well and/or septic is permitted as long as the septic system has the capacity to handle the increase in demand. For properties serviced by a septic system, adding an ARU will require the septic system to be evaluated by a certified septic designer. The septic system may have to be upgraded or replaced to handle the additional sewage loading. 

Table 4.40.2.2.1 Detached ARU Development Standards

An maximum of two (2) accessory buildings containing an ARU may be permitted per lot, provided the total number of ARUs on the lot does not exceed three (3).

An accessory building shall contain a maximum of two (2) ARUs. 

An accessory building containing an ARU shall be included when calculating maximum lot coverage for accessory buildings and structures per Section 4.33.5, which is a maximum of 15%. 

What this means: When calculating lot coverage, be sure to include all detached accessory structures on the property in your calculations. The footprint of your detached ARU and any other existing detached structures can not exceed 15% of the total lot area.

If your lot is connected to municipal services, you're eligible to pursue detached ARUs.  

Adding an ARU to a lot serviced by well and/or septic is permitted as long as the septic system has the capacity to handle the increase in demand. For properties serviced by a septic system, adding an ARU will require the septic system to be evaluated by a certified septic designer. The septic system may have to be upgraded or replaced to handle the additional sewage loading. 

Section 5.15: A minimum of 2 parking spaces are required for the main dwelling. A minimum of 1 parking space is require per additional residential unit with no more than 2 parking spaces required for all ARUs

What this means:  Plan for a minimum of 1 parking space when designing the first two ARUs. The Third ARU does not require an additional parking space.

Section 5.3.1.3: The front yard should not be dominated by parking and paved surfaces. The maximum driveway width is 6.5m or 56% of the lot frontage, whichever is lesser. A maximum of 56% of the front yard may be used for the driveway.

What this means: Additional parking cannot take up the front yard by paving over a lawn and/or landscaped areas.  Your design professional can help you plan for parking space for your ARU(s).

Section 5.6.3: The remainder must be used for landscaped open space with a maximum of an additional 14% being used for any hard ground surface material (i.e., interlocking brick or paver stones).

What this means: The remaining 14% cannot be hardscaped with materials such as asphalt or concrete. The material must be permeable (i.e., interlocking brick, paver stones, etc.).

Comments

The comments above are made to the best of the Town's knowledge using all of the information and resources available at the posting time. The information contained herein is believed to be correct, however, the Town assumes no liability for negligence, inaccuracies, or omissions. You are welcome to make a personal examination of the applicable information by request via Microsoft Teams or by email to planning@collingwood.ca

Planning Act Notification

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