Building an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) takes time and investment, but the Town of Collingwood is here to assist landowners throughout the process. If you have any ARU-related questions, please email ARU@collingwood.ca.
Here is a step-by-step guide to follow when planning your ARU(s):
Step 1: Understanding Planning and Building Rules
Learn about what is allowed and what is not allowed. The Town recently updating the Zoning By-law to allow four dwelling units as of right on serviced residential and rural properties. Learn more about the planning and building rules here. You can also find your property on ADUSearch and find out if it meets the minimum zoning by-law requirements for an attached or detached ARU. ADUSearch is a tool for a general understanding of requirements, we encourage property owners to email ARU@collingwood.ca to confirm zoning details. The platform also provides other valuable information such as the buildable area of the lot and other relevant details, in its user-friendly sidebar.
This is also a good time to familiarize yourself with the Town's ARU building requirements.
We also recommend that you look into whether or not your property is located within the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) or the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) regulatory areas, as there may be additional steps and costs associated if you are. Reach out to ARU@collingwood.ca with your address, and we'll provide a cursory review on our interactive zoning map.
Step 2: Calculate the Cost of Your ARU
Once you know if your property can accommodate one, two, or three ARUs, it's time to estimate the building costs. For basement or garage conversions and conventionally constructed detached ARUs, it's helpful to gather estimates for the cost per square foot. For pre-fabricated or modular detached units, it's best to contact the manufacturer directly for pricing. A qualified designer can also provide approximate figures for the overall construction, utility connections, and foundation design.
Step 3: Explore financing options
Now that you have an estimate for your ARU project, it's time to determine how to finance it. This is where lenders can be helpful. Reach out to your mortgage lender, bank, local credit union, or other financial specialist to explore loan options and get pre-approved for your desired loan amount. Some lenders offer specialized ARU financing programs, so be sure to inquire about any specific programs they have that can help maximize your budget.
Check out the Town of Collingwood's Rapid ARU Initiative Grants, which offer up to $15,000 and can supplement your financing.
Step 4: Find a qualified designer
With a rough budget in mind and financing options considered, it's time to delve into the project. It is strongly recommended to work with a design professional such as an architect, professional engineer, or a Building Code-qualified designer to create comprehensive and accurate drawings that comply with the Building Code, Collingwood Zoning By-Law, and any other relevant standards or requirements. You are strongly encouraged to contact ARU@collingwood.ca to ensure that you meet all Town requirements and avoid unexpected issues.
The Town of Collingwood is the first municipality in Ontario to offer several Pre-Approved Detached ARU Designs. Design pre-approvals are intended to simplify the process and create more options for homeowners!
Step 5: Apply for a Zoning Certificate
Apply for a Zoning Certificate by creating an account on our Public Portal. Go to "Permits & Zoning Certificates" then select "Apply for Building, Burn, Heritage & Sign Permits, Building Compliance Letters, Zoning Certificates". You will need the following documentation to apply:
Site Plan: A detailed site plan, fully dimensioned and showing setbacks from all property lines to the proposed project, including setbcks from other structures on the property. The Site Plan must include the calculations for the area and percentage of proposed Lot Coverage and Landscaped Open Space.
Floor Plans: Floor plans are fully dimensioned indicating the uses of all spaces.
Elevations and Cross-Sections: Applicable elevations and cross-sections, including proposed height.
It is recommended that you reach out to a qualified designer to prepare these documents and plans.
Step 6 (Location Dependent) Apply for NVCA or GSCA Permit
If your property is located within the NVCA or GSCA regulatory areas, you will need to apply for a permit from those organizations prior to applying for your building permit. If your property is not located within a regulatory area, skip this step.
Step 7 Apply for a Rapid ARU Grant
Property owners who commit to renting their ARU year-round for a minimum of 5 years may be eligible for a Rapid ARU Grant in the amount of $10,000 to help offset some of the upfront costs of designs, site preparation, fees, and permits. We also encourage you to look into the County of Simcoe's Second Suite Program, which provides forgiveable loans of up to $30,000 to homeowners who commit to renting at an affordable rate. If a property owner is approved for a County loan, the Town of Collingwood will add an extra $5,000 grant to acknowledge this commitment to renting at an affordable rate. Program details and eligibility can be found on our Financial Incentives Webpage.
Step 8 Apply for a Building Permit
After you have your Zoning Certificate and approval from the conservation authority (if applicable) it's time to apply for your Building Permit. Log onto our Public Portal. Go to "Permits & Zoning Certificates" then select "Apply for Building, Burn, Heritage & Sign Permits, Building Compliance Letter, Zoning Certificates".
Feature: Detached Garage ARU Conversion
Curious about what you can do on your property? In this example, an old detached garage was transformed into workforce housing and office space. The property owner preserved the existing concrete foundation slab and walls to minimize the environmental impact of new materials. The new two-story ARU includes living and home office spaces and is conveniently located near the downtown core, offering the tenant improved walkability and quality of life.
"I hope this example will encourage others in the community to pursue similar social impact infill projects that can help alleviate the Town's current housing crisis." - Property Owner
