What is a secondary suite?
A secondary suite is a separate living space inside your main home. It has its own kitchen, living area, and entrance. You can live in it yourself, rent it out, or use it for family. In Wrenford, you can only have one secondary suite per single-detached home or duplex.
Secondary suites cannot be strata-titled or sold separately from the main house. They must follow the Zoning by-law and the Ontario Building Code.
Steps to build or legalize a secondary suite
Follow these steps to make sure your suite is safe and legal. You must get a building permit before you start any work.
Step 1: Check zoning and prepare your plans
Not all zones allow secondary suites. Check the Zoning by-law to see if your property is allowed. If you are building a new suite, you will also need a development permit.
You will need to prepare floor plans and site plans. Your plans must show:
- Room sizes, stairways, windows, and doors
- Plumbing and gas fixture locations
- Ceiling heights
- Parking spaces and access paths from the street
- Finished floor elevation and grade levels at the four corners of the site
We recommend working with a qualified designer or contractor to draw these plans to scale. If you are legalizing an existing suite, you can book an optional special inspection to check the current state of the space before you submit plans.
Step 2: Submit your application
Submit your completed application package to the Planning & Development office at Room 201, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1. You can also apply online through the Wrenford ePermits portal.
You must include:
- Completed Building Permit Application Form
- Owner's Undertaking Letter
- Approved floor and site plans
Our planners and building officials will review your package. We may ask for extra details or changes before we approve the permit.
Step 3: Pay the fees
Once your application is accepted, you will receive a notice to pay. You can pay online with a credit card, or in person with cash, cheque, or debit. Cash payments over $200.00 must be done by cheque or card.
Step 4: Get trade permits and inspections
Before you start construction, you must get separate trade permits for electrical and plumbing work. These are usually applied for by your licensed contractor.
All work must be inspected at different stages of construction. Your contractor can book these inspections. A secondary suite is not legal until the final inspection is passed.
Step 5: Final approval and business licence
Once the final inspection is approved, your suite is legal. If you plan to rent the suite out long-term, you must get a business licence. If you or a family member live in the main house, you do not need a business licence. Short-term rentals are not allowed in secondary suites.
Fee schedule
Use the table below to estimate your costs. All fees include the 4% safety codes council fee where applicable.
| Permit type | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legalize an existing secondary suite (building permit) | $320.00 | $12.80 | $332.80 |
| Build a new secondary suite (building permit) | $650.00 | $26.00 | $676.00 |
| New backyard suite (building permit) | $1,250.00 | $50.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Development permit (if required) | $150.00 | $6.00 | $156.00 |
| Homeowner electrical permit | $125.00 | $5.00 | $130.00 |
| Homeowner plumbing permit | $125.00 | $5.00 | $130.00 |
How long does it take? Legalizing an existing suite usually takes about 7 to 10 business days to review. Building a new suite takes 8 to 10 weeks, including the planning review and advertisement period. Permits expire 180 days after they are issued if construction has not started.
Water meter and non-rental declaration
Every secondary suite must have a separate water meter. This ensures you only pay for the water you use. Once installed, water and wastewater charges will be based on your actual consumption.
If you live in the main house and do not rent out the secondary suite, you can sign a Non-Rental Annual Declaration. This declaration confirms you are not earning rental income from the suite. Once approved, the City will adjust your utility bills accordingly. Please allow four to six weeks for processing.
Need help?
If you have questions about zoning, permits, or the application process, contact the Planning & Development team.
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]
Office: Room 201, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1