Green Light for Additional Dwelling Units in South Frontenac

Homeowners in South Frontenac looking to build a basement apartment, in-law suite or rental unit may find it easier to understand what’s required now that new bylaws have been passed for additional dwelling units in the Township.

South Frontenac Council passed changes to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law in September 2023 and Frontenac County approved the change to the Official Plan in December 2023 for the construction of additional dwelling units.

An additional dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained residential unit with its own kitchen, bathroom facilities and sleeping area on a property that already has a house on it. It can be a space within a house like a basement apartment or in-law suite, or a separate building on the same lot. Two additional dwelling units, one in the primary house, and one in an accessory building are allowed in South Frontenac for a total of three living units on one property.

“For a rural municipality like South Frontenac, additional dwelling units are a creative solution to provide more housing options. For property owners, they are a way of potentially generating income to help offset housing costs. For people needing a place to live, they can provide an affordable alternative to owning a home or paying high rent,” says Mayor Ron Vandewal. “They also support our vision of being a welcoming and thriving rural community since these units often provide a way for seniors to age in place and can help young families starting out.”

Property owners who want to build an additional dwelling unit will still need to meet certain conditions, such as ensuring there is adequate potable water, sewage, road access, parking, etc. Once the requirements are satisfied, they’ll be issued a zoning certificate and can then apply for a building permit.

There are restrictions on waterfront properties. For example, additional dwelling units are prohibited on lands located in a floodplain, within 90 metres of a lake or river, or within 300 metres of a highly sensitive (at-capacity) lake trout lake.

“While we want to support the Province’s goal of building more homes faster, as a rural municipality, we still need to make sure we are growing responsibly and sustainably,” says Louise Fragnito, Chief Administrative Officer. “Ultimately, additional dwelling units will help us achieve our goal and the Province’s goal of building more homes faster, with a wider range of housing options to meet varying needs in our community,” says Fragnito.

The Ontario government has committed to building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years as part of its “More Homes, Built Faster: Ontario’s Housing Supply” Action Plan.

For more information on additional dwelling units, see southfrontenac.net/ADUs or contact planning@southfrontenac.net.