Secondary suites approved in Vaughan
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New regulations to
come into effect later this year
As part of the City of Vaughan’s commitment to
create and manage affordable housing options, a new policy allowing for secondary
suites was approved by Vaughan Council today. This approach protects the safety
and well-being of citizens by making it mandatory for secondary suites to comply
with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and Vaughan’s Zoning By-laws.
The
City’s policy is in response to a provincial mandate that requires municipalities
to allow secondary suites to help satisfy demand for homes that fit within various
financial means. The new program is intended to create affordable housing
options, while
maintaining safety and the existing community’s character.
The City
will implement a thorough education campaign to help landlords and/or
homeowners understand the importance of a compliant secondary suite before the
new regulations come into effect. Vaughan will work to ensure that tenants,
builders and landlords understand safety implications, and the benefits of
obtaining permits and inspections.
QUOTE
“This is a
monumental day for Vaughan. It truly demonstrates how our city is coming of age.
I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to live in our community and
the Secondary Suites Policy is a step in the right direction. It makes these
units safer for the people and families who are living in them. We have always
been a strong proponent of providing affordable housing options because we
recognize the changes taking place right across Vaughan. As an open and
accessible city with values rooted in hope and optimism, we are creating the
best standard of life for our citizens. ”
-Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- A secondary suite is a self-contained unit within a house on the same lot as a house, and has its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. Secondary suites can be an important affordable housing option, provided the suites are constructed safely.
- Before homeowners decide to proceed with renovating their homes to incorporate a new or upgraded secondary suite, they should visit Vaughan’s Building Standards department to discuss their plan and obtain the necessary information regarding zoning and building permit requirements.
- Homeowners who have existing non-compliant secondary suites must submit an application for a building permit to the City in order to become compliant with the new regulations including Zoning By-law requirements when the by-law comes into force, which is expected to occur spring 2017.
- Where a secondary suite is unable to comply with the Zoning By-law, the property must be returned to a single-family dwelling or the homeowner can seek relief from the by-law through the land-use planning process.
- Continued non-compliance may result in a prosecution being initiated pursuant to the Zoning By-law and provincial laws.
- The City’s new licensing regulations require all renovators obtain a Vaughan Business License. Homeowners are encouraged to engage contractors licensed by the City and as they will be expected to be familiar with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and Vaughan’s Zoning By-laws.
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