Accessory apartment permits

Check whether you need a permit

A permit is required prior to building, renovating, demolishing or installing any of the following:

• Second unit, also called a basement apartment

Before preparing your permit

• When creating an accessory apartment, you need a bedroom, a kitchen, living area, washroom and access to laundry facilities. Combined spaces are permitted.
• Contact the Ontario Dig Authority 1-800-400-2255 before you dig to locate underground utilities and avoid damage during construction.

Project preparation

Detailed information is needed to properly evaluate your plans and the unique conditions of your property:

• Verify that your plans, proposed dimensions and location are permitted under the Town of Oakville's zoning by-laws which regulate the use, shape and location of buildings on properties.
• To learn more visit our Zoning page or contact us at 905-845-6601 ext. 3955.
• You will require a separate zoning certificate of occupancy approval. Apply online at online services.
• Accessory apartments require minimum window sizes based on the room they are located in and associated area.
• If you plan to add an egress door with a walk up stairs, you will need to consult an engineer or BCIN qualified designer for construction drawings and details
• If your property is on the town's heritage registry it may require heritage approval.
• If you are making changes to the building façade for windows or doors you will need heritage approval.
• If your project includes excavation and your property backs onto green space, a river bed or wetland you will need Conservation Halton approval.
• Contact Conservation Halton for approval at web@hrca.on.ca or 905-336-1158.
• Trees on your property, your neighbour's property and on the municipal right of way may require tree protection, particularly when heavy equipment and excavation is involved. In certain instances, a permit may be required to remove private trees.
• A separate development engineering permit for site alteration may be required when digging, excavating or altering the grade.
• Development charges may be payable on certain types of accessory units. To learn more, contact Development Finance at developmentfinance@oakville.ca and the Halton District School Board at edc@hdsb.ca.

Prepare your plans0 of 8

Digital copies of drawings and documents are required, scaled to size and flattened. If preparing the documentation is beyond your comfort level or experience, we recommend working with a Building Code (BCIN) qualified designer, architect or engineer.

You need an account to see these 8 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms3Download the set4 forms

• Water services calculationForm
• Schedule 1 designer informationrequired when someone other than an architect or engineer is designing the projectForm
• Tree protection declarationForm

Submit your application

• Review and complete the Applicable Law Form to indicate which additional approvals may be required for your project. Save this form and be sure to upload it as a supporting document during the application process.
• If it is your first time using our online services, you need to create a user name and password. If you have an existing account, you can use the same username and password.
• Provide information about your project and upload your drawings and documents. You do not need to provide the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.
• Name your file using the short form name or a brief label so that the content of the document is clear.
• Save files in Vector PDF format, unlocked/editable, greyscale, flattened into a single layer and free of comments.
• The review and approval process of your submitted documents regarding your building permit application will be processed through the ePlan, powered by ProjectDox software, if your application requires drawings to be uploaded.

Pay the fee

• Fees (payable at time of application)
• The total fees depend on the size, type and use of the proposed project or building. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated once we pre-screen your request.
• The minimum fee for a building permit is $200.
• You will be prompted to pay a $100 pre-screening fee when you submit your request online. This non-refundable deposit will be credited towards the total cost of your permit. Subsequent resubmissions are subject to the non-refundable pre-screen fee.
• Building Services - Rates and Fees
• There may be additional fees such as development charges or deposits you need to pay before your permit is issued.
• Once your application is accepted, you will receive an invoice for payment.
• Credit card up to $10,000 payable by signing into your town account
• Email transfer up to $10,000 through your financial institution to buildingrequests@oakville.ca
• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) in any amount with direct payment to the Town of Oakville's bank account.
• Cheques are still accepted made payable to the Town of Oakville, and mailed or delivered to:
• Town of Oakville Attn: Building Services 1225 Trafalgar Road Oakville, ON L6H 0H3