Ontario coach houses
As-of-right rules, then the local by-law. This page is a guide, not a zoning opinion.
Last verified 13 October 2026
As-of-right
On serviced residential lots, up to 3 units are allowed without rezoning: 3 in the main house, or 2 in the house plus 1 in a detached building such as a coach house or garden suite. Municipalities cannot charge development charges or parkland fees for these units, impose minimum unit sizes beyond the Building Code, or require more than one parking space per unit.
Permits
Zoning compliance comes first (setbacks, height, lot coverage, separation from the house), then a building permit with drawings under the Ontario Building Code, then inspections. Water, sewer, and hydro usually run from the main house. Fire and emergency access can also apply.
Toronto
Garden suites are permitted under Zoning By-law 569-2013, chapter 150.7. O. Reg. 462/24 (20 November 2024) and 2025 amendments changed several rules. Toronto exempts the 2nd to 4th units on a parcel from development charges. If the design meets zoning, the path is a building permit. Summaries often put the maximum gross floor area near 120 m² (about 60 m² on one storey). Verify that against the by-law before you rely on it.
Ottawa
Zoning By-law 2026-50 (enacted 11 March 2026) is reported to allow up to 4 units on serviced lots and to remove parking minimums. A coach house must be serviced from the main home's municipal connection. Lots on private services (well or septic) are limited to one additional unit. This Ottawa summary relies on a secondary source and should be confirmed on ottawa.ca before you publish a decision.