The Township of Scugog is planning proposed changes to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law aimed at increasing housing opportunities in the community.
It plans to allow additional dwelling units (ADUs) on existing home properties as a response to Bill 108 and Bill 23, provincial legislation promoting ADUs as a form of ‘gentle intensification’ to address housing affordability.
The Municipality of Clarington recently announced similar permissions (see story below).
Basement
What are Additional Dwelling Units?
- Self-contained residential units
- Separate from primary residential unit: includes a separate entrance, kitchen facilities, washroom facilities and living space
- Contained within a dwelling or a building or structure accessory to a dwelling
- Other common names: secondary units, basement apartments, granny flats, in-law apartments, accessory dwelling units
Examples of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Configurations:
- One (1) ADU within the house; or
- Two (2) ADUs within the house; or
- One (1) ADU attached and/or one (1) ADU within the house; or
- One (1) detached ADU in the yard; or
- One (1) ADU within the house and one (1) detached ADU in the yard.
There are several provincial and regional policy documents that the Township’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law must conform to, which may impact ADU permissions on individual properties, the township said. These policy documents include:
- Planning Act
- Provincial Planning Statement
- Greenbelt Plan
- Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
- Durham Regional Official Plan (Envision Durham)
Port Perry Urban Area and Hamlets:
- Two (2) ADUs per principal dwelling OR one (1) ADU within the primary residential dwelling in addition to one (1) ADU within an accessory building/structure
- Maximum of three (3) dwelling units per lot
Oak Ridges Moraine:
- Maximum of one (1) ADU will be permitted only within the primary residential dwelling in the Countryside Area
- Not permitted within Natural Core Area or Natural Linkage Area
Rural Areas:
- ADUs would only be permitted within single detached dwellings that are on record and zoned for such at the time the Greenbelt Plan came into force (July 1, 2017)
- or ADUs would only be permitted within accessory structures legally existing at the time the Greenbelt Plan came into force (July 1, 2017)
Shorelines and Residential Clusters:
- Maximum of one (1) ADU permitted within the primary dwelling
- ADUs would be prohibited within any accessory building or structure
Public Input Encouraged
A Public Open House will be held on Wednesday, November 27, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the Township Council Chambers.
The Public Open House provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed amendments, ask questions, and provide feedback. Public comments will be considered before a formal Public Meeting on December 9.
Residents can find more detailed information on the township’s website, including a breakdown of ADU configurations, relevant policy documents, and contact details for providing input:
The Township of Scugog encourages residents to attend the Public Open House and participate in shaping the future of housing options in the community.
