What is an Additional Residential Unit (ARU)?
An ARU is an additional self-contained dwelling unit located on a lot containing a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, linked dwelling or townhouse dwelling. The Town of Georgina permits up to two ARU(s) on a rural or residential lot, subject to compliance with all applicable regulations.
Why build an ARU?
Building an ARU on your property can provide a variety of benefits and add new housing in your community. Some of the reasons to build an ARU may include:
- Providing an independent living space for family members while remaining close to home.
- Creating a purpose-built space for seniors to downsize while remaining in their home or community.
- Generating rental income to assist with mortgage payments or other costs of home ownership.
Through funding made available by the federal government, the Town of Georgina is currently offering financial incentives for residents looking to create a new ARU on their property.
ARU Guide
The Town of Georgina has developed an Additional Residential Units (ARUs) Guide to help residents understand the requirements, process and opportunities for creating an additional residential unit on their property. The guide provides clear, step-by-step information on zoning, building permits, design considerations and applicable regulations to support informed decision-making. Review the Additional Residential Units Guide for details and to get started.
How to use the guide
As you progress through the planning and development process, you should follow these general steps.
Step 1: Find out if your property is suitable for ARU(s)
Step 2: Create a proposal for your ARU(s) and schedule a pre-application meeting
Step 3: Apply for the appropriate ARU incentive program (optional and subject to funding availability)
Step 4: Apply for and obtain all required permits and approvals
Step 5: Build your ARU(s)
Questions? Contact the Building Division at building@georgina.ca
Key contacts
Visit us in person at 26557 Civic Centre Rd., Keswick or call us at 905- 476-4301.
Regular business hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Municipal departments
- Development Services Department: For questions about the ARU Financial Incentive Program and application process, contact planning@georgina.ca
- Building Division: For questions about zoning regulations and building permit applications and fees, or building code regulations contact, the Building Division at building@georgina.ca
- Building Inspections: To book a building inspection contact 905-476-4301, ext. 2283 or at building@georgina.ca
- Development Engineering Division: For questions about Site Alteration and Entrance Permits, servicing, grading and stormwater drainage, contact the Development Engineering Division at engineering@georgina.ca
Other external contacts
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority: To confirm if your property is located within an area regulated by the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and to determine whether an LSRCA Permit is required, visit lsrca.on.ca or call 905-895-1281 or 1-800-465-0437.
- Hydro One: To confirm electricity connection and metering requirements, visit hydroone.com or call 1-888-664-9376.
- Enbridge Gas: To confirm natural gas connection and metering requirements, visit enbridgegas.com or call 1-877-362-7434.
- Canada Post: To coordinate mail service delivery to a new ARU(s), read the Delivery Planning Standards manual.
- Ministry of Transportation Ontario: If your property is adjacent to a provincial highway, you may need a permit.
- Electrical Safety Authority for information on hiring a licensed electrical contractor or scheduling electrical inspections visit esasafe.com or call 1-877-ESA-SAFE.
- York Region: If your property is on a regional road, an entrance or road occupancy permit may be required, visit York Region’s Road Use and Road Sign Permits.