Additional Residential Unit
An Additional Residential Unit or ARU is a separate living unit within your house. This includes basement apartments, in-law suites and other separate living spaces. If you rent a room in a house but share an entrance, kitchen, or bathroom, then you do not live in an ARU. To be considered an ARU, the unit must have:
- A private entrance
- A kitchen
- Living quarters
- Sleeping facilities
- Bathroom facilities
Since 2013, residences with ARU's must be registered with the Town. This requirement was established by Bylaw 2013-13 (as amended).
Building an Additional Residential Unit
To build an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) on your property, you'll need to confirm that an ARU is allowed in your zone. Before you begin building, you'll also need to obtain the correct building permits and pass the proper inspections. The size of ARU you are able to build depends on your property, zoning, and the Ontario Building Code.
If you're thinking about building an ARU on your property, we encourage you to review the Homeowners Guide to ARUs [PDF/1.2MB]. In it, you can find:
- Zoning information
- Instructions for construction drawings
- How to apply for a building permit and what documents are required
- The permit process
- ARU registration process
For more support, please email at buildings@newmarket.ca, who can help answer your questions.
If the value of your property increases as a result of building an additional residential unit, your property tax could increase as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). If you would like more detailed information about property assessment, please contact MPAC toll-free at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722).
Parking spaces within an ARU
Each Additional Residential Unit (ARU) must provide one (1) parking space, in addition to two (2) spaces required for the main dwelling. If one ARU is proposed, a total of three (3) parking spaces is required.
Parking spaces must be located within the maximum permitted driveway width, between the garage and the sidewalk/curb. Spaces must be arranged perpendicular to the street. All required parking spaces must be exterior (not within a garage).
If you are planning on building an ARU, you should be prepared to potentially add parking spaces to your property.
Contact the Town's Planning department at at planning@newmarket.ca for learn more about adding additional parking spaces on your property for and ARU.
Registering an ARU
All ARU's in Newmarket must be registered. Registered ARU's will receive a small 'N' plate to put on your home. This identifies that your property has an ARU. Additionally, the ARU will be assigned the letter 'B' in your address, to identify it as a separate unit.
In case of emergency, the 'N' plate and 'B' address help responders know there are two units in the home. This saves them time and can potentially save lives.
Additionally, houses with an 'N' plate are entitled to put out more garbage and recycling items, improving health and safety in the home. Each household is entitled to put out three bags, so properties with an ARU may put out six total bags.
Registering your ARU means responsible landlords and safe tenants.
How to register
To register your ARU, you must:
- Complete an ARU application form or pick one up at the Town's Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive.
- File the appropriate documents from the Fire Department and Electrical Safety Authority or a final building permit inspection report.
- Pay the one time application fee of $268.93 at the Legislative Services desk at the Town's Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive.
To check if your ARU is registered, contact the Legislative Services department at 905-953-5300 ext. 2220.
Map of ARUs
The map below shows the registered ARUs in the Town of Newmarket.