Additional Residential Units

Additional Residential Units (ARUs)

Additional Residential Units (ARU) are permitted in The Town of Gravenhurst, subject to local regulations. The Zoning By-law outlines the requirements for this use. Below is a summary of some of the requirements, but also see Section 5.1 of the Zoning By-law (page 40) for more details regarding Additional Residential Units.

1. ARUs may be permitted within the primary dwelling and/or in an accessory building in Urban, Community, or Rural Areas, specifically in the R-1, R-2, R-3, RM-1, RM-2, RC-4, and RR-5 zones provided the lot meets the minimum lot area and frontage requirements of the zone. Please note that ARUs are not permitted in the Residential Waterfront (RW-6) Zones. You can check your property's zone on Muskoka GeoHub
2. Municipal or private services are required.
3. ARUs cannot be severed from the primary dwelling in the Rural Area.
4. Where an ARU is to be located in an accessory structure, the minimum setback requirements listed for the principal building in the applicable zone apply.         
5. One additional parking spot is required for each ARU.
6. ALL Additional Residential Units must meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code as needed.

Other Regulations May Apply

• A list of all Building Code requirements for dwelling units can be found in the Ontario Building Code
• Factory-built Tiny Homes or Mobile Manufactured Homes must meet one of the two key CSA certification standards in the Building Code for factory-built buildings (CSA-Z240.2.1-09; CSA A277-08).

Building permits and inspections are required prior to the start of construction. Contact the Building Department.

Reports to Town of Gravenhurst

• April 2022 Planning Council Report
• October 2024 Housing Needs Assessment Report
• May 2025 Gravenhurst Housing Action Plan Report

Additional Residential Unit Brochure

View the Brochure