The City of Belleville has announced that second dwelling units, sometimes referred to as accessory apartments, are now permitted in detached, semi-detached, townhouse dwellings or accessory buildings, subject to zoning requirements and restrictions. Legal second units can provide important community benefits such as safe and affordable rental housing. Second units also provide economic benefits to homeowners and they support the flexible housing needs of youth, young families and seniors.
Registration for second units began in November 2018. New second units will be registered with new building permits, while existing owners of second units are encouraged to apply for building permits or provide documentation in order to register their second units. Only those units that have been registered with the City are recognized as legal second unit dwellings by the City.
“The inspection and registration of second dwelling units ensures homeowners the apartments they are offering to rent meet the necessary safety requirements, enabling them to provide safe rental accommodations,” explained Rod Bovay, Director, Engineering and Development Services. “Renters are encouraged to request confirmation of registration before entering a rental agreement for safety purposes.”
“Council and I are very pleased to see the second dwelling unit by-law in place,” added Mayor Mitch Panciuk. “With a housing shortage in our city we hope this will create a safe, affordable option for renters and provide economic benefits to homeowners.”
For further details regarding how to build or register a second unit visit: http://belleville.ca/city-hall/page/second-units-policy