Can I Put a Tiny Home on My Property in Ontario?
Tiny homes, garden suites, and backyard homes are becoming increasingly popular. The most common question from homeowners is – can I put a tiny home on my property on my property in Ontario?
The short answer – yes!
The long answer: If your property meets Ontario’s zoning, building code, and servicing requirements for an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). We’ve provided this handy guide with everything you need to know to answer “Can I Put a Tiny Home on My Property in Ontario?” We’ve also included an index of Ontario Municipalities and their localized ARU/ADU guidelines for you to view the regulations in your hometown.
First, let’s address some common issues when adding a Tiny Home in Ontario, how we help, and how you can build your very own.
Proper zoning for tiny homes comes down to whether or not your property allows a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) – Accessory Residential Unit (ARU) – Garden Suite – Laneway Home. This is the first step to unlocking your tiny home build project. Let’s outline why, even though zoning allows – most people run into challenges with their build project.
Tiny Home Zoning Confusion
Municipal requirements differ drastically, factors such as setbacks, building height limits, parking, and connection servicing rules all vary across Ontario. Not one property design, set up or connections will be the same. The puzzle pieces need to fit and they all look different – which is why you need experts to determine exactly what you are able to do!
Permit Rejections
Most rejections occur due to incomplete drawings, missing mechanical details, or code deficiencies.
Designer-to-Contractor Miscommunication
When homeowners hire separate parties, plans often do not match construction realities, leading to delays, redesigns, and added costs.
Unexpected Site Conditions
Many properties require electrical upgrades, soil remediation, tree protection, or engineered foundations.
How Suite Builders Simplifies Tiny Home Approvals
By providing a fully integrated design and construction service, Suite Builders streamlines the entire process; from permit drawings and architectural design to turnkey construction so homeowners and investors avoid unexpected costs, delays, and miscommunications.
- One coordinated team for design, permits, and construction
- Architectural + structural + mechanical drawings included
- Permit submission and revisions handled on your behalf
- Build-ready plans and turnkey construction
EXAMPLE PROJECT: Suite Builders successfully designed & built this modern, 2-storey detached laneway home for a narrow, century property under strict height requirements in Hamilton. By avoiding a minor variance, we kept the project on track and exceeded the homeowners’ expectations. This 685 ft² tiny home was designed to provide both functional living space and a separate rental opportunity, contributing to Hamilton’s housing stock while offering the homeowners a steady source of rental income. While this isn’t your typical one story tiny home, it provides a good example of what is possible, and how to build on complex properties by choosing the right builder.
Learn more about our design-build ARU/ADU process here: Suite Builders Design-Build Process.
Requirements for Putting a Tiny Home on Your Property
1. Zoning Eligibility
Your municipality determines:
- Where ARUs are allowed
- Maximum building size
- Setbacks and height limits
- Servicing and parking requirements
Review ARU rules for your city:
Western GTA / Golden Horseshoe
Niagara Region
Waterloo Region / Guelph / Wellington
Brant / Oxford / Norfolk Region
Southwest Ontario
2. Size Limits
Most tiny homes in Ontario range from 40–60 m², with some municipalities allowing up to 75 m² depending on lot size.
3. Ontario Building Code Requirements
- Ceiling height minimums
- Proper insulation and energy efficiency
- Fire separations
- Egress compliance
- HVAC ventilation
- Smoke/CO alarms
4. Servicing Requirements
Your tiny home must be connected to potable water, sanitary sewer, and adequate electrical service.
5. Required Permits
Permits typically include: architectural drawings, structural plans, mechanical layouts, and a site plan.
Learn how Suite Builders handles all design and permit steps: Our Process.
Build a Legal Tiny Home in Ontario with Suite Builders
Suite Builders provides turnkey design, permits, and construction for tiny homes, ARUs, and garden suites across Ontario.
By providing a fully integrated design and construction service, we streamline the entire process, from permit drawings and architectural design to turnkey construction so homeowners and investors avoid unexpected costs, delays, and miscommunications.
Book a free Feasibility Call with our team to find out if your property qualifies.
