More housing options available in London neighbourhoods

Amendments to The London Plan and the Zoning By-law to increase the number of additional residential units permitted on a property and remove the five-bedroom limit city wide, except for in near campus neighbourhoods are now officially in force. 

Londoners are now able to have up to four total separate units on a residential property, with no limit on the number of total bedrooms, where zoning permits single detached, semi-detached, street townhouse, duplex, triplex or converted dwellings. For near campus neighbourhoods, the bedroom limit was amended from three to five, with added provisions to further increase the bedroom limit when creating additional residential units, where permitted. 

“As a municipality we are committed to making it easier for developers, businesses, and residents to build more rental units as part of the shared solution to the housing shortage,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “These changes support the creation of rental units in existing neighbourhoods across the city and will help create affordable housing options for multigenerational families, young people, and older adults in London.” 

Additional Residential Units (ARUs): 

• Self contained dwelling unit located within the same building or on the same lot, as an existing residential unit. Self contained means that it has its own kitchen and washroom facilities and a separate entrance.
• Permitted ‘as-of-right’, which means applicants can apply for a building permit without additional zoning by-law amendments or variances, if by-law regulations are met.
• A total of four separate units (including the original unit) are permitted on a residential property where the zoning permits. A maximum of three ARUs are permitted, which may include a maximum of two additional units in an accessory building. 
• ARUs can be located within the interior of the existing house (for example in the basement), in an existing garage, or by constructing a detached tiny home on the property or as an addition to an existing building. 
• There are four main types of ARUs including: interior/basement conversion, converted garage, detached and addition to existing building. 

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“London is supporting this type of residential development to offer more housing options, make homes more affordable, and use land more efficiently,” said Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager of Planning and Economic Development. “These changes to the City's Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw will make it easier for homeowners to add extra housing units to their properties.” 

These amendments are part of a number of important initiatives the City of London is undertaking that will support the creation of new housing opportunities across the city. Learn more at london.ca/morehomes.

Learn more about ARUs and find answers to frequently asked questions visit london.ca/aru.