Two-Unit Houses (Barrie Second Suites) & Accessory Buildings

Thinking About Adding a Second Suite in Barrie? Here’s What You Need to Know

Adding a second suite — whether a finished basement apartment, a garden suite, or a coach house — can be a smart way to boost income, support family, or increase long-term property value. But in Barrie, this isn’t a “just put in a kitchen and rent it out” situation. Ignoring legal requirements can result in fines or even forced shutdowns.

Here’s a complete guide to navigating second suites safely and legally in Barrie.

What Exactly Is a Second Suite (or ARU)?

A second suite is a fully self-contained dwelling unit located within, attached to, or detached from your main home. It must include:

  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Sleeping area
  • Separate entrance

These units can be:

  • Internal (basement or interior conversion)
  • Attached (an addition)
  • Detached (coach house or garden suite)

Second suites are permitted on properties zoned Neighbourhood Area under Barrie’s zoning regulations¹.

Second suites are an attractive housing option, providing affordable, independent living spaces within established homes while also helping owners offset mortgage costs.

Why Registration Is Mandatory

All second suites, including detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), must be registered with the City of Barrie². Registration ensures:

  • Fire & Emergency Services know the unit exists
  • Building Services can confirm compliance with Ontario Building Code, Fire Code, and Property Standards
  • Safety inspections protect tenants and property owners

Failing to register is a contravention of the Second Suites Registration By-law and can result in fines or enforcement action².

Note: Since March 2024, once all required inspections are passed, registration is automatically granted — no extra licensing step is required².

How Registration Works

1. Application – Submit the registration form with floor plans, layout, and lot sketch².

2. Inspections – The City conducts inspections to ensure compliance with zoning, building, fire, and property standards².

3. Corrections – Address any issues found during inspection (fire separations, exits, ventilation) and schedule re-inspection².

4. Final Registration – After inspection approval, the suite is officially registered².

5. Notifications – Key departments and utilities, along with the property owner, are notified².

Key Zoning & Building Requirements

  • One second suite per property³
  • Maximum size: Up to 45% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area
  • Parking: Minimum of one dedicated parking space per unit
  • Detached units (DADUs): Must comply with lot coverage, setbacks, height, accessory structure rules³
  • Municipal services: Detached units must be fully connected³

Safety & Compliance

All legal second suites must meet:

  • Ontario Building Code
  • Ontario Fire Code
  • Barrie Property Standards

This includes proper exits, fire-rated barriers, smoke alarms, ventilation, and electrical safety. The City inspects thoroughly to ensure safety².

Grandfathering & Older Units

Some older units may qualify for grandfathering, meaning they can legally exist without meeting all current zoning standards. Proof of the unit’s existence prior to amendments must be submitted to Barrie Planning Services. Even grandfathered suites must be registered².

Why Legalizing Your Suite Matters

  • Peace of mind — avoid fines or enforcement
  • Safety — protect your tenants and property
  • Property value — legal suites increase resale value
  • Rental income — offset mortgage costs
  • Community impact — second suites support affordable housing initiatives¹

Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs)

Since 2019, Barrie allows detached accessory dwelling units, which are separate structures on the same property. Key requirements include²,³:

  • Lot coverage ≤ 10%
  • Connection to municipal services
  • Compliance with accessory structure location standards
  • Provision of at least one parking space
  • Height, setback, and privacy rules

Affordable Housing

Second suites are a relatively simple way to provide affordable housing while supporting healthy vacancy rates and helping owners offset homeownership costs¹. This aligns with provincial initiatives under the Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act.

Disclaimer

If you’re exploring second suites outside Barrie — including Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Orillia, Bradford, Collingwood, Essa, or Midland — each municipality has its own rules, zoning, and registration requirements. Processes and approvals vary; always check local regulations or work with a knowledgeable, investor-focused local agent before proceeding.

Need an Investor-Focused, Strategy-Driven Agent?

Shannon Murree and the MovingSimcoe.com Team specializes in second suites, DADUs, and investment properties. With decades of experience and recognition as the only McGillivray Trusted Agents for Barrie, Innisfil, and Orillia, we guide clients through the process to ensure compliance, safety, and maximum value.

Resource Links for Simcoe County Second Suites

Footnotes

  1. City of Barrie – Additional Residential Units policies and zoning regulations

  2. City of Barrie – Second Suites Registration By-law 2020-010; 2024 registration updates

  3. City of Barrie – Zoning requirements for ARUs and DADUs