Accessory Apartment

Contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before you dig to locate underground utilities and avoid damage during construction.

Verify that your plans, proposed dimensions and location are permitted under the Town of Oakville's zoning by-laws which regulate the use, shape and location of buildings on properties. 

To learn more visit our Zoning page or contact us at 905-845-6601 ext. 3955. 

You will require a separate zoning certificate of occupancy approval. Apply online at online services. 

Accessory apartments require minimum window sizes based on the room they are located in and associated area.

If you plan to add an egress door with a walk up stairs, you will need to consult an engineer or BCIN qualified designer for construction drawings and details

Heritage properties are managed to conserve important cultural heritage attributes. If your property is on the town's heritage registry it may require heritage approval. Learn more on our Heritage Planning page or contact a town Heritage Planner for assistance at 905-845-6601 ext. 3870 or 3875. If you are making changes to the building façade for windows or doors you will need heritage approval.

If your project includes excavation and your property backs onto green space, a river bed or wetland you will need Conservation Halton approval. 

Learn more at Conservation Halton. Contact Conservation Halton for approval at web@hrca.on.ca or 905-336-1158.

Trees on your property, your neighbour's property and on the municipal right of way may require tree protection, particularly when heavy equipment and excavation is involved. In certain instances, a permit may be required to remove private trees. Learn more about tree removal and how to find a licensed arborist.

A separate development engineering permit for site alteration may be required when digging, excavating or altering the grade. 

Contact ServiceOakville for more information.

New construction or physical changes to your building or land may result in additional property taxes being levied.  These changes may result in an increase of value to your property, and the town is legislated to issue additional property tax billings due to an increase in value. 

• The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) can provide the Town with increased property values (supplementary and/or omitted assessment) for the current tax year and two years prior when: 
  • land is omitted from the assessment roll 
  • use of the property changes 
  • property is improved due to construction, an addition, or renovation 
• You will receive a Property Assessment Change Notice from MPAC, informing you of the supplementary and/or omitted assessment value. 
• Supplementary and/or omitted residential property tax bills are calculated by multiplying the supplementary and/or omitted assessment value by the tax rate for the applicable tax year. 
• MPAC has authority to assign omitted and/or supplementary assessment for the current year and two years prior. 
• If you own a new property or have purchased a home in a new subdivision, the first regular bill you receive from the Town may only be for the portion relating to land value. You should expect a supplementary and/or omitted bill for the structure to follow. 
• Supplementary and/or omitted assessments are issued under the authority of Section 34 and 33 of the Assessment Act. 

For more information on supplementary and omitted taxes, visit our Property Assessments & Appeals page or email tax@oakville.ca. 

Development charges may be payable on certain types of accessory units. To learn more, contact Development Finance at DCForms@oakville.ca and the Halton District School Board at edc@hdsb.ca.