In an effort to support the creation of more affordable housing options in Barrie, the city is reducing building permit application fees for additional residential units (ARUs) by 50 per cent in 2026. The City is also offering full rebates on building permit application fees on units that achieve occupancy, or equivalent (final interior inspection), within twelve months of permit issuance.
Common examples of additional residential units include basement apartments or in-law suites, a coach house or secondary dwelling, or an addition to an existing home to make space for a new dwelling unit.
“Supporting the creation of additional residential units is one of the many tools we can use to increase housing options,” says Michelle Banfield, Executive Director of Development Services. “These units tend to be more affordable across existing neighbourhoods, and they also give property owners an opportunity to generate rental income or support family members. They are a practical way to increase housing supply as our city grows.”
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To further support property owners in creating additional residential units, the city has also launched a suite of standardized ARU designs. Standardized designs streamline the review and permitting process and may reduce costs for property owners, as plan fees are significantly lower than those for custom drawings. Free previews of the designs are available on the city’s website, but property owners must contact the designer directly to purchase the full set of plans, including a site plan showing where the ARU will be built on their property. Owners are still responsible for meeting zoning requirements, and all aspects of permitting and construction, including associated fees.
Both initiatives are part of the city’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, to encourage and incentivize additional residential units.
For detailed steps on how to use one of the standardized ARU designs, and more information on additional residential units in Barrie and the building permit application fee reduction program, including eligibility, visit barrie.ca/ARU.
