Collingwood Additional Residential Unit Design

Second Dwelling Unit Permit Drawings in Collingwood

BCIN-qualified design and permit drawings for secondary suites, basement apartments, and attached or detached additional residential units in Collingwood, Ontario.

Request a Free Consultation Call 705-905-2134
Zoning Certificate Plans Permit Drawings BCIN Design

Collingwood ARU design

Permit-ready plans for Collingwood secondary suites and ARUs

Collingwood uses “Secondary Suite” and “Additional Residential Unit” for independent living spaces located within a house or in a detached accessory building. Examples include basement apartments, units above a garage, and separate coach houses.

ESCL Design prepares clear, code-conscious plans for new units and existing suites that require a documented permit path.

Local approval pathway

Start with Collingwood zoning, then move to the building permit

1. Confirm the property
Review the proposed unit type, servicing, parking, lot conditions, and applicable ARU zoning provisions.
2. Obtain a Zoning Certificate
Collingwood requires a Zoning Certificate before the residential building permit application. A suitable site plan is part of this step.
3. Prepare and submit permit drawings
Complete the existing and proposed plans, construction information, and required forms, then submit through the Town’s Public Portal.
4. Complete construction and inspections
Approved work must be completed and inspected at the stages required by Collingwood Building Services.

Drawing package

What Collingwood typically expects in a secondary-suite permit set

Property & Existing Plans

The submission establishes the property and existing house before showing the proposed work.

  • Site plan used for the Zoning Certificate
  • Complete existing-house floor plans
  • Existing room names and conditions
  • Relevant survey and property dimensions

Proposed Suite Plans

Detailed plans explain the layout and construction of the additional unit.

  • Room names, sizes, and finishes
  • Plumbing fixtures and entrances
  • Egress windows and escape provisions
  • Existing and proposed ceiling heights

Safety & Exterior Details

Permit details address separation, exits, openings, and site changes.

  • Fire-separation construction
  • Window dimensions and glass area
  • Elevations for new doors or windows
  • Exterior stair and landing coordination

Property-specific review

Items that can change the Collingwood ARU design

Municipal or private servicing
A septic-served property requires evaluation to confirm the system can support the additional unit and may require upgrades.
Exterior stairs and entrances
Setbacks, landings, grading, construction details, and professional engineering may affect a proposed entrance.
Detached ARU zoning
Height, yards, lot layout, access, parking, servicing, and the total number of units must be confirmed for the property.
Heritage and other approvals
Properties in the Downtown Heritage Conservation District or designated under the Ontario Heritage Act may require additional approval.

Town initiative

Collingwood’s Rapid ARU Initiative

Collingwood’s Rapid ARU Initiative provides a step-by-step guide, pre-approved design resources, and information about available financial incentives. Eligibility, funding, and property suitability must be confirmed directly with the Town before relying on the program.

Review Collingwood’s Rapid ARU resources

Town resources

Confirm current Collingwood requirements

Frequently asked questions

Collingwood second dwelling unit questions

Do I need a Zoning Certificate before the building permit?

Yes. Collingwood requires a Zoning Certificate before applying for a residential building permit. The site plan submitted with the Zoning Certificate is also required for the secondary-suite permit application.

Can I build a detached additional residential unit?

Collingwood’s ARU framework allows attached and detached unit types, subject to property-specific zoning, servicing, parking, access, setbacks, height, building, and other applicable requirements.

Can you help legalize an existing basement apartment?

Yes. We can prepare existing and proposed permit drawings for suitable projects. Existing concealed construction may need investigation or exposure, and corrective work or additional consultants may be required.

What if my property uses a septic system?

Collingwood requires the existing septic system to be evaluated so the additional unit does not reduce its performance. A qualified septic designer may determine that an upgrade or replacement is needed.

Start your Collingwood project

Request second dwelling unit drawings

Or email info@escldesign.ca