Do I need to provide a parking spot for my basement tenant in Centretown?

In most areas of Centretown, you are not required to provide a dedicated parking spot for your basement tenant, but this depends on your specific zoning and when your property was built.

The parking requirements for secondary dwelling units in Ottawa vary significantly by zone and the age of your property. Centretown has mixed zoning - some areas are zoned R4 (which typically doesn't require additional parking for secondary suites), while others may be R3 or have different requirements. Properties built before certain dates may be grandfathered under older bylaws that had different parking standards.

For most R4-zoned properties in Centretown (which covers much of the core area), the City of Ottawa generally does not require additional parking spaces when you add a secondary dwelling unit to an existing single-family home. This recognizes that Centretown residents often rely on public transit, walking, and cycling rather than car ownership. However, if your property is in an R3 zone or has other zoning designations, you may need to provide one parking space per dwelling unit.

The key factors that determine your parking requirements include:

• Your exact zoning (R3, R4, or other)


• When your home was originally built


• Whether you're converting existing space or adding new floor area


• Your lot size and existing parking configuration

Given Centretown's excellent transit access - with multiple OC Transpo routes, LRT stations nearby, and walkable amenities - many basement tenants in the area don't require parking. However, providing parking (even street parking access) can make your unit more attractive to potential tenants and may increase your rental income.

To determine your specific requirements, check your property's zoning on the City of Ottawa's GeoOttawa mapping tool or contact Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. When you apply for your building permit for the secondary suite, the City will confirm exactly what parking requirements apply to your property.

For a free consultation about converting your basement into a legal secondary suite in Centretown, contact Ottawa Basements - we'll help navigate both the zoning requirements and the renovation process to create a compliant rental unit.