What are the current zoning requirements for a legal basement apartment in Barrhaven?

Legal basement apartments in Barrhaven must comply with Ottawa's R4 zoning requirements, which allow secondary dwelling units in most residential areas, though specific lot requirements and parking regulations may vary by exact location within Barrhaven.

Barrhaven falls under Ottawa's zoning bylaws, and most residential areas are zoned R4, which permits secondary dwelling units including basement apartments. However, the specific requirements depend on your exact address and the underlying zoning designation. The key requirements include minimum unit sizes - bachelor units need at least 28 square meters (about 300 sq ft) while one-bedroom units require 37 square meters (roughly 400 sq ft). Your basement apartment must have a separate entrance that doesn't require passing through the main dwelling unit.

Fire separation is critical - you'll need a 45-minute fire-rated separation between the basement unit and the main house, which typically involves specific drywall assemblies and proper sealing of penetrations. The unit must have adequate ceiling height (minimum 6'5" in most areas, though some rooms can be 6'3"), proper egress windows for bedrooms, and independent utilities or sub-metering capabilities.

Parking requirements in Barrhaven can be challenging since many areas require additional parking spaces for secondary units. Depending on your specific zone, you may need 1-2 additional parking spaces beyond what's required for the main house. Some newer Barrhaven subdivisions have more restrictive covenants that may conflict with zoning permissions, so it's essential to check both city zoning and any registered restrictions on your property.

The permit process involves submitting detailed plans to Ottawa's Building Code Services, including structural, electrical, and plumbing drawings. You'll need to demonstrate compliance with Ontario Building Code requirements for secondary suites, including sound transmission ratings between units. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks for secondary suite applications, and you'll need multiple inspections throughout construction.

Before proceeding, contact the City of Ottawa at 613-580-2424 to confirm your specific property's zoning and any additional requirements. Some Barrhaven properties may have site-specific restrictions or be in areas with modified zoning that affects secondary suite permissions.

For a comprehensive assessment of your Barrhaven property's potential for a legal basement apartment, including navigating the permit process and ensuring full code compliance, Ottawa Basements offers free consultations to evaluate your specific situation and local requirements.