Pickering Secondary Suite Guide
Pickering caps basement apartments at 100 m² and requires 3 on-site parking spaces — plan your project around these limits.
Permit Fees
$500 registration + building permit (varies)
Timeline
3-5 months from application to occupancy
Region
Durham Region
Overview
Pickering permits basement apartments in eligible residential dwellings with specific restrictions. The maximum size is 100 m² (1,076 sq ft), and the apartment must be smaller than the primary dwelling. Registration is mandatory ($500 fee).
Notable Pickering rules: minimum 3 on-site parking spaces required on the property, and home-based businesses are prohibited in either unit of a dwelling containing a basement apartment. These are stricter than most GTA municipalities.
Pickering Requirements
| Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Ceiling Height | 1.95 m (6'5") minimum | OBC standard applies. |
Fire Separation | 1-hour fire-rated assembly | 5/8" Type X gypsum both sides. Full tested assembly required. |
Egress Windows | 0.35 m² unobstructed opening per bedroom | Window wells required for below-grade. No dimension less than 380 mm. |
Parking | 3 on-site parking spaces minimum | All 3 spaces must be on the property — street parking does not count. This is stricter than most GTA cities. |
Electrical | Separate sub-panel + ESA permit | ESA inspection mandatory. |
Plumbing | Verify drain capacity + backwater valve | Backwater valve required. |
HVAC | Independent heating or zone control | Separate thermostat required. |
Zoning | Max 100 m² (1,076 sq ft), must be smaller than primary dwelling | Home-based business prohibited in either unit of a dwelling containing a basement apartment. |
Ontario Building Code Standards (Apply Everywhere)
These OBC requirements apply to all secondary suites in Ontario, regardless of municipality.
Fire Separation: 1-hour fire-rated ceiling assembly (Type X drywall)
Required between dwelling units. 2024 OBC update: smoke-tight barriers may replace full fire separations in some configurations. Inspected before occupancy permit.
Egress Windows: Min 0.35 m² openable area per bedroom
Bottom of opening max 1.5 m above floor. Must be rescuable from outside.
Electrical: Separate 100A panel minimum
ESA inspection mandatory. AFCI breakers required for bedrooms.
Plumbing: Separate water meter + backwater valve
Drainage must meet Part 7 standards. Backflow prevention required.
HVAC: Independent heating system OR zone control
Ventilation: min 10 L/s per occupant. HRV recommended.
Permit Process
Step-by-step guide to getting your Pickering building permit
Total Timeline
3-5 months from application to occupancy
Permit Fees
$500 registration + building permit (varies)
Check Zoning
1-2 daysVerify your property zone allows basement apartments. Confirm parking (3 spaces required).
Prepare Drawings
1-3 weeksFloor plans, sections, fire separation details, plumbing, electrical, HVAC.
Submit Building Permit
1 daySubmit to Pickering Building Department with drawings and fees.
Plan Review
4-8 weeksCity reviews for OBC, zoning, and fire code.
Construction + Inspections
8-12 weeksBuild per approved plans. Inspections at framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, final.
Registration
1-2 weeksRegister basement apartment with the City. Pay $500 registration fee.
Incentives & Rebates
Federal and provincial programs that can help fund your secondary suite project. See all rebates available in Pickering
Canada Secondary Suite Loan
Up to $80,000 at 2% interest
Federal loan program. 15-year repayment.
Ontario Secondary Suite Incentive
Up to $40,000 forgivable
Rent at below-market rates for 5 years — loan forgiven at 20% per year.
Pro tip: You can stack federal and provincial programs for up to $120,000 in combined funding. Apply for federal programs first, then provincial.
Pickering-Specific Tips
- Maximum apartment size: 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) — must be smaller than the primary dwelling.
- Parking: 3 on-site spaces required — stricter than most GTA cities. Plan your driveway carefully.
- Home-based business is prohibited in EITHER unit of a dwelling with a basement apartment.
- Registration fee: $500. Register with the City after all inspections pass.
- Pre-approved ADU designs available (shared program with Whitby) — saves $2,000–$4,000 in design fees.
Official Resources
Secondary Suite Guides for Nearby Cities
Compare requirements and incentives in other Ontario municipalities.
Related Services
Common trades and services for basement apartment projects.
Complete Guide
Province-wide secondary suite guide with all requirements.
Learn moreUnderpinning
Excavate to lower floor and meet ceiling height requirements.
Learn moreWaterproofing
Fix moisture issues before finishing basement apartment.
Learn moreElectrical
Panel upgrades, separate meters, and ESA permits.
Learn morePlumbing
Drain capacity, backwater valves, and separate water meters.
Learn moreCommon Questions
Get a Quote for Your Pickering Basement Apartment
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