The Town of Huntsville announced today the launch of its new Secondary Residential Dwelling Units (SRDU) program, which offers property owners a simple way to add dwelling units to their residential land. The program includes six comprehensive, pre-approved building design packages.
Secondary Residential Dwelling Units are independent living spaces that include their own kitchen and bathroom. They can be located within the main home or in a detached structure on the same property and are typically found on lots with a single-detached, semi-detached, or townhouse dwelling.
The pre-approved packages offer a variety of design options, unit sizes and floor plans (ranging in size from 250 to 600 square feet for a single-storey unit and 800 square feet for an above-the- garage-unit) and a range of package fees.
“We are excited to launch this initiative and the benefits it offers to those interested in building these types of dwellings on their residential property, whether for personal use or as rental units,” says Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock. “The SRDU program provides a streamlined process for constructing a variety of pre-approved secondary units and will be an important tool in increasing housing supply and affordable housing options in Huntsville. It is an opportunity for the Town and property owners and to collaborate in finding solutions.”
Building an SRDU offers the homeowner and community many important benefits:
- Simplified process - The SRDU program offers a pre-approved solution that minimizes the effort and red tape in a building project – just choose a design and begin the building process.
- Supports a variety of housing needs - It creates more diversity in Huntsville’s housing supply, which helps retain essential workers and supports multigenerational living and aging in place.
- Improving efficiencies - With standardized design and documentation, the program leads to greater efficiency throughout the planning and building process.
- Sustainable housing - Compact homes are more efficient to build and heat, aligning with the Town’s collective goal to minimize our impact on the environment.
- Financial benefits - SRDUs often improve property value and have income-generating potential through rental income.
What is included in the design package?
The pre-approved designs provide a full set of working construction drawings that include:
- Architectural Plans
- HVAC Design
- Electrical and Plumbing Design
- Structural Design and Construction Details
Since every building project is different and requires various infrastructure and construction needs (Precinct (zoning), septic, etc.), we’ve provided a list of what is included or excluded in the design packages on the Town of Huntsville website.
Anyone interested in learning more, reviewing the designs, and seeing if the program is a
fit for their property is encouraged to connect with building and planning staff at [email protected] or visit Huntsville.ca/srdu.
From the Town of Huntsville
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Totally agree with you Paul. Very interesting that city council is doing this . Have you ever tried to get a building permit for a small addition from the planning division, not a chance !
But now they ok this ? Wait and see what problems Huntsville incurs. Seems all city councils are being led by someone. Developers, builders ?
Paul, our town council is just following Ontario after permitting secondary dwelling units, a vast number of residents have been requesting this for years. It is a benefit to the community and the area, and council has put together a stream-lined system to help it happen.
Great idea as more housing is very much needed.
Why has council approved this idea? What propblem are they trying to solve or what problem are they creating. There is absolutely no needc to this and it is prpoblematic of a council outof control. You are destoying Muskoka and Huntsville. This must be addressed with resident consultations and included in the next officiasl plan.