SECONDARY SUITES

BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION GUIDE

Revised: February 2020 Page 2 of 5

Construction Drawings
All drawings must be submitted in Digital Submission Guidelines,
drawn to an appropriate scale (min or metric equivalent), and clearly legible. Drawings in pencil shall
be photocopied prior to submission, with the density adjusted so that all information is clear and legible. All
walls must be drawn as double lines (accurately showing wall thickness), and drawings must clearly
differentiate between existing and proposed construction. Every page of the drawings shall include the project
address and the following designer information:
Homeowner design - printed name of homeowner, signature and date
Qualified BCIN design - printed name, individual/firm (if applicable) BCIN numbers, signature and date
Architect or Professionally - Architect or Professional Engineer s seal with a signature and date
Engineered design

The following construction drawings are required for a Secondary Suite:

1) Site Plan

2) Existing Floor Layouts

3) Proposed Floor Layouts including Egress Plan (Samples A-01, A-02, A-03, A-04)

4) Elevations showing Secondary Suite Entrance and Egress/Escape Window (Samples A-05)

5) Sections and Wall/Ceiling/Fire Separation Construction Details (Samples A-06)

Refer to the enclosed sample drawings for specific drawing requirements, including the number of copies of
each drawing required. In addition, when exterior window or door openings are added/enlarged or the
Secondary Suite does not have a door on the floor level with direct access to the exterior please refer to the
Exterior Openings Building Permit Application Guide requirements, including
specific egress window requirements.

Inspection Requirements:
Typical Secondary Suite inspections can include (depending on the scope of work):
Framing
Insulation & Air Barrier
Underground Plumbing, Above Ground Plumbing and Final Plumbing
Heating Rough-in and Final Heating
Final Building
Inspections are booked by calling the Building Division at (905) 878-7252 ext. 2396 or online by using our
Online Building Inspection Request form.

Milton Town Hall | 150 Mary Street, Milton ON L9T 6Z5 | P. (905) 878-7252 | F. (905) 878-6995 | TTY. (905) 878-1657
The Town of Milton is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If another format would work
better for you, please contact 905-878-7252 ext. 2109 or visit http://www.milton.ca/en/live/accessiblemilton.asp | TTY at 1-866-786-3941.
www.milton.ca
 SECONDARY SUITES
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION GUIDE
Revised: February 2020 Page 3 of 5

BUILDING SPECIFIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

BUILDING CONDITION
REQUIREMENTS A B
Less than 5 years since 5 years or more since occupancy
occupancy
FLOOR FIRE SEPARATION(continuous)
30 min - for all common spaces AND when interconnected smoke
alarms are not provided between both suites
Permitted Floor Fire Resistance Rating (FRR)
15 min - when interconnected smoke alarms are provided between
both suites
Permitted Floor Sound Rating (STC) Not required
WALL FIRE SEPARATION (continuous)
Permitted Wall Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) 30 min
Permitted Door Fire Protection Rating (FPR)
20 min
(Note: door requires a self-closing device)
Permitted Wall Sound Rating (STC) Not required
SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
Permitted Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) for load
Same as Floor FRR
bearing walls, beams, and columns
HVAC SYSTEMS
Must be installed in return air duct system and will completely turn
Duct type Smoke Detector off fuel and electrical supply to the heating system upon activation if
existing furnace serves both dwelling units
SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS (general requirements only, additional requirements may apply)
May be required based on Floor FRR
Interconnection between dwelling units
(see above)
Required locations and general requirements Smoke alarms are required on every floor level, in every bedroom,
in hallways serving a bedroom, and in all common areas. All smoke
alarms within a dwelling unit shall be interconnected and have a
visual signaling component (strobe light).

Carbon Monoxide alarms to be installed in hallways serving a

bedroom.
MINIMUM WINDOW AREA
Living and Dining Rooms 10% of area served 5% of area served
Bedrooms and other Finished Rooms 5% of area served 2.5% of area served
CEILING HEIGHT (Minimum)
-11 over entire floor -
All Rooms - and any location normally used as
a mean of egress

Milton Town Hall | 150 Mary Street, Milton ON L9T 6Z5 | P. (905) 878-7252 | F. (905) 878-6995 | TTY. (905) 878-1657
The Town of Milton is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If another format would work
better for you, please contact 905-878-7252 ext. 2109 or visit http://www.milton.ca/en/live/accessiblemilton.asp | TTY at 1-866-786-3941.
www.milton.ca
 SECONDARY SUITES
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION GUIDE
Revised: February 2020 Page 4 of 5

GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

DOOR SIZES (Minimum) Minimum Width Minimum Height
Dwelling Unit Entrance or Utility Room
Bedroom or Rooms not mentioned elsewhere
Bathroom, Washroom, and Walk-in closets

ROOM SIZES - Separate Spaces Min. ft2 ROOM SIZES - Combined Min. ft2
Living Room 145 Living Room (> 1 bedroom) 145
Dining Room 75 Living Room (1 bedroom) 118
Kitchen (> 1 bedroom) 45 Dining Room 35
Kitchen (1 Bedroom only) 40 Kitchen (> 1 bedroom) 45
Master Bedroom (with closet) 95 Kitchen (1 bedroom) 40
Master Bedroom (without closet) 105 Bedrooms 45
Other Bedroom (with closet) 65
Other Bedroom (without closet) 75 ROOM SIZES - Bachelor Min.ft2
Sufficient space for Living, Dining, Bedroom
Bathroom 145
fixtures and Kitchen

Each unit shall have access to common laundry facilities or have connections within each unit for the
connection of laundry appliances

Note: These design tips do not cover all of the requirements for Secondary Suites. The person taking responsibility for the
design should refer to the 2012 Ontario Building Code for a detailed listing of all requirements. The most current Building
Code is available at e-Laws - Ontario Building Code

Calculating Window Area:

Window area required as per the Building Specific

Design Requirements must be calculated by taking
the rough opening size of the window and
subtracting any non-glazing components

Accurate area calculations or manufacturer

specifications must be provided with your building
permit application.

Note: Shaded area represents glazing area

Milton Town Hall | 150 Mary Street, Milton ON L9T 6Z5 | P. (905) 878-7252 | F. (905) 878-6995 | TTY. (905) 878-1657
The Town of Milton is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If another format would work
better for you, please contact 905-878-7252 ext. 2109 or visit http://www.milton.ca/en/live/accessiblemilton.asp | TTY at 1-866-786-3941.
www.milton.ca
 SECONDARY SUITES
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION GUIDE
Revised: February 2020 Page 5 of 5

Fire Separations in Furnace Rooms:

Due to the difficulty of installing a continuous fire separation on the ceilings of furnace rooms serving two
dwelling units, Table 11.4.3.4.A of the Ontario Building Code allows the fire separation to be waived where the
spaces are sprinklered.
Where a continuous fire separation is not achievable, Option A or Option B (listed below) provide acceptable
options to achieve compliance.
The Town of Milton understands that the installation of sprinklers may not be feasible where a water service
into a home may not be adequately sized without updating the entirety of the system.

Option A: Installation of a sprinkler head(s) in furnace room location

A single sprinkler loop conforming to our Example of a Full Flow Through Sprinkler System (see next page)
may be installed in the furnace room when a continuous fire separation cannot be achieved due to
obstructions.

System Components:
Piping materials include: copper (Type L) & cross-linked polyethylene pipe fittings (PEX) certified to
CAN/CSA-B137.5
Listed residential sprinklers shall be used (manufacturer spec. sheets must be retained on-site)

Design Requirements:
Only residential full flow through installations are permitted
An adequate water supply shall be confirmed f service)
No isolation valves permitted on any portion of the sprinkler service line upstream of the sprinkler head

indicating that the domestic service is also used for a fire sprinkler system and must not be left closed
A floor drain is strongly recommended to be located in the vicinity of the sprinkler head

Option B: Provide vertical fire separation around

the furnace room
The furnace room must be separated from the rest
of the basement unit by a fire separation with the
appropriate FRR:

atts must be stuffed into all

open cavities that lead into the floor system

The wall must be rated from both inside the

furnace room and the unit

A smoke alarm must be installed within the

furnace room

Milton Town Hall | 150 Mary Street, Milton ON L9T 6Z5 | P. (905) 878-7252 | F. (905) 878-6995 | TTY. (905) 878-1657
The Town of Milton is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If another format would work
better for you, please contact 905-878-7252 ext. 2109 or visit http://www.milton.ca/en/live/accessiblemilton.asp | TTY at 1-866-786-3941.
www.milton.ca
 200mm (8")
200mm (8")

NOTE

ILLUSTRATION FOR
REFERENCE ONLY NOT TO
BE CONSIDERED FOR
DESIGN PURPOSES
 COMBINED CONDITION:
SECONDARY EXIT THROUGH THE SIDE ENTRANCE
X_IMP
[X_M]
(EITHER SHARED OR NOT WITH THE UPPER SUITE)
X_IMP
[X_M]
X_IMP
[X_M]
X_IMP X_IMP X_IMP X_IMP A
[X_M] [X_M] [X_M] [X_M]

SHARED EXIT:
EMERGENCY LIGHTING AS
SA
SA PER OBC 2012, DIV.
MIN. 860MM (34'')
BETWEEN THE
B.9.9.12.3. IS REQUIRED. IN
RAILINGS OR DW THIS CASE AN

EL
RAILING AND THE ADDITIONAL FIRE RATED
WALL SHARED EXIT:
DOOR IS REQUIRED AT

SECOND EXIT OPTION

EMERGENCY LIGHTING
LOCATIONAS PER
INDICATED BY

TO THE SIDE DOOR

OBC 2012, DIV. B.9.9.12.3. IS
THE DESIGN.
REQUIRED. IN THIS CASE AN
BATHROOM COLD ADDITIONAL FIRE RATED

UP RISERS
DOOR IS REQUIRED AT
C.H. XXXX
BEDROOM #2 CELLAR LOCATION INDICATED BY THE

Y_IMP
KITCHEN

[Y_M]
C.H. XXXX
DESIGN.

26''x80''
C.H. XXXX
UP

MIN. 32X80'' W/D

Y_IMP
[Y_M]

32X80'' DRAW TO SCALE 1/4''TO

- 1'-0'' OR1/4''
SIMILAR
X_IMP DRAW SCALE - 1'-0'' ORINSIMILAR
METRIC IN METRIC
[X_M] SA

32X80''

A
Y_IMP
[Y_M]

SA CMA
Y_IMP
[Y_M]

NOTE: THE LIVING/DINING SA

DESIGN OF THE ROOM
BELOW-GRADE C.H. XXXX MASTER
STAIR MUST BE BEDROOM
GARAGE ABOVE

Y_IMP
[Y_M]
C.H. XXXX
CARRIED OUT
BY A CERTIFIED UNEX.
PROFESSIONAL

32''x80''
ENGINEER S.D.
Y_IMP
[Y_M]

FURNACE

SAMPLE PROPOSED BASEMENT PLAN (A1)

DRAW TO SCALE 1/4'' - 1'-0'' OR SIMILAR IN METRIC

EGRESS PATHS: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EGRESS:

EGRESS OPTION A1: WHERE THERE ARE NO OPENINGS WITHIN 3m HORIZONTALLY OR 5m
MAIN EGRESS BY MEANS OF A BELOW-GRADE ENTRANCE ABOVE THE WALK-OUT STAIR

NO OTHER EXITS ARE REQUIRED

PATH TO MAIN ACCESS TO EXIT PROJECT:
BASEMENT PLAN,
SECONDARY SUITES:
WHERE THERE ARE OPENINGS WITHIN 3m HORIZONTALLY OR 5m ABOVE HOMEOWNER GUIDELINE PACKAGE OPTION A1
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS OF ESCAPE WINDOW THE WALK-OUT STAIR BELOW-GRADE ENTRANCE
(ONE REQUIRED ON THE FLOOR LEVEL)
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MUST BE PROVIDED IN THE SECOND UNIT: DRAWN BY
OPTIONAL PATH TO SECOND EXIT a) AN ESCAPE WINDOW MUST BE PROVIDED (A MININUM 3m FROM THE STAIR PLANS EXAMINATION
IS SUGGESTED) www.milton.ca TEAM
BUILDING DIVISION
b) AN EGRESS PATH LEADING TO A SIDE DOOR MUST BE PROVIDED TOWN OF MILTON, ON
150MARY STREET, 2D FLOOR,
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PAGE A-01
 RIGIDLY FASTEN
STAIRS TO SOLID
BLOCKING IN WALL
AND CONCRETE SLAB

EGRESS WINDOW ESCAPE WINDOW

3/8" = 1'-0" 3/8" = 1'-0" NOTE: EGRESS OPTION 'C' IS ONLY
ZONING REQUIREMENTS CANNOT B

PROJECT:
SECONDARY SUITES:
DETAILS
HOMEOWNER GUIDELINE PACKAGE

ESCAPE AND EGRESS

WINDOWS

DRAWN BY
PLANS EXAMINATION
www.milton.ca
TOWN OF MILTON, ON
TEAM
BUILDING DIVISION
150MARY STREET, 2D FLOOR,
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PAGE A-05
PROJECT:
SECONDARY SUITES:
DETAILS
HOMEOWNER GUIDELINE PACKAGE

DRAWN BY
PLANS EXAMINATION
www.milton.ca
TOWN OF MILTON, ON
TEAM
BUILDING DIVISION
150MARY STREET, 2D FLOOR,
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PAGE A-06