Do I need parking for a basement apartment in Ottawa?

Yes, you'll likely need to provide parking for a basement apartment in Ottawa, but the specific requirements depend on your property's zoning and location within the city.

The City of Ottawa's Zoning By-law requires parking spaces for secondary dwelling units (including basement apartments), but the exact number varies by zone. In most residential zones, you'll need:

• R1, R2, R3 zones: Typically 1 parking space per dwelling unit (so 2 total for your main house + basement apartment)
• R4, R5 zones: Often 1.5 spaces per unit, but this can vary
• Areas near transit: Some reduced parking requirements near LRT stations or frequent bus routes

However, there are important exceptions and considerations:

Mature neighborhoods in areas like the Glebe, Westboro, or Old Ottawa South may have different standards due to their established character and proximity to transit. Some properties built before current zoning requirements may be grandfathered.

Laneway parking can sometimes count toward your requirement, and in some cases, on-street parking may be considered if your property doesn't have space for additional parking.

What you need to do: Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or check ottawa.ca/building before proceeding. When you apply for your secondary suite permit, the parking requirement will be clearly outlined based on your specific property and zoning.

Red flag warning: Some homeowners try to create basement apartments without proper permits to avoid parking requirements. This is risky - unpermitted suites can face shutdown orders, insurance won't cover damages, and you could face significant fines. The parking requirement exists for good reason, as secondary suites do increase neighborhood parking demand.

The permit application process will include a site plan showing how you'll meet parking requirements. If your property genuinely cannot accommodate the required parking, you may need to apply for a minor variance through the Committee of Adjustment, which involves additional time, cost (around $1,500-2,000), and neighbor notification.

Always verify the specific requirements for your address and zoning before starting any basement apartment conversion - the City's planning department can provide definitive answers for your particular situation.