What are the ARU rules in Napanee?
Greater Napanee’s zoning allows one secondary unit in a single, semi or row house, capped at the lesser of 45% of the main home or 100 m². Permits cost $11 per $1,000 of construction value. One or two added units in an existing house are exempt from development charges.
| Rule | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Units per lot | Town zoning s.4.32: 1 secondary unit per principal dwelling in urban R1 to R6 zones, and 1 per single detached house in rural zones | Official source |
| Provincial override | The Planning Act permits up to 3 units on serviced urban lots, which can override stricter local zoning. Confirm with Planning | Official source |
| Maximum size | Lesser of 45% of the main dwelling or 100 m² | Official source |
| Access and parking | Independent entrance or common vestibule, 1.2 m walkway for side or rear access, 1 parking space (tandem OK) | Official source |
| Zoning bylaw | Zoning By-law 02-22 | Official source |
| Development charges | Exempt for 1 or 2 added units in an existing single detached house or ancillary structure. New urban single home: $26,409 (2025) | Official source |
Servicing: Urban secondary units need adequate municipal water and sewer. Rural units must show enough potable water and septic capacity, approved under the Building Code Act. (source)
These local rules sit on top of Ontario's province-wide ARU rules. See how Napanee compares in our ARU rules by city comparison.
How do I get an ARU building permit in Napanee?
Email a complete application to permits@greaternapanee.com, or drop it off at 99 Advance Ave. Rental units need a BCIN-qualified designer. Rural plot plans must show the septic system. Book inspections 48 hours ahead.
Permit-ready drawings are where most delays start. Our ARU design and permit service prepares the full set and answers reviewer comments.
Are there grants for secondary units in Napanee?
In Napanee, the best local incentive right now is: No ARU program found. Second and third units are also exempt from development charges, and the federal CMHC-insured refinance lets owners borrow up to 90% of the finished home's value. Check each program's status below before you plan around it.
| Program | Amount | Conditions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Renovates (PELASS) | Up to $25,000 forgivable loan | Low to moderate income homeowners, essential repairs only. Suites not listed as eligible | Last intake closed Nov 2023. Current status not published |
Federal options apply everywhere, including CMHC-insured refinancing of up to 90% of the finished home's value. Read the secondary suite financing guide.
What rent can a secondary unit earn in Napanee?
No official rent survey is published for Town of Greater Napanee, so there is no reliable local average yet. The nearest published benchmark is the Kingston CMA, where a 2 bedroom averaged $1,764 a month in 2026. Ask local property managers for current asking rents before you budget.
No CMHC rent data published for Greater Napanee. Use Kingston CMA as nearest reference: see the Kingston rent figures.
Can I use the unit as a short-term rental?
No short-term rental licensing bylaw was in place in 2024. Council directed staff to draft one in May 2024. Check with the Town for the current status. Official rules
Worth knowing
- The Province committed nearly $35M in 2024 to expand the Napanee Water Pollution Control Plant, supporting about 4,000 homes.
- Urban development charges are about 2.7 times rural charges because they include water and wastewater.
- Council approved higher development charges in July 2026.
Who do I call in Napanee?
Start with the Town of Greater Napanee building or planning office for zoning and permit questions. These numbers come from the municipality's own website.
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Building Department | 613-354-3351 |
| Permits | permits@greaternapanee.com |
| Planning | planning@greaternapanee.com |
Or skip the phone tag: send us your address and we will check the Napanee rules against your lot for free. Book a free property check.
Napanee secondary unit FAQ
How big can a secondary unit be in Napanee?
Greater Napanee’s zoning caps a secondary unit at the lesser of 45% of the main home’s floor area or 100 square metres, in both urban and rural areas. The unit also needs its own entrance or a shared vestibule.
What does a building permit cost in Greater Napanee?
The permit fee is $11 for every $1,000 of estimated construction value, with a $100 minimum. An occupancy permit is $100. Septic permits for rural units are separate.
Can I add more than one unit in Napanee?
Town zoning allows one secondary unit, but Ontario’s Planning Act now permits up to three units on serviced urban lots. Ask the Planning department how they apply the provincial rule to your property before you design.
Sources
Checked October 26, 2026. Rules change; confirm with the municipality before you apply. We are builders, not planners or lawyers.
- Greater Napanee Zoning By-law 02-22, General Provisions
- Greater Napanee: Building permits
- Greater Napanee: Fees and Charges By-law 2023-0027
- Greater Napanee: 2025 Development Charges Summary
- Lennox & Addington: Ontario Renovates
- Napanee Today: Development charge increase (July 2026)