Basement Renovation · Cambridge
Legal Basement Apartments in Cambridge: What's Required
The rules for a legal basement apartment in Cambridge, in plain language — what the City and the Ontario Building Code actually require before you can rent it.
Ontario has made additional residential units easier to build — most low-rise residential lots in Cambridge can now have a second unit as of right. What hasn't changed is that the unit has to meet the Ontario Building Code and the Fire Code, and it has to be permitted and inspected by the City of Cambridge. Here's what that means in practice.
1. Ceiling height
Living spaces need a minimum height, with some allowance for existing basements. This is the rule that knocks out the most Cambridge basements — many Preston bungalows and Galt century homes are under it. Measure before you plan.
2. A way out
The bedroom needs an egress window big enough to climb through, with a window well you can actually get out of, or the unit needs a second exit. This is a fire-safety rule and inspectors don't bend on it.
3. Fire separation and alarms
The two units need a rated separation — drywall assemblies on the ceiling and shared walls, a rated door, and sealed openings around ducts and pipes. Smoke alarms have to be interconnected between the units, and carbon monoxide alarms are required near the furnace and bedrooms.
4. Kitchen, bathroom, heat and air
A self-contained unit needs its own kitchen and bathroom. Heating and ventilation have to reach it properly — sometimes the existing furnace can serve both units, sometimes it needs changes.
5. Electrical
A second kitchen and bathroom add load. On older Preston and Galt homes with a 100-amp panel, expect a load calculation and possibly a panel upgrade. All electrical work gets an ESA inspection.
6. Parking and zoning
The City's zoning bylaw sets parking and lot requirements for additional units. Most Cambridge lots with a driveway are fine; some downtown Galt lots aren't.
7. Permit, inspections, then tenants
You need the building permit before work starts and a final inspection before anyone moves in. An unpermitted unit can void your insurance, and the Fire Department can order it vacated.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a basement apartment in Cambridge?
Yes — a building permit from the City of Cambridge, with inspections at each stage. There's no legal shortcut.
What if I already have an unpermitted basement apartment?
It can often be brought up to code and permitted after the fact. We'll assess what's missing — usually egress, fire separation and alarms — and quote the fix.
Serving Cambridge and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your project.