BCIN-Qualified Architectural Drawings & Permit Approval in London, Ontario
Extending our BCIN-qualified permit and design services into London, Ontario. Drawings prepared for Zoning By-law Z.-1 and London's Additional Residential Unit framework — one of the most permissive in the province, and one of the most detail-sensitive.
Zoning By-law Z.-1 and London's Additional Residential Unit Framework
All lands within the City of London as it existed at the end of 1992 are regulated by Zoning By-law No. Z.-1. In late 2024, London implemented amendments that significantly expanded residential intensification: property owners can now create up to four separate units on a residential property where zoning permits, including a maximum of three Additional Residential Units. These are permitted as-of-right, meaning a homeowner can apply directly for a building permit without needing a zoning amendment or minor variance — provided the proposal actually meets the existing bylaw regulations. That qualifier is where projects succeed or fail, and it is exactly what a properly prepared drawing set addresses.
Four Types of ARU — and the Rules That Govern Each
London recognises four main ARU configurations: interior or basement conversions, converted garages, detached units (backyard suites), and additions to an existing building. Each carries different structural, fire separation, egress, and servicing implications under Ontario Building Code Part 9. The citywide five-bedroom limit was removed under the same amendments, with exceptions retained for near-campus neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College. Council has also periodically reviewed density controls on higher-density ARU approvals, so confirming the current status of any interim control provisions for your property is part of our pre-design due diligence.
Rental Licensing, Review Timelines, and What Actually Delays a Permit
If a completed ARU will be rented rather than occupied by family or the owner, London requires a Residential Rental Unit Licence, which carries mandatory property-standards and fire inspections. The Ontario Building Code requires a decision on a complete house-class application within 10 business days — but that clock only starts once London's Building Division deems the application complete. Incomplete submissions and unresolved zoning issues delay the start of the timeline entirely, which is why we resolve zoning compliance before submission rather than during review.
Services We Provide in London
Our London services cover the full range of permit-triggering work:
- Load-bearing wall removal permits — structural drawings and beam sizing for open-concept renovations
- Legal secondary units & basement apartments — drawings meeting OBC Part 9 fire separation, egress, and ceiling height requirements
- Home additions & second-storey additions — matched to your property's specific zone and setback requirements
- Commercial fit-outs & renovations — including site plan and applicable-law coordination where required
Our Full Ontario Coverage
London is one of our regional service hubs, alongside our established coverage across the Greater Toronto Area:
Building Permit Drawings
Full permit drawing packages prepared for London's zoning bylaw and building department submission requirements.
Learn More →Legal Secondary Suites
OBC Part 9-compliant basement apartment and secondary unit drawings for London property owners.
Learn More →Home & Second-Storey Additions
Addition drawings coordinated directly with the London building department.
Learn More →Commercial Fit-Outs
Commercial renovation and fit-out drawings, including site plan coordination where required.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Following London's 2024 zoning amendments, property owners can have up to four separate units on a residential property where zoning permits — including a maximum of three Additional Residential Units. This applies to properties zoned for single detached, semi-detached, street townhouse, duplex, triplex, or converted dwellings. ARUs are permitted as-of-right, meaning no zoning amendment or minor variance is required if the proposal meets existing bylaw regulations.
London recognises four main ARU types: interior or basement conversions, converted garages, detached units such as backyard suites, and additions to an existing building. Each carries different structural, fire separation, egress, and servicing requirements under Ontario Building Code Part 9. We prepare drawings specific to the configuration you're pursuing.
A Residential Rental Unit Licence is required if the completed unit will be rented — not if it houses family or remains owner-occupied. The licence process includes mandatory property-standards and fire inspections. If you already hold an active rental licence, it will need to be amended once the building permit has been issued.
The Ontario Building Code requires a decision on a complete house-class application within 10 business days. Critically, that clock only starts once London's Building Division deems the application complete — incomplete submissions or unresolved zoning issues delay the start entirely. Preparing a complete, zoning-compliant submission upfront is the single biggest factor in a fast approval.