Garden Suite & ARU Builder in Markham, ON
What’s Actually Achievable Under Markham’s Current Rules
Markham’s additional residential unit policy is still evolving — we help you understand exactly what’s currently possible on your property before committing to a design.
Garden Suites & ARUs in Markham
As expert Garden Suites Markham builders, we assess what’s genuinely achievable on your specific Markham property under both current municipal policy and the provincial minimum, rather than assuming the more permissive rules found in Vaughan or Richmond Hill apply here too. The Ontario Planning Act guarantees a minimum of up to two additional residential units on qualifying lots regardless of local zoning, while Markham’s own second-suite policy has historically been more restrictive, and Council has been working through a proposal to align the two since December 2023. See our ARU / Garden Suites page for full process detail.
Why Markham Homeowners Choose Modinno
Markham’s ARU policy is in a genuinely different place than most neighbouring cities, and getting a straight answer about what’s achievable now versus what might be approved later matters. Homeowners choose us for that clarity.
Current policy tracking
We monitor Markham’s ARU policy status directly so recommendations reflect what’s actually in force, not what’s proposed.
Provincial minimum expertise
Familiar with the Ontario Planning Act’s guaranteed minimum ARU allowance, which can apply independently of Markham’s own policy.
Fully turnkey delivery
Zoning, design, permits, and construction managed under one accountable team once eligibility is confirmed.
Rental-ready design standards
Layouts built with durability, storage, and tenant appeal in mind, not just minimum compliance.
How We Assess Feasibility for Markham Garden Suites
We check how the Ontario Planning Act’s provincial minimum ARU allowance interacts with Markham’s own zoning for your specific property before proposing anything, since the City’s local policy has historically been more restrictive than the province’s floor. We track Council’s progress on its proposed expansion — endorsed in December 2023 but not yet adopted as of this writing — so you get an accurate answer rather than one based on where the policy might end up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a garden suite or ARU on my Markham property right now?
We assess this directly for your property — it depends on your specific zoning and how the provincial minimum ARU allowance applies, since Markham’s own second-suite policy has historically been more restrictive.
Is Markham definitely going to allow more ARUs soon?
We track the status and confirm it before any project — Council endorsed a direction to expand ARU policy in December 2023, but it hasn’t been adopted as a final by-law yet.
Does the province’s ARU rule override Markham’s local restrictions?
We confirm how this applies to your property specifically — the Ontario Planning Act guarantees a minimum ARU allowance on qualifying lots independent of local zoning, though the interaction with Markham’s by-laws needs verification.
How long would a garden suite project take once eligibility is confirmed?
Once feasibility is established, most of our projects take 8 to 14 months from design through construction completion, similar to other GTA municipalities, with permit review being the most variable factor.
Get Clarity on Your Markham Property’s Real Potential.
Honest feasibility. Fully compliant. Built by one accountable team.