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Additional Residential Units

A residence in addition to the principal/main dwelling on a property may be permitted depending on the zone and area in which the property is located. The primary determinant to how/where an additional residence can be located depends on whether the property is within an agricultural area/zone or within a residential area/zone, as follows:

AGRICULTURAL AREA – temporary farm residences in addition to the principal farm dwelling may be permitted on a farm property in accordance with the policies of the County of Perth Official Plan. Forms of additional residences are available for Farm Family and/or Labourers, Farm Retirement Dwellings, and Garden Suites.

Alternative to the temporary residences provided above, the County Official Plan now includes additional policies that implement the permanent Additional Residential Units.

These policies provide for more housing options for the general population and provide additional income for homeowners. For lots within the agricultural area specifically, they add flexibility to allow additional residential units not associated with a farm operation to be established.

URBAN/RESIDENTIAL AREA – a temporary residence in addition to the principal/main dwelling may be permitted on a property in accordance with the policies of the County of Perth Official Plan. Garden suites associated with single-detached dwelling uses may be permitted provided the size of the subject lot is adequate to accommodate the additional dwelling and the servicing needs associated with both the principal dwelling and the garden suite.

Alternative to the temporary garden suite option, the County Official Plan includes additional policies that implement permanent Additional Residential Units. Permanent Additional Residential Units provide for more housing options for the general population and provide additional income for homeowners.

To explore an additional residential unit agreement, please contact the Township Planner.

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Jeff Bannon
Planner (County of Perth – Perth East)

Township of Perth East
25 Mill Street East
Milverton, Ontario N0K 1M0
T.: 519-271-0531 x411
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Contact Jeff Bannon

Planner (County of Perth - Perth East)

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Perth County Open Air Fire Ban Lifted

PERTH COUNTY (August 25, 2025) – Effective at noon today, thanks to the recent rainfall, the open air fire ban will be lifted in the County of Perth, including the City of Stratford. Burn permits can now be issued and must abide by the respective municipality’s open air burn by-law.
With the monitoring of rainfall and vegetation conditions, Fire Chiefs are confident that residents can now safely burn. Please continue to practice safe burning by doing the following:

  •  Call your local fire department to obtain an open air burn permit.
  •  Closely supervise all outdoor fires. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the area.
  • Ensure that your open fire is the correct distance from all structures and other combustible materials.
  •  Never burn plastics, household garbage, construction debris, treated lumber or other laminate wood, tires, ashphalt products, pesticides, paint or aerosol containers, etc. These contain toxins that are harmful to people, animals and the environment when burned.
  • Avoid burning on windy days and be aware of wind direction when deciding to burn.
  • Never use gasoline or other flammable combustible liquids.

Have a source of water or equipment to move dirt/sand to extinguish the fire if necessary.
With weather conditions changing frequently during the summer months, we advise that the burn ban may be put back in place at anytime, if dry conditions return.
Farmers are still encouraged to be very careful with combining, as field fires can quickly overtake equipment, neighbouring crops and can spread quickly into adjacent woodlands. Having a fire extinguisher on board large equipment is highly recommended.
If you discover an uncontrolled/unattended open air fire, it is very important that you report fires immediately to 9-1-1. Do not delay reporting while attempting to control or extinguish the fire.
The Fire Chiefs in these municipalities wish to thank residents and visitors alike for their patience and co-operation during the fire ban.
If you have any questions regarding this order, please contact your local Fire Department.

Contact Tyler Berry

Development Technologist

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Contact Jake Collings

Manager of Public Works

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Contact Loretta Wicke

Property Tax / Utilities Clerk

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Contact Paige Fletcher

Recreation Coordinator

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