Second and third units are permitted in detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings, subject to zoning requirements and restrictions. A second/third unit is a self-contained residential unit located within a principal dwelling. The unit may be in any part of the dwelling, including the basement. Additional residential units provide an affordable housing option.
A
Garden Suite is ancillary to a single detached, semi-detached, or townhouse, that is located in a building detached from the principal dwelling and located in the rear or interior side yard, and which may be freestanding or attached to a detached private garage. The
process to obtain a Garden Suite starts through the Planning Division rather than Building Division. After approval at Planning, a building permit application will be required.
To be legal, second units, third units and Garden Suites
must be registered with the City of Brampton. These policies are intended to make units safe, legal and livable.
Map of registered Additional Residential Units
As of May 2023, the by-law allows for a maximum of 3 units (including the principal dwelling) on a property as a combination of the following:
- Principal Dwelling plus one attached second unit and one separate garden suite
OR
- Principal Dwelling and one attached second unit and one attached third unit
If a second unit is already previously registered with the City of Brampton, customers can apply for the third unit. Or, customers can apply for a second and third unit together with one set of drawings.
Property Surveys: When submitting a building permit application, the legal survey must be legible and include the signature and information of the surveyor who prepared the document. During permit submission, the document will be reviewed and determined if acceptable. If not acceptable, you will need to find an alternative method of locating a survey. Please note: the City of Brampton does not maintain a record of surveys for all properties.
Is the property on Conservation Authority Lands? As of April 1st, 2024, the Conservation Authority Act was amended requiring approval by the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) or the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) when constructing an additional residential unit within the lands regulated by the conservation authorities. Your permit will not be allowed to proceed if approval is not granted by the associated conservation authority. To contact the conservation authorities, click the links above.
