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Permit guideBramptonBuilding PermitsSecond Suites

Second unit (two-unit dwelling) registration and permit

To be legal, second units must be registered with the City of Brampton; you apply online for a building permit.

From Brampton’s own pages, checked Oct 2026.

  1. Check whether you need a permit

    • 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.
    • To be legal, second units, third units and Garden Suites must be registered with the City of Brampton.
    • All ARUs must be registered, regardless of who lives there. This ensures safety and emergency preparedness.
    • Unregistered units may face enforcement actions and potential insurance consequences. Enforcement could include fines and legal action.
    • The Zoning By-law does not require any additional parking spaces on a lot containing one ARU.
    • Customers can apply for a second and third unit together with one set of drawings.

  2. Zoning By-Law Compliance

    Step 1: Zoning By-Law Compliance

    • Zoning By-Law Compliance
  3. Only if the property is on Conservation Authority Lands

    Get conservation authority approval

    • 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.
  4. Only if your property is on the City’s heritage registry

    Heritage approval

    • Heritage properties are managed to conserve important cultural heritage attributes. If your property is on the City’s heritage registry it may require heritage approval.
  5. Only if the proposed ARU design does not conform to the Zoning By-law

    Ask for a minor variance

    • If the proposed ARU design does not conform to the Zoning By-law you may consider making an application to the Committee of Adjustment to request a minor variance.
    • If approved, a minor variance can grant relief from the Zoning By-law requirements.
    • You can also email cao@brampton.ca for information.

  6. Prepare your survey and drawings0 of 2

    Step 2: Apply online for a building permit. Submission requirements include:

    You need an account to see these 2 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

  7. Complete the application form1

  8. Apply online for a building permit

    • Read the Submission Requirements prior to starting your online application.
    • To apply online: Brampton Building and Business Portal
    • During permit submission, the legal survey 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.

  9. Pay the fees

    • Payment of $200 registration fee
    • Payment of $1,186.24 permit fee

  10. Complete construction and book inspections

    Step 3: Complete construction and book inspections.

    • Mandatory Inspections for Two Unit Dwellings (PDF)
    • An Inspection Recall Fee applies to Additional Residential Unit (ARU) permits. If an inspection does not pass on two separate occasions, a fee will be charged for any following inspections.
    • Download the Inspection Recall Pamphlet.
    • The final registration certificate will be issued at the same time as occupancy is granted for an ARU permit.
    • You are no longer required to email your Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) certificate to Twounit.zoning@brampton.ca to finalize the registration process for your Additional Residential Unit (ARU).

  11. Get a Residential Rental Licence

    • Although your Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is registered with the City of Brampton’s Building Division, owners and/or operators cannot rent or allow a unit to be occupied until a Residential Rental Licence (RRL) is obtained.
    • Renting without a licence is prohibited and may result in enforcement action.
    • To apply for a Residential Rental License, visit www.brampton.ca/rrl. Licence applications and renewals are free.

Written from Brampton’s own pages as published on 19 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice

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