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On April 22, 2015, City Council approved new policies permitting second units (basement apartments) in the City of Brampton. Second units are now permitted in detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings, subject to zoning requirements.
Second units - also known as accessory or basement apartments, secondary suites/units, two-unit housing, “granny flats” and in-law flats - are self-contained residential units with kitchen and bathroom facilities within dwellings or within structures accessory to dwellings, with a separate entrance.
Second units offer Brampton residents another option for safe, affordable housing, but in order to be legal, they must be registered with the City of Brampton.
Under the new policies:
- Only one second unit is permitted per house.
- In a bungalow, the second unit can be up to 75 per cent of the primary unit’s gross floor area (GFA). For all other houses, the second unit can be up to 45 per cent of the primary unit’s GFA.
- There must be one parking space for the second unit, in addition to the required parking for the primary unit.
- There must be a 1.2 metre clear path of travel to a door in the side or rear yard that provides access to a second unit.
Before registration is approved, the following must be done:
- Units must be inspected by the City to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code and/or Fire Code.
- Approval from the Electrical Safety Authority is also required.
- Units must also meet all Zoning and Property Standards regulations.
Registration Fee: There will be a one-time registration fee and applicable building permits.
Fines For Non-Registration:
Homeowners who do not register their second unit with the City may be subject to a fine of up to $25,000, for individuals or $50,000 for a corporation.
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