| Steps to building an Additional Residential Unit |
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This guide lists each step you need to follow if you’d like to build an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) on your property in Burlington. Each step lists what you need to do and what the City of Burlington does. We’ve included helpful links, estimated timeframes and contact information.
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| Figure out what you can Build |
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Your Responsibilities:
- You will need to be the registered owner of the property to apply for an ARU .
- Use the online ADU Tool – coming soon – to:
- Look into the types of detached ARUs that are permitted on your property (confirmation with zoning staff will be required)
- Explore detached modular designs
- Check zoning using our Interactive Zoning Map.
- Review relevant Zoning Bylaw Regulations.
- Consult the Zoning Checklist, FAQs and Handout Package.
- Consider working with professionals who know about ARU zoning and building permit requirements like:
- a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) qualified designer or
- modular or prefabricated detached ARU manufacturer familiar with zoning and building permit requirements.
The City’s Responsibilities:
- Respond to your questions within two business days when you email planning@burlington.ca.
- Provide education sessions, tools and resources to help homeowners and builders
- Note: You can get involved in the new zoning bylaw the City is creating.
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| Look at costs and incentives |
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Your Responsibilities:
- Look at designs and estimates:
- Get quotes from a BCIN designer, general contractor or modular manufacturer.
- Right now, ARU zoning and building permit fees are waived.
- Apply to City of Burlington’s ARU Incentive Program to receive forgivable loans of up to $95,000 to build your new ARU and rent it affordably (link to program guidelines/application)
- Explore other incentive programs:
The City’s Responsibilities:
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| Submit Pre-Building Approval Application |
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Your Responsibilities:
- Learn about the City’s Pre-building approval application process.
- To enquire about the possibility of obtaining a zoning clearance certificate and building permit concurrently in Burlington, you can contact the city's Planning Department.
- Complete your application by putting together:
- Email your application package to zoning@burlington.ca
- If your application is missing anything, zoning staff will email you to let you know. Be sure to send back any missing documents, if applicable.
City’s Responsibilities:
- Staff will log your application and review it to make sure everything is included and complete within six business days.
- We will send you a pre-screen letter with:
- your application file number,
- fees less ARU fees since they are waived and
- a list of missing items or ‘deficiencies’, if applicable.
- We will coordinate your pre-screening with Zoning, Engineering and Forestry staff.
- We will let you know if there are any items missing after we hear back from Zoning, Engineering and Forestry. We’ll send you a deficiency letter, if required.
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| Application Review and Zoning Clearance |
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Your Responsibilities:
- You can track the status of your application through the myFiles Portal. All you need is your application file number we sent you in your pre-screen letter.
- Try to get back to us right away if we need any additional information.
- Once you get your Zoning Clearance Certificate, you can apply for ARU incentives, if you haven’t already.
City’s Responsibilities:
- Staff will review the zoning for your applications, as well as grading/trees, if applicable.
- We may ask your for more documentation if it’s needed for your:
- Zoning Clearance Certificate
- Grading & Drainage Certificate
- Tree Permit
Timeframes: Staff will work to get back to you on
- Interior-only projects: Approximately two weeks
- Projects with exterior work: Approximately three to four weeks
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| Apply for Building Permit |
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Your Responsibilities:
- Review:
- Complete and submit:
- Respond to any deficiency letters and resubmit any outstanding information.
City’s Responsibilities
We will:
- Screen your application within two business days.
- Review and issue your building permits within ten business days once we have your complete application.
- Email you the permit package with your approved drawings and permit card.
- Issue you a deficiency letter with any missing information, if needed.
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| Begin Construction |
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Your Responsibilities:
- Once you get your building permit, you can start construction on your ARU!
- Be sure to start work within six months of getting your permit. Building permits expire after six months and you’ll have to apply again if you let it lapse.
- If you're applying for the Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Incentive Program—such as the forgivable loan—it's crucial to plan your project timeline carefully so you meet the program requirements
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| Inspections and Final Occupancy |
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Your Responsibilities:
- Contact the building inspector listed on your permit to schedule each stage of required inspections.
- Learn more about Ontario Building Code and occupancy.
- Address any non-conformities and request re-inspection, if needed.
- Schedule your final inspection and receive your Occupancy Permit.
- You will need your occupancy Permit and approved final inspection to receive ARU incentive payments.
City of Burlington Responsibilities
We will:
- Schedule your inspections within two business days.
- Conduct inspections for you at each construction milestone and
- Issue your Occupancy Permit once your project meets all compliance requirements.
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