Subject to zoning requirements and restrictions, second units are permitted in detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings in Brampton. In order to be legal, a building permit is required and the property must be registered with the City of Brampton.

A second unit is a self-contained residential unit located within a house.  The unit may be in any part of the house, including the basement.  Second units provide an affordable housing option for many people in Brampton. These policies are intended to make units safe, legal and livable.

Two-Unit Dwelling Registration Process

• STEP 1: Zoning By-Law Compliance

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

• A completed Application for Registration and Change of Use Building Permit, Two-Unit Dwelling 
• Payment of $200 registration fee
• Payment of $1,061.21 permit fee
• Legal survey of the property
• Three complete sets of the drawings, prepared in accordance with generally accepted architectural and engineering practices

• Read the Submission Requirements prior to starting your online application.

  Click Here to Apply

• STEP 3: Complete construction and book inspections. Click here for instructions on booking inspections. Mandatory Inspections for Two Unit Dwellings (pdf)

• STEP 4: Email ESA Certificate from the Electrical Safety Authority to twounit.zoning@brampton.ca and we will finalize your registration. Completing the registration process ensures a second unit meets all requirements under the Ontario Building Code or Fire Code, Electrical Safety Authority and local Zoning By-Law. A registration system also helps the City identify the location of second units.