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.