Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits - Burlington Guide

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Burlington, Ontario, homeowners planning an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must follow municipal zoning and building rules before construction or rental. This guide explains typical permit steps, zoning checks, inspections and where to find official requirements on the City of Burlington site Accessory dwelling units[1].

Overview of ADU rules

ADUs may be permitted in many residential zones but often require compliance with lot coverage, parking, entrance location and building code standards. Start with the municipal zoning by-law and the Building Services permit requirements to confirm whether your property is eligible and which approvals you need Zoning By-law[2] and Building Permits[3].

Typical permit steps

  • Prepare plans showing the ADU layout, separate entrance (if applicable) and compliance with bylaws.
  • Consult Planning or Building Services for pre-application advice and zoning confirmation.
  • Submit a building permit application with required drawings, schedules and owner declaration.
  • Pay permit fees as listed on the Building Permits page or fee schedule.
  • Schedule inspections during construction and obtain final occupancy/approval before rental.
Check zoning early to avoid redesign and delays.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes building permit application forms, submission checklists and fee schedules on the Building Permits page; specific form names and fee amounts are available there or via Building Services. If a particular form number or fee is not posted on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page Building Permits[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU, zoning and building rules in Burlington is carried out by By-law Enforcement together with Building Services and Planning. Where work is done without required permits or in breach of the zoning by-law or building code, the municipality may issue orders, tickets, or require remedial measures. Specific monetary fines and escalation ranges are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the enforcing department for amounts and procedures.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders and court prosecution may be used as enforcement tools.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Building Services manage inspections, complaints and orders; appeals or reviews follow municipal processes or court routes where applicable.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: submit a complaint or request inspection using the City of Burlington contact pages for By-law or Building Services.
If you are issued an order, act quickly to pursue a permit or remedy to avoid escalation.

Appeals, review and defences

Appeal or review routes and statutory time limits depend on the type of order or decision; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages. Defences may include having an approved permit, a variance or demonstrating compliance through remedial permits; technical defences depend on the building code, zoning interpretation and administrative processes.

Common violations

  • Constructing an ADU without a building permit.
  • Breaching zoning limits: setbacks, lot coverage or insufficient parking.
  • Failing to obtain final inspections or occupancy approval.

FAQ

Can I rent an accessory dwelling unit in Burlington?
In many zones ADUs are permitted if the unit complies with the zoning by-law and building code; confirm eligibility with Planning and obtain the required permits before renting.
Do I need a separate entrance for an ADU?
Entrance requirements depend on zoning and building code; consult Building Services during design to ensure compliance.
Where do I apply for the building permit?
Apply online or in person via the City of Burlington Building Permits page and include required plans and documentation as listed there Building Permits[3].

How-To

  1. Confirm your propertys zoning and ADU allowance using the Citys zoning by-law information and contact Planning for clarifications.
  2. Prepare drawings and documentation for a building permit application, including floor plans and structural details.
  3. Submit the building permit application with required fees via the Building Permits page.
  4. Arrange inspections during construction and obtain final approval before occupancy.
  5. If an enforcement notice is received, contact By-law Enforcement or Building Services immediately to apply for permits or appeal as instructed.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm zoning early to avoid costly redesigns.
  • Obtain building permits before starting construction.
  • Contact Planning or Building Services for pre-application advice.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burlington - Accessory dwelling units
  2. [2] City of Burlington - Zoning By-law
  3. [3] City of Burlington - Building Permits

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