Legal Basement Apartments in Burlington, Built Under the City's ARU Rules
Burlington's 2025 zoning changes opened the door wider than most GTA cities, up to three ARUs per lot and no extra parking for your first one. We build under the current framework, from the right ARU type for your lot through final sign-off.
Book your free assessment
Tell us about your property and we'll confirm how many ARUs your lot can support.
No obligation. We'll only use your details to prepare your assessment.
Burlington made it noticeably easier to add a basement apartment in 2025. Council approved zoning changes allowing up to three Additional Residential Units on top of the main home on many urban residential lots, more flexibility than most GTA cities offer, and the parking rules reward it: no extra parking space is required for your first ARU, only for a second or third.
Easier isn't automatic, though. You still need a building permit, a compliant design, and a pass on every inspection. We've built ARUs across Burlington, from Aldershot to Headon Forest to Tyandaga, under the current zoning framework.
Legal basement & ARU services in Burlington
Basement apartment, attached suite, or garage conversion, the right ARU type for your lot, handled under one roof.
Lot capacity review
We confirm how many ARUs your specific lot can support, up to three under the 2025 amendment, and help you decide which configuration fits your property best.
Parking made simple
Two spaces for the main home, zero additional for your first ARU, and one more only if you add a second or third. We confirm exactly where you stand.
Basement apartment build
A self-contained suite built to the Ontario Building Code, with proper egress, fire separation, ventilation, and interconnected smoke and CO alarms.
Garage conversion
If your garage is a better fit than your basement, Burlington offers a dedicated Garage Conversion Kit, and we build that path to the same code standards.
Basement renovations
Non-rental renovations for family rooms, home gyms, or extra living space, built to code so a future ARU conversion doesn't mean starting over.
Basement finishing
Flooring, drywall, lighting, and bathroom or kitchen finishes matched to the rest of your Burlington home.
What a permit-ready Burlington ARU needs
A building permit is required for the renovation or addition creating the ARU, along with compliance with Burlington's zoning and performance standards. Here's what has to be in place.
Parking works in your favour: two spaces for the main home, zero additional for your first ARU, and one more only if you add a second or third. That's a real advantage over neighbouring cities.
- Building permit & full drawingsRequired for the renovation or addition that creates the ARU, submitted with complete drawings.
- Zoning & performance standardsCompliance with Burlington's ARU regulations, including how many units your lot supports, up to three.
- Parking only as you scaleNo added space for the first ARU; one more space required starting with a second or third.
- Egress, fire separation & ventilationStandard Ontario Building Code requirements, whether the unit is a basement, attached suite, or garage conversion.
- Interconnected smoke & CO alarmsRequired throughout the unit and the connecting areas of the home.
- Separate ESA electrical permitRequired through the Electrical Safety Authority for the added electrical load.
From your lot to a legal ARU
Five steps, in order. We handle the parts that trip homeowners up.
Confirm how many ARUs your lot can support and which zoning regulations apply.
Submit a building permit application with full drawings.
Construction proceeds with staged inspections.
Electrical Safety Authority sign-off for the added electrical load.
Final inspection and occupancy approval.
Benefits of a legal ARU
- No added parking burden for your first ARU.
- Room to add up to three units on a single lot over time.
- Rental income that helps offset rising mortgage and property tax costs.
- Flexible options between a basement apartment, attached suite, or garage conversion.
Why homeowners choose My Legal Basement
We track Burlington's 2025 zoning changes and the Garage Conversion Kit option closely, so you get an honest read on which ARU type actually fits your lot rather than a one-size-fits-all basement pitch. Our in-house drawings and 2-year guarantee carry the project from there.
Burlington ARU FAQs
How many additional units can I add to a Burlington property?
Do I need extra parking for a basement apartment in Burlington?
Can I convert my garage instead of finishing my basement?
What types of ARUs does Burlington allow?
Is there financial help available for building an ARU in Burlington?
Do I still need a building permit if Burlington's rules are more flexible now?
Find out what your lot can support
Burlington's zoning changes opened the door wider than most GTA cities, but the permit and inspection process still matters just as much. Book a free assessment and find out exactly what your lot can support.