Burlington Secondary Suite Guide
Create a legal basement apartment in Burlington — permits, zoning, building code, and federal incentives.
Permit Fees
$3,000–$4,500
Timeline
3–4 months
Region
Halton
Overview
Burlington permits secondary suites in all residential zones. The city has streamlined approvals and offers pre-consultation meetings.
Typical cost: $50,000–$125,000. Federal and provincial programs provide up to $120,000 in incentives.
Burlington Requirements
| Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Ceiling Height | 1.95 m (6'5") minimum | OBC standard applies. |
Fire Separation | 1-hour fire-rated assembly | Type X drywall required. |
Egress Windows | 0.35 m² openable per bedroom | Window well required for below-grade. |
Parking | 1 space required | Burlington requires 1 space per suite. |
Electrical | Separate 100A panel + ESA permit | ESA inspection mandatory. |
Plumbing | Separate meter + backwater valve | Backwater valve required. |
HVAC | Independent system OR zone control | HRV required if upgrading insulation. |
Zoning | Permitted city-wide | No variance needed. |
Ontario Building Code Standards (Apply Everywhere)
These OBC requirements apply to all secondary suites in Ontario, regardless of municipality.
Fire Separation: 1-hour fire-rated ceiling assembly (Type X drywall)
Required between dwelling units. 2024 OBC update: smoke-tight barriers may replace full fire separations in some configurations. Inspected before occupancy permit.
Egress Windows: Min 0.35 m² openable area per bedroom
Bottom of opening max 1.5 m above floor. Must be rescuable from outside.
Electrical: Separate 100A panel minimum
ESA inspection mandatory. AFCI breakers required for bedrooms.
Plumbing: Separate water meter + backwater valve
Drainage must meet Part 7 standards. Backflow prevention required.
HVAC: Independent heating system OR zone control
Ventilation: min 10 L/s per occupant. HRV recommended.
Permit Process
Step-by-step guide to getting your Burlington building permit
Total Timeline
3–4 months
Permit Fees
$3,000–$4,500
Pre-Consultation
1–2 weeksFree meeting with Burlington Building.
Submit Application
1 dayUpload drawings via portal.
Plan Review
4–6 weeksCity reviews for compliance.
Permit Issuance
1 weekPay fees and receive permit.
Construction + Inspections
8–14 weeksCity inspects at key milestones.
Occupancy Permit
1–2 weeksFinal approval.
Incentives & Rebates
Federal and provincial programs that can help fund your secondary suite project. See all rebates available in Burlington
Burlington CIP Forgivable Loan
Forgivable loan + permit fee waiver
Burlington Community Improvement Plan offers forgivable loans and building permit fee waivers for new secondary suites. Program runs through December 2026.
Canada Secondary Suite Loan
Up to $80,000 at 0% interest
Federal forgivable loan. Stacks with Burlington CIP.
Ontario Secondary Suite Incentive
Up to $40,000 forgivable
Must rent at 80% of market rate.
Pro tip: You can stack federal and provincial programs for up to $120,000 in combined funding. Apply for federal programs first, then provincial.
Burlington-Specific Tips
- Burlington CIP: forgivable loans + permit fee waivers for secondary suites (through Dec 2026).
- Burlington offers pre-consultation meetings.
- Parking: 1 space required per suite.
Official Resources
Secondary Suite Guides for Nearby Cities
Compare requirements and incentives in other Ontario municipalities.
Related Services
Common trades and services for basement apartment projects.
Complete Guide
Province-wide secondary suite guide with all requirements.
Learn moreUnderpinning
Excavate to lower floor and meet ceiling height requirements.
Learn moreWaterproofing
Fix moisture issues before finishing basement apartment.
Learn moreElectrical
Panel upgrades, separate meters, and ESA permits.
Learn morePlumbing
Drain capacity, backwater valves, and separate water meters.
Learn moreCommon Questions
Get a Quote for Your Burlington Basement Apartment
Connect with verified contractors who specialize in secondary suite construction. Escrow-protected payments, GPS-verified work, and permanent records.