​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A Garden Suite is an ARU ancillary to a single detached, semi-detached or street townhouse unit, that is 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.

Registration Requirements

Each ARU is subject to a one-time registration process ensuring that the ARU meets the requirements under the Ontario Building Code and Zoning By-law, which are intended to make these units safe, legal and livable. A building that does not comply with the regulations and lacks the required safety features may put the occupants and neighbourhoods at risk of severe damage, injury or death. General provisions for Garden Suites include:

• Location: Located in the rear or side yard only
• Size: Maximum size of 80 sq. m. for Hamlet, Estate or Agricultural zones; or 35 sq. m. for all other Residential zones
• Setback: Must be setback 2.5m from the rear yard; 1.8m from the side yard; and 3.0m from the principal dwelling
• Height: Must be the lesser of the height of the principal dwelling or: 7.5m for Hamlet, Estate or Agricultural zones and 4.5m for all other Residential zones.
• Access: Must maintain a 1.2m unobstructed pedestrian path to the main access of the garden suite
• Cannot contain a balcony or rooftop patio

Please refer to the Custom Home page for more information about constructing a Garden Suite or email GardenSuites.Review@brampton.ca.

Construction Requirements

The process to obtain a Garden Suite starts with a custom home approval through the Planning Division, rather than Building Division. Once approved by Planning, a building permit application will be required. A Custom Home – Garden Suites Review application requires an architectural control review, zoning compliance, grading, servicing and site drainage prior to submitting a building permit application.

To apply, submit a Garden Suites Review application form with the required drawings in accordance with the submission requirements for Garden Suites Review. Applications can be submitted online via our application tool, BramPlanOnline.

• Urban Design staff will review the submission and assist with the design of the garden suites to ensure it conforms to the City of Brampton Garden Suite Guidelines, City-wide Development Design Guidelines (or successor document).
• Zoning staff will review the proposal for compliance with the applicable zoning by-law.
• Development Engineering staff will review and approve the site servicing and grading plan.

Once the review is complete, Urban Design staff will provide an Architectural Control Review stamp on the final elevations. Development Engineering staff will then provide instructions to the applicant on obtaining the approved engineering plans and paying the grading securities. A fee of $530 is required as per User Fee (Municipal Act) By-law 380-2003.

Garden Suite Grant Program

The City of Brampton has launched a Garden Suite Grant Program to support homeowners in the creating new garden suites. This program offers grants to reimburse select municipal fees associated with the development of a new garden suite. Homeowners can apply for reimbursement once the garden suite unit has been registered with the City’s Building Division.

The following municipal fees are eligible to be reimbursed by the City through the Garden Suite Grant Program:

• Registration Fee
• Building Permit Fee
• Custom Home Review Fee
• Educational Development Charges

Enforcement of Illegal Garden Suites​

Penalties for violations related to unregistered residential units and construction issues can be significant, including fines under the Planning Act, Building Code Act, and Municipal Act. Individuals. Corporations found in violation may face fines ranging from $25,000 to $1.5 million, with daily penalties for continuing offences. Administrative penalties are also imposed for failing to register ARUs or for engaging in unlicensed activities, such as hiring unlicensed contractors or constructing bedrooms without a permit. These administrative penalties can range from $250 to $1,250, depending on the offence and frequency, including:

• Fail to register an ARU: $750 - $1,200
  
• Engaging in the business of building renovator, plumbing contractor or HVAC contractor without a licence: $250​​