Understanding Brampton Ontario Basement Apartments and Accessory Dwelling Units

New Brampton By-Law- Below Grade Side Entrances

Below Grade Side Entrances - By-law Overview

· by Brampton R. E. Board on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 1:46pm.On April 13,
2011, City Council passed a new by-law with additional zoning standards for
entrances into houses.

This by-law puts in place the following changes:

· In your attached garage, below-grade entrances are not permitted.


The new by-law does not change the City's zoning by-law with regard to
basement apartments. About 3,000 homes in Brampton have legal basement
apartments that have been registered with the City of Brampton. These
apartments are still legal.


Basement apartments are illegal in all other houses that were zoned,
designed and originally constructed as a single-dwelling unit. Any basement
apartments that were built after November 16, 1995 are illegal.


If your home has an existing side yard below-grade entrance for which a
building permit was issued by the City of Brampton, it is not impacted by
this new by-law.

Background

This by-law was passed by City Council on April 13, 2011. The changes were
made in response to a Council request in early 2008. They were presented at
a public meeting on March 3, 2008; public notice of this meeting, as required under the
Planning Act, was issued in February 2008.

Before this by-law came into effect, there were already restrictions on
below-grade entrances in side yards. However, there were still problems with
safety, drainage and access to the rear yards. This by-law was passed in
order to address those problems.

Contact Information

Paul Snape, Manager, Development Services Division

Planning, Design and Development Department

905-874-2062, paul.snape@brampton.ca

In closing, a basement apartment might be just what you need to provide the added income to make your dream purchase affordable, but beware of the pitfalls and remember that you as a purchaser assume all the liability of a home that doesn't comply, regardless of when you bought it.

Read more about Mississauga basement apartments

So, what is your plan with this opportunity and what is your next step in the real estate process?

Overall average prices.

So, if you are thinking of selling and buying a homes this year, should you buy or sell first?  I've had many clients purchase before they sell.  I just want you to have all the information so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.  You may read more about buying or selling first here

Read about what happened in real estate last month.

I wish you much success, good health and happiness today and always! 

Mark