Second Dwelling Unit Permit Application
Site Visit and Recommendations
We visit site, take measurements, listen to your needs, and provide recommendations that best suit you.
Permit Application
We prepare drawings and permit application and submit it on your behalf to the local municipality.
Follow up with the municipality until the permit is issued.
Contact Us
Najeeb Mohammed
416-565-3452
prismbuildingpermit@gmail.com
Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, Oakville
What is a Basement Apartment or Second Unit in a Single Family Residence?
A second unit is a self-contained residential unit created within an existing single family residence. It has its complete living space with kitchen and bathroom.
The unit may be in basement or any other part of the house. The second unit is also called basement apartment or basement suite, secondary unit or accessory apartment. The second unit must be smaller in floor area than the principal unit.
A second unit is not legal unless it has been registered with your local municipality.
A Building Permit is required to complete any renovations, alteration or addition to the existing property. The additions may include separate entrance, kitchen and bathroom to the second unit.
Second units are permitted in detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwellings if your local zoning bylaws permit it. Only one second unit is permitted in most municipalities. Ask your architect or designer to check if second unit is permitted at your address.
Second units provide an affordable housing option for many people and a source of income for the owners.
In order to ensure that the building permit requirements are met, the following process is required:
- Zoning Requirement
- Building Permit Application
- Construction and Inspection
- Electrical Safety Authority
- Final Registration
Zoning Requirement
Before planning for a second unit, check with the zoning department in your municipality if your property is zoned for a second unit.
In some municipalities it may not be permitted if the land is identified as a floodplain zone, open space etc.
Besides zoning bylaws, approvals from other municipal departments, such as, fire, water and wastewater may be required.
Other applicable laws, such as, Conservation Authority, Heritage Property, Transportation Authority etc. may apply in some instances.
Building Permit Application
Building permit Application requires:
- Application forms
- Construction drawings
- Application Fee
An application to demolish or construct must be completed. It is submitted with Construction drawings prepared as per Ontario Building Code and application fee.
The following Construction drawings are generally required;
- Site Plan
- Existing Floor Layouts
- Proposed Floor Layouts
- Sections and wall, ceiling, fire separation construction details
- Elevations showing secondary unit entrance and egress window
Most of the municipalities now accept digital drawings and submission.
Construction and Inspection
Construction must be carried out as per the approved permit drawings. Any changes to the drawing that are identified through the Building Department’s review process must be incorporated.
The approved building permit must be displayed in an easily visible place, such as, on window. The approved drawings and documents must be kept on site.
Depending upon the scope of work, inspection may be required for:
- Underground plumbing
- Above ground plumbing
- Framing
- Insulation and air barrier
- HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) rough-in
- Building Occupancy
- Final Building Inspection
The building inspector must be able to see the work. If any work is covered before inspection, then it will be required to be opened up for the inspector to check it.
After successful completion of all the required inspection, an Occupancy Permit is issued for the Second Unit. The Occupancy Permit is required before the Final registration of the Second Unit.
Electrical Safety Authority
An electrical inspection verifying compliance with Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) standards is required prior to Final Registration.
The purpose of the ESA review process is to ensure that the electrical wiring servicing the second unit is safe and properly installed.
Final Registration
The Final Registration of Second Unit in the two-unit dwelling requires;
- Occupancy Permit
- Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection report
- Verification of homeowners insurance for a two-unit dwelling
Contact Us
Najeeb Mohammed
416-565-3452
prismbuildingpermit@gmail.com
Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, Oakville