Burlington City Council unanimously approves motion to declare its intention to allow four residential units per residential lot

To help with more housing options and supply throughout the City of Burlington, City Council approved a motion to declare its intention to allow four residential units per lot. This direction supports the City’s Housing Strategy to:

• help with a healthy supply of rental units and
• increase housing options.

This direction also builds on the City’s recent update to its Additional Residential Units policies which now allow up to three residential units per urban residential lot. There will be community engagement on property criteria for ARUs and before more changes are made to the City’s Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to allow up to four units.

What are Additional Residential Units (ARUs)?

Additional Residential Units are self-contained living units with their own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas. They are on the same property as a primary home, including single detached homes, semi-detached homes and townhouses. They can be inside or attached to a primary home, or in a separate accessory building like a detached garage. Examples of ARUs are basement apartments, attached suites, tiny homes and coach houses. The Additional Residential Units page provides details about how to apply for an ARU on your property.

Join us in our work to change policies and regulations to allow four units per lot. We will also consult with you in our review of the existing standards in the City’s current zoning bylaw for ARUs. This may include what might be allowed for the height of accessory buildings with ARUs, such as detached garages, or parking space requirements.