How long does a additional residential unit permit take?

See the published review timing BuildRules has verified for a additional residential unit project in Burlington, Ontario, including conditions and official references.

Focused project answerReviewed Oct 1, 2026

Published timing

Burlington states that it screens an ARU application within 2 business days and reviews/Issues the building permit within 10 business days once the application is complete.

A review target is one stage of the project. Preparation, responses, issuance and inspections can add separate time.

Plan the stages separately

The published period is not the whole project.

Burlington states that it screens an ARU application within 2 business days and reviews/Issues the building permit within 10 business days once the application is complete.

Official sources behind this page

Building permitRequired

Burlington states that creating one, two or three ARUs requires a building permit for the applicable renovation, addition or accessory building.

Official sourceCity of BurlingtonAdditional Residential Units · ARU building permit and zoning requirements

Verified2026-10-01Open proof

ZoningMust meet applicable standards

The ARU application must meet the City’s zoning regulations and performance standards.

Official sourceCity of BurlingtonAdditional Residential Units · ARU building permit and zoning requirements

Verified2026-10-01Open proof

Screening and review2-day screening; 10-day review after complete application

Burlington publishes a two-business-day screening target and a 10-business-day permit review target for a complete ARU application.

Official sourceCity of BurlingtonSteps to Build an Additional Residential Unit · Application screening, review, construction and occupancy

Verified2026-10-01Open proof

Need the full project answer?

The main guide keeps the permit trigger, zoning questions, documents, fees, timing and next steps together.

Open the additional residential unit guide