Ontario Design Studio provides BCIN-certified building permit drawings for projects in the City of Burlington. Our team is experienced with Burlington's building department submission process and Halton Region requirements.
Burlington Permit Services
- Residential permits - homes, additions, renovations
- Legal basement apartment permits
- Secondary suites and garden suites
- Commercial permits
- Deck and porch permits
Burlington-Specific Notes
- Halton Region: Water, sewer, and waste management coordinated through Halton Region
- Downtown Burlington: Specific urban design guidelines for the downtown core
- NEC/Greenbelt: Properties near the Niagara Escarpment or Greenbelt may require additional environmental approvals
- Zoning Clearance & eCheck: Burlington requires an approved Zoning Clearance Certificate before you can submit a building permit application, and offers an AI-assisted "eCheck" pre-screening tool - read our full guide to the 2026 Burlington permit process for details
How the Burlington Building Permit Process Works
Burlington's process has one step most GTA cities don't: you cannot submit a building permit application until you hold an approved Zoning Clearance Certificate (also called Pre-Building Approval). The certificate confirms your use, setbacks, lot coverage, and height comply with Burlington's zoning by-law, and it stays valid for one year.
- Zoning Clearance Certificate: we prepare and submit the initial concept to confirm zoning compliance - nothing moves until this is approved.
- BCIN-certified drawings: site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details, and energy compliance, formatted to Burlington's electronic submission standards (typically 5–10 business days).
- eCheck pre-screening (optional): Burlington's AI tool scans drawings for OBC items like ceiling heights and fire protection before formal review - we can run your package through it for a smoother review.
- Electronic submission & inspections: we file the complete application and support you through examiner comments and milestone inspections.
💰 Burlington ARU Incentives: Up to $95,000
Through its Housing Accelerator Fund program (running until December 31, 2026 or until funding runs out), Burlington currently offers homeowners building Additional Residential Units:
- Up to $95,000 forgivable loan for a detached ARU (garden suite)
- Up to $70,000 forgivable loan for an interior ARU (basement apartment or garage conversion)
- Up to $15,000 grant to legalize an existing non-compliant unit
- 100% waiver of zoning clearance, building permit, and occupancy fees for new ARUs
Loans are forgiven if the unit is kept affordable for 10 years, and you must apply before starting construction - with an approved Zoning Clearance Certificate in hand. Full details in our 2026 Burlington permit guide and ARU incentives tracker.
Don't leave up to $95,000 on the table.
Ontario Design Studio prepares the BCIN-certified drawings your Burlington permit - and incentive application - depend on. Call 416-558-9607 or request your free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Zoning Clearance Certificate before applying for a Burlington building permit?
Yes - for residential projects like ARUs, decks, and additions, Burlington requires an approved Zoning Clearance Certificate before you can submit the building permit application. It's valid for one year once issued.
What is Burlington's eCheck tool?
An online AI tool that pre-screens drawings against zoning and Ontario Building Code requirements before formal submission. It's optional and doesn't replace review by City staff - or the requirement that drawings be prepared by a qualified BCIN designer.
How much funding can I get for a basement apartment in Burlington?
Up to $70,000 as a forgivable loan for an interior ARU, or up to $15,000 to legalize an existing unit - plus full waivers of zoning clearance, permit, and occupancy fees. Apply before construction starts.
How long does a Burlington building permit take?
Ontario's review target is 10 business days for houses once a complete application is submitted - but budget time for the Zoning Clearance Certificate step first. Complete, accurate drawings keep both stages on schedule.
Does my Burlington property need extra approvals?
Possibly - properties near the Niagara Escarpment or Greenbelt may need environmental approvals, and downtown properties have urban design guidelines. We flag these during the initial zoning review.
Helpful Resources
- The Ultimate Guide to Burlington Building Permits (2026)
- ARU Grants & Incentives Tracker (2026)
- Permit Rejected? We Fix and Resubmit