ARU Look-up tool

Use the City of Burlington's interactive ARU look-up tool to explore your property’s zoning, estimated buildable area and potential for a detached Additional Residential Unit (ARU). Discover what may be possible before taking the next steps toward creating more housing options.

Explore the potential for a backyard suite on your Burlington property

We have an interactive look-up tool to help you see if your property may be suitable for a detached additional residential unit (ARU), also known as a backyard suite.

This tool meant to help the homeowner's thinking about adding an ARU for affordable rental housing or space for a family member.

The tool uses AI to give you a first glance at your property’s zoning using the City’s zoning bylaw. Use it to help you with details such as:

• lot size,
• building footprint
• estimated buildable area and
• may flag potential limitations.

If you decide you’re interested in adding an ARU, your next step is to apply for a zoning clearance through a pre-building approval application, followed by a building permit.

For any questions you might have along the way, email our planning department. Further information about additional residential units, or the ARU incentive program, can be found on the ARU incentive program webpage.

How it works

Notes

The ARU Property Look-up Tool provides initial assessment of zoning compliance. Additional forestry, engineering and hydro (e.g. voltage lines) reviews may be required which could further limit suitability and placement of an ARU.

There is no obligation to utilize the services or products affiliated with this tool, such as the model suites.