What are the ARU rules in Brockville?
Brockville allows up to three units on a serviced single, semi or row house lot: three in the house, or two in the house plus a garden suite. Garden suites can be 4.0 m tall with 1.2 m setbacks. Second and third units are exempt from development charges.
| Rule | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Units per lot | Up to 3 in the main building, or 2 in the main building plus 1 in a detached accessory building, on full municipal services | Official source |
| Garden suite location | Interior side yard or rear yard only | Official source |
| Height and setbacks | Max 4.0 m high. 1.2 m from property lines and from the main building | Official source |
| Lot coverage | Accessory buildings max 15% of the lot | Official source |
| Parking | 1 legal space per unit, 2.75 m by 5.5 m (s. 3.34(b)) | Official source |
| Zoning bylaw | Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw 050-2014, under general review in 2026 | Official source |
| Development charges | Exempt under DC By-law 083-2025 for 2nd and 3rd units and one unit in an ancillary building | Official source |
Servicing: The ARU permissions apply to homes on full municipal water and sewer. (source)
These local rules sit on top of Ontario's province-wide ARU rules. See how Brockville compares in our ARU rules by city comparison.
How do I get an ARU building permit in Brockville?
ARUs need planning approval and a building permit, applied for through Cloudpermit. Talk to building officials first. Drawings must be to scale, with a site plan and elevations for exterior work.
Permit-ready drawings are where most delays start. Our ARU design and permit service prepares the full set and answers reviewer comments.
Are there grants for secondary units in Brockville?
In Brockville, the best local incentive right now is: Counties forgivable loan (check status). Second and third units are also exempt from development charges, and the federal CMHC-insured refinance lets owners borrow up to 90% of the finished home's value. Check each program's status below before you plan around it.
| Program | Amount | Conditions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds and Grenville OPHI Secondary Suite Program (homeowner) | Forgivable loan (amount set by the Counties) | Owner-occupied principal residence, new suites only, tenant within income limits, capped rent | Funding ran out in 2024. Check current intake |
| Leeds and Grenville Landlord Secondary Suite Program | Forgivable loan | Small landlords, not a principal residence, low-income tenant, capped rent | Check current intake |
Federal options apply everywhere, including CMHC-insured refinancing of up to 90% of the finished home's value. Read the secondary suite financing guide.
What rent can a secondary unit earn in Brockville?
A 2 bedroom in Brockville rents for about $1,229 a month on average, and a 1 bedroom about $1,009 (Brockville, 2024). Vacancy: 6.9% for 2 bedroom (2024). A new, private suite with its own entrance often rents above these averages, which cover existing rental units.
Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey via Brockville Economic Indicators 2025.
Averages for existing rental units. A new, private suite often rents above the average. Data source.
Can I use the unit as a short-term rental?
No Brockville short-term rental licensing rules were found in the City sources we reviewed. Check with the City before listing a suite.
Worth knowing
- Brockville created 34 new secondary units in 2023 and 16 in 2024.
- 2 bedroom vacancy rose to 6.9% in 2024, up from 2.6% in 2022.
- The zoning bylaw is being updated; a public meeting was held June 2, 2026.
Who do I call in Brockville?
Start with the City of Brockville building or planning office for zoning and permit questions. These numbers come from the municipality's own website.
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Planning and Building | 613-342-8772 ext. 4463 |
| contact@brockville.com | |
| Leeds and Grenville suite programs | 613-342-3840 ext. 2401 |
Or skip the phone tag: send us your address and we will check the Brockville rules against your lot for free. Book a free property check.
Brockville secondary unit FAQ
Can I build a garden suite in Brockville?
Yes. On a serviced lot with a single, semi or row house, Brockville allows one unit in a detached accessory building, in the side or rear yard. It can be up to 4.0 m tall and must be 1.2 m from lot lines and from the house.
How much parking does a Brockville secondary unit need?
Each unit needs one legal parking space measuring 2.75 m by 5.5 m under the zoning bylaw. Plan the driveway early, because parking often decides whether a third unit fits.
Are there loans for secondary suites in Brockville?
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville run forgivable loan programs for homeowners and small landlords who rent a new suite affordably. Funding was used up in 2024, so call the Counties to check the current intake.
Sources
Checked October 26, 2026. Rules change; confirm with the municipality before you apply. We are builders, not planners or lawyers.
- City of Brockville: Adding a second suite or unit
- City of Brockville: 2026 user fees
- City of Brockville: 2025 development charges pamphlet
- City of Brockville: Economic Indicators 2025
- United Counties of Leeds and Grenville: Secondary suites programs
- City of Brockville: Zoning bylaw general amendment