Mar

27

Some things you’ve always wanted to know if you own a home in Brampton.

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Real Estate | 4 Comments

flower.jpg

By-laws, rules, and regulations. It seems like anything you want to do around the house requires some research into city ordinances first. Here are some questions and answers for some common questions you may encounter during your time as a home owner. As always, you can find more information on the City of Brampton’s website.

Have a great day!

Is there anywhere in Brampton I can let my dog off leash?

Yes. The leash free zones are located in White Spruce Park on the West side of Heart Lake Road just South of Sandalwood Parkway and the second location is in Chris Gibson Park at the intersection of McLaughlin Road and Flowertown Avenue. The leash free zone is open from dawn till dusk. Dog owners using the area are required to have their dogs spayed or neutered, vaccinated and licensed. Animals that are showing signs of animal or human aggression are not permitted in the park. If your dog has a history of biting it is not allowed in the park. As of July 1, 2000 it is mandatory for pet owners in Peel Region to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. Children under ten years of age are not permitted for their own protection. Please follow all rules, remember to “stoop and scoop” and enjoy the leash free area.

Who can I speak to about trees and streetscape?

Contact the Community Design, Parks Planning and Development Division, Open Space Design and Construction within the Planning, Design, and Development Department at 905-874-2334 to speak with a Landscape Architect.

Someone is cutting trees down in my neighbourhood. Whom do I call to see if this is permitted?

The City has two by laws that govern the removal of trees. A Woodlot Preservation By Law was passed in 2005 that governs, under a permit structure, the regulation of tree removal within woodlots greater than 0.2 ha in size, and provided certain other conditions are present. More information is available at here. The Woodlot Preservation By Law does not apply to woodlots that form part of a subdivision or site plan application. Modifications to such woodlots are administrated through the standard development application process.

The City also has a Tree Preservation By Law that administrates the removal or alteration of individual trees on private property. For more information on this, please contact the Urban Forestry Section in the Community Services Department at 905-874 -2913.

Is providing air conditioning in a rental unit a requirement under the City of Brampton by-laws?

No, there are no by-laws stipulating that air conditioning must be provided in a rental unit.

What are the requirements for fences around pools?

There are several requirements for fences around pools or ponds that are capable of holding 24, or more, inches of water. For complete information, please consult the Pool Fence By-Law.

It is important to note that no water should be placed or remain in a privately owned outdoor swimming pool unless the fence surrounding the pool and gate to obtain entry into the pool area have been inspected and approved by the City.

To obtain a permit for a pool fence/gate and to arrange an inspection, you can contact the City Clerk’s Office in person or by telephone at (905) 874-2123, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

How high is a hedge allowed to grow?

In accordance with the Minimum Maintenance By-Law, a hedge must be kept trimmed and from becoming unreasonably overgrown in a manner that may affect safety, visibility or passage of the general public. Adherence to hedge dimensions becomes particularly important when a hedge flanks or is otherwise adjacent to a driveway, that is, a driver’s view must not be obstructed by the hedge when pulling into or out of the driveway.

Depending on the hedge dimensions, it may be considered a fence and, therefore, would have to meet the standards outlined in the City’s zoning by-law. A fence on the side or rear of a property can be 1.2 metres (6′ 6″) high; a fence in the front yard may be 1 metre high.

For further information about fences and fence heights (particularly if you live on a corner lot) you may contact the City of Brampton Zoning Department at (905) 874-2090, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

What are the zoning regulations concerning how wide a driveway can be?

Zoning regulations require each property to maintain a percentage of the front yard with landscaping as defined in the zoning by-law. Since these percentages vary across the City, you should contact the Zoning Department at (905) 874-2090, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to determine the applicable regulations in your neighbourhood.

Are there any restrictions over where on my property I can put a garden?

A garden must be two feet away from the property line so the drainage on the property is not disrupted.

Also, if you are adding more than one inch of fill to your property or you are changing the grade of your property, you are required to obtain a Fill Permit by contacting the Works and Transportation Department at (905) 874-2500, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Is there a Brampton by-law against having a clothesline?

There are no Brampton City by-laws governing clotheslines, however, there may be requirements within your local neighbourhood. Be sure to check the deed restrictions that you received when you purchased your property and/or consult a real estate lawyer for further information/clarification.

What are the requirements and limitations of erecting a shed on my property?

The requirements and limitations of erecting a shed vary depending on the size of your lot. Generally, you may have one shed which must be less than 10 square metres in size. The shed must also be set a minimum of 2 feet back from the property line.

If your lot is larger than average, please contact the Zoning Department at (905) 874-2090, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to ascertain if the restrictions are different from those for average size lots.

My neighbour’s dog makes a mess on my grass and my neighbour refuses to clean it up. What can be done?

Although the “stoop and scoop” laws outlined in Traffic By-Law 93-93 prevent pet owners from permitting their pets to foul City property, there is no City by-law that governs the soiling of private property. As such, your neighbour is not contravening a City by-law by allowing his dog to mess on your lawn.

However, you may still submit a complaint about your neighbour’s dog by calling the Brampton Animal Shelter at (905) 458-5800. An Animal Control Officer will be dispatched to your neighbour’s to investigate and discuss the situation and, if it is found that Dog By-Law 7-92 has been contravened (that is, dogs must be leashed or otherwise under control of a person at all times, except when the dog is on the property of its owner or has prior consent of the owner of the land on which the dog is found) the Officer will issue a ticket.

My neighbour is parking his/her car on the grass in front of his/her house. Can he/she do that?

Minimum Maintenance By-Law 104-96 prescribes the standards for properties situated in the City of Brampton.

Amongst other things, this by-law states that “No vehicle shall be parked in the front yard, rear yard, interior side yard or exterior side yard except on a paved or appropriately finished surface”. As such, a car parked on the front lawn of a house is in contravention of the by-law.

Queries and concerns can be submitted at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458‑3424.

Do I need a permit or permission from the City to cut down a tree on my property?

You do need a permit or permission to cut down a tree on private property. Cutting down, damaging or otherwise destroying trees on private property is subject to the guidelines described in the Tree Preservation By-Law 38-2006. In accordance with this by-law, you must have a permit to destroy or damage trees on private property that are not exempted by their size, type or position (on the property).

Cutting down, damaging or otherwise destroying trees on a woodlot is governed by By-Law 70-2001 relating to woodlot/trees. In accordance with this by-law, you must have a permit to destroy or damage a tree on a woodlot.

Damaging or cutting down a tree that is on City-owned property is prohibited by City of Brampton

Traffic By-Law 93-93 and Parklands By-Law 161-83. If you have questions or concerns about trees that you think may be on City property, please call the Urban Forestry Section of the Parks and Recreation Department at (905) 874-2906, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

I am living in a semi-detached house and my neighbours’ cars are encroaching on my driveway. I’ve spoken to them about it and they just don’t care. What can I do?

Unfortunately, there are no relevant City by-laws pertaining to matters of this nature. This is a civil matter between two landowners that should be addressed at that level.

Is it legal for a vehicle without license plates to be parked in a driveway?

Minimum Maintenance By-Law 104-96 prescribes the standards for properties situated in the City of Brampton.

Amongst other things, this by-law states that “No vehicle which is in a wrecked, discarded, dismantled or inoperative condition or is unlicensed shall be parked, stored, or left in the yard…”. As such, an unlicensed, unstickered or inoperative car parked in a driveway would be in contravention of the by-law.

Queries and concerns can be submitted at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458-3424.

What can be done about loud music or barking dogs?

Minimum Maintenance By-Law 104-96 prescribes the standards for properties situated in the City of Brampton.

Amongst other things, this by-law states that “a person shall not, within the City of Brampton, make, create, cause, or cause or permit to be made, noises likely to disturb the inhabitants…unusual noises…”.

Queries and concerns can be submitted at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458‑3424.

It is important, following submission of a noise complaint, that you and/or your neighbours submit future and other incidences of noise from the offending party noting type of noise, date, time and duration. This information could become valuable in future court proceedings.

What is the weed by-law in Brampton and how does the City deal with a weed complaint?

By-Law 121-90, states that “Every owner in the City shall cut the grass and weeds on their premises and remove the cuttings whenever the growth of grass or weeds exceeds twenty centimetres (20 cm) in height.”

During the summer months, the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division has a team of staff dedicated to monitoring and investigating grass and weed issues in Brampton. A citizen or an Inspector may submit a weed or unkempt grass/lawn-related complaint. This complaint could ultimately result in the offending property owner being charged for lawn maintenance services in addition to an administration fee. If these costs are not paid, they could be added to the owner’s property taxes.

Can my friends and I set up a tent and camp in the park behind our house during the summer?

Camping in a City park is a contravention of Parklands By-Law 161-83. Only permit holders for special events are authorized to be in a City park after 11:00 p.m.

My children always run after the ice cream truck when it drives down the street ringing the bell or playing music. Is the ice cream truck permitted to do this?

As well as presenting an unsafe situation for children, selling ice cream or any other products from the road is a contravention of Traffic By-Law 93-93. Enforcement Officers patrol and lay charges against owners of these vendors for this contravention of the by-law.

If you would like to submit a concern or complaint, you may do so at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458‑3424.

My neighbour does not clean up after his dog and leaves a mess on the boulevard in front of my house. Can he be charged and does a sign need to be posted for a conviction to be registered?

Although signs may help in educating the public about “stoop and scoop” laws, posting a sign is not necessary for a charge to be laid against a person who contravenes Traffic By-Law 93‑93 by allowing his pet to foul City property. Further, the City’s Parklands By-Law 161‑83 stipulates that all animal owners clean the parkland (the definition of which includes City parks) of excrement from their animal.

If you would like to submit a concern or complaint, you may do so at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at 905‑458‑3424.

Who has authority to issue tickets?

Brampton Parking Enforcement Officers have been enforcing the City of Brampton parking by‑laws since the mid‑1970’s and have full authority to issue tickets for parking violations.

In this capacity, Parking Enforcement Officers possess the same degree of authority as a Police Officer.

In addition, some private agencies are also authorized to issue parking tickets on private property in Brampton.

When can I set off fireworks?

In the City of Brampton, we respect the holidays of the many cultures in our community and provide opportunities for the safe use of consumer fireworks on Canada Day (July 1), Diwali (Oct. 21 in 2006), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and Victoria Day.

Thanks to the City Of Brampton for providing this information on their website. Again, if you have any further questions or concerns, I urge you to check out their website first before calling the city. They have a ton of useful information posted online.

Popularity: 71% [?]

Mar

19

Attend a free seminar about basement apartments in Brampton!

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Real Estate | Leave a Comment

seminar.jpg

It seems like basement apartments continue to be a hot real estate topic of discussion these days. So much that Peel Police and the Landlord and Tenant Board are holding a free seminar for residents interested in learning more about rights and responsibilities surrounding basement apartments. This sounds like a great forum to attend if you’re either a landlord or tenant, and you want to get answers straight from the horse’s mouth.

The free seminar is being held on Thursday, March 27 at the Queen St. Community Police Station, 148 Queen St. East in Brampton, from 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm. Basement apartments will be just one topic, as the seminar will focus on rights and obligations under the Tenant Protection Act. You’ll be able to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Seats are limited, so if you want to reserve yours, call 905-453-2121.

Popularity: 49% [?]

Mar

16

More news on illegal basements in Brampton

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Real Estate, Sell, Stats And Reports | Leave a Comment

illegalbasements.gif

Judging by the popularity of my first article on illegal basement apartments in Brampton, the topic still strikes a lot of interest with readers. And now the debate rages on as Brampton city councillors announce that they’re preparing to look into the subject again in the very near future.

Here are some interesting things to note from statistics compiled from 2007:

  • Deterring illegal basement apartments has proven to be difficult as provincial fines are set at only $100 - $500.
  • Of the 600 complaints filed by other residents last year, most were wrong in their reports. Most cases turned out to involve extended families living within the household.
  • Home owners are legally allowed to refuse city bylaw officers from entering their home, as city workers actually have no right of entry. Of the 600 complaints last year, 75 refused entry to city officials. Firefighters DO have right to entry if they believe there is a safety hazard.
  • Brampton currently employs 10 bylaw enforcement officers to investigate complaints.
  • The number of complaints has dropped this year. There have been 78 this year to date.

Some of the big issues that are created by an excess of illegal basement apartments are property standards, parking, traffic congestion, and overburdening infrastructure such as schools.

If you’re looking for more information about the legalities of illegal basement apartments in Brampton, please check my earlier article linked above. In the meantime, you can check this article that goes more into depth about Brampton’s current stance on illegal basement apartments.

Popularity: 79% [?]

Feb

25

If you just bought a brand new home in Brampton, read this!

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, By-Laws, Homes, Real Estate | 3 Comments

newhomephoto.jpg

Are you a new homeowner in Brampton. Have you recently purchased a new home from a builder and either have just moved in or are about to move in? You may have a lot of questions on your mind about your new home, but fear not… here are some common questions you may be thinking about, and their answers!

What will my new address be?

Contact the Municipal Addressing Clerk in the Building Division at 905-874-2434.

Who can I talk to about Lot Grading?

Contact Development Construction at 905-874-2500.

When will my lot be sodded?

In accordance with the subdivision agreement, the developer shall ensure that the builder completes the sodding of each lot shown on the plan no later that 6 months after the date of occupancy of the dwelling unit on that lot. Dwelling units to be occupied between November 1 and June 15 of the following year, shall be complete by June 30th following such occupancy.

Who should I speak to if there are going to be utility boxes on my lot?

Homeowner should contact Hydro One Brampton for location of the utility boxes.

When can I install a fence in my rear and side yards with my neighbours?

Homeowners should not install fencing until the Development Services inspector has had the opportunity to properly inspect and certify the lot. Once the lot has been inspected and the builder has completed all deficiencies, the homeowner can install the fence. Homeowners should check their agreements for any conditions with reference to fencing.

When will my driveway or grading deposit be returned to me? Who has my grading deposit?

The City of Brampton holds letters of credit from the developer to ensure that all works are completed in accordance with City standards and specifications. The City does not hold grading or driveway deposits from the homeowners or the builders. The homeowner should check the purchase agreement to see who has the grading deposit and when it will be returned.

Is there a survey of my property?

Contact Technical Services Division within the Planning, Design, and Development Department at 905-874-2058 or 905-874-2059

Is my subdivision assumed?

Contact the Law Department at 905-874-2675.

When will the sidewalk and curb be installed on my street? Can I widen my driveway?

The developer will install curb and sidewalk usually no later than 6 months after occupancy. Should the 6 months after occupancy fall into the winter months, then the work will be completed as soon as the appropriate weather returns. City inspectors try to ensure that all sidewalk and curb construction is completed within the specified time. It is possible to widen your driveway in some cases. Prior to doing any work you must submit a drawing indicating the work you intend to do to the Construction Division of Development Services. This drawing will be circulated to other departments for review. Once all criteria are met then the work may commence.

I live in a new subdivision and all I have is a lot number. Who can I talk to about getting my address?

Contact the Municipal Addressing Clerk in the Building Division at 905-874-2434.

Can I have the City install a gate in my fence that abuts a park or valleyland area?

The City requires developers of new communities to install chain link fences on private property abutting tableland Neighbourhood and Community parks. Typically, gates are installed in these fences to facilitate access and encourage park use. For older parks, or where there has been no gate installed, the City has no objection to residents installing gates at their expense. No permit is required.

The City also requires that developers install a chain link fences on private property abutting municipally owned or conservation authority owned natural areas (woodlots, valleylands). To limit encroachment and to encourage natural ecological functions of such areas gates are NOT permitted in these locations. Residents installing gates in such areas or found encroaching, will be asked to remedy the infraction or charged for such remediation work if it needs to be done by City forces.

I would like to speak with someone about fencing in our subdivision.

Contact the Community Design, Parks Planning and Development Division, Open Space Design and Construction within the Planning, Design, and Development Department at 905-874-2081.

Do I require a permit to build a fence on my property?

No. Check with Zoning Services to confirm by-law restrictions.

Does the City provide surveyors to confirm boundaries for fencing?

No. The owner is responsible for retaining an Ontario Land Surveyor to confirm boundaries.

How do I get a refund of my grading deposit?

Lot grading deposits are held by the builder and are generally returned to the purchaser after the lot grading has been approved by the City. Contact the Development Construction Section to confirm that the lot grading has been approved and contact the builder for return of the deposit.

What school will my child be attending?

Contact the Public School Board at 905-890-1099 or the Dufferin Peel Roman Catholic District Separate School Board at 905-890-1221

Is there going to be a new recreation centre or arena in my area?

Contact Parks and Recreation at 905-874-2300.

Is there a school being built near me?

Contact the Public School Board at 905-890-1099 or the Dufferin Peel Roman Catholic District Separate School Board at 905-890-1221

What is the purpose of the square drain located on the street known as a catchbasin?

The purpose of a catchbasin is to collect rainwater during rainstorms. Disposing of any other substance into the catchbasin is illegal since this water ends up in our creeks and rivers and will harm the fish.

Who is responsible for the cleaning of rearlot catchbasins in a residential subdivision?

Once the subdivision has been assumed, the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining the rearlot catchbasin belongs to the owner of the property. Any maintenance prior to assumption is the responsibility of the developer.

Who can I speak to about street trees and other streetscape matters?

Contact the Community Design, Parks Planning and Development Division - Open Space Design and Construction within the Planning, Design, and Development Department at 905-874-2334 to speak with a Landscape Architect

Who is responsible for cleaning the roads?

The City instructs all developers and builders in new or existing subdivisions that once any of the houses have been occupied the streets must be cleaned. In the warmer months the roads are to be flushed as required and in the winter months they are to be scraped down daily. Dust control during construction must be maintained constantly.

The City Of Brampton has a wonderful FAQ page that contains a wealth of information pertaining to many topics. I highly recommend you check it out if you have a moment. In the meantime, stay tuned for my next article about home staging!

Have a great day.

Popularity: 55% [?]

Feb

16

Things to know about snow removal in Brampton, and what’s closed on Family Day?

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

snow.jpg

Snow removal in the city of Brampton is becoming a big topic as the winter of 2007-2008 has pummeled the Greater Toronto Area with snow. And with forecasts predicting lots more snow this winter, here are some other things you may need to know about snow removal. In my article about when to shovel your snow after a snowstorm, I touched upon some of the by-laws in place regarding snow removal from your property. But what about the city’s snow plowing and road clearing services?

If you’re wondering when the plows will be hitting the streets after a major snowfall, the city of Brampton has a web page with a status on snow removal, updated daily or when weather conditions change. You can also visit this page which lets you look up your street for specific snow removal updates as well as finding out Brampton’s road plowing priorities and levels of service. No matter how much snow falls, the city of Brampton points out that citizens can expect to have all streets plowed within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. Heavy or continuous snowfalls may extend this period to 48 hours or more as plows may be reassigned from local residential streets to keep primary service roads clear.

Family Day

Our new holiday officially lands on Monday, February 18. Whether you have the day off or you’re working, bear in mind that Brampton city hall will be closed, as well as a number of city services. This means residents will not be able to apply in person for a marriage license, pay parking tickets, apply for building permits or for a job with the city. Of course, snow removal and fire and emergency services will continue as usual.

Brampton Transit will be running, but will be operating on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Brampton recreation centres will be offering special programs and prices for families on Family Day.

Have yourself a wonderful weekend, and thanks for visiting the Brampton Real Estate Blog. More real estate articles coming up shortly! :)

Popularity: 70% [?]

Jan

30

Trash collection in Brampton

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, General, Homes, Real Estate | Leave a Comment

bramptongarbage.gif

If you’ve recently purchased a home in Brampton and are new to the city, maybe you aren’t quite sure what days the trash is collected and what the guidelines are to garbage day. The map above indicates the different regions of Brampton and what days correspond to trash removal.

What do you put on on garbage day?

  • Remember to put your garbage, full blue boxes and grey boxes out at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day, but not before 7 p.m. the night before.
  • For ease of collection, please keep your blue box, grey box and garbage separate at the curb.
  • For safety reasons, do not include hazardous waste (i.e. paint, propane cylinders or motor oil) with your garbage.

What about special items?

Bulky Items - Place at curb for collection on normal collection day. No arrangement for pick up necessary

Large Appliances - Picked up by appointment only. Call the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499 to arrange for pick up

Christmas Trees - NO PLASTIC BAGS and free of tinsel, ornaments and tree stands

Remember, properly disposing of your waste both helps the environment and keeps Brampton beautiful for everyone!

For more detailed information of Peel Waste policies, click here.

Popularity: 46% [?]

Jan

28

Land transfer taxes: What are they?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, By-Laws, Real Estate, The Numbers | 2 Comments

taxes.jpg

If you’ve ever bought a home in Brampton or anywhere else in Ontario for that matter, you’ve probably paid a land transfer tax with your closing costs. But if you’re a new home buyer, you may not know what a land transfer tax is.

Essentially, when you purchase a home, the Province of Ontario will apply a special levy known as the land transfer tax. It is quite easy to calculate, and is based on the property value. You will pay:

Up to $55,000 X .5 % of total property value
From $55,000 to $250,000 X 1 % of total property value
From $250,000 to $400,000 X 1.5 % of total property value
From $400,000 up X 2 % of total property value

You can also click here to calculate your land transfer tax online.

The City Of Toronto has recently approved new land transfer taxes just for the municipality of Toronto that are set to take place on February 1, 2008.

The land transfer tax will work as follows:

  • one-half of one per cent on the first $55,000 in property values
  • one per cent on the next $345,000 in property values
  • two per cent of the value residential units exceeding $400,000 for residential transactions
  • one and a half per cent on the remaining value of up to $40 million and one per cent above that on commercial properties

A rebate of up to $3,725 will apply to first-time purchasers of homes. This means a full rebate for first time buyers of homes valued at $400,000 or less. If you would like more information on this, click here. You can also visit the City of Toronto’s Municipal Land Transfer Tax page.  These new taxes do not affect Brampton.

But no matter where you buy, keep in mind that you must pay this land transfer tax when you purchase a property, so remember to budget this tax in your closing costs so there are no surprises at the end!

Popularity: 52% [?]

Jan

27

When exactly am I prohibited from parking on Brampton streets?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, By-Laws, Lifestyle, Real Estate | Leave a Comment

parking.jpg

The City of Brampton has two guidelines when it comes to parking.

  1. You can not park on a street between the hours of 2am - 6am.
  2. You can not park your car for more than a three hour period.

If you wish to apply for a parking consideration, you may do so online here instead of having to call in your plate number. The City Of Brampton will allow you to submit your information for a parking consideration and park your car up to 14 days in a one year period. Keep in mind that the overnight parking prohibition does not exclude the weekends, so if you’re visiting friends at a late hour or plan to stay over, make sure to sign up for that parking consideration!

Popularity: 61% [?]

Jan

24

Basement apartments in Brampton. Are they legal?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, By-Laws, Homes, Real Estate, Sell | 19 Comments

basementapartment.jpg

So you’re looking to buy a home in Brampton with a separate basement apartment to lease out for extra income, but you have no clues as to the legalities of the basement. What exactly does “Vendor does not warrant retrofit status” mean? What issues do you need to be concerned about when purchasing a home with a basement apartment? Read on, and you shall find out!

What exactly defines a basement apartment?

A basement apartment is a self-contained apartment consisting of a room or rooms in a singe or semi-detached house and can be located in any part of the house, not necessarily in the basement. They have also been called granny flats, nanny suites, accessory apartments and second suites. In the City’s bylaw, they are referred to as a “residential unit”.

A self-contained apartment shall have a separate means of entry (which may be through another unit) a kitchen (or cooking area) and bathroom facilities. A self-contained apartment may be as small as a single room that contains all of the features listed.

However, if you rent a room in a house or a flat with a shared entrance, kitchen and bathroom facilities, this bylaw does not apply to you.

Are basement apartments legal in Brampton?

If you purchase a home in Brampton and the basement apartment was built after November 16, 1995, it is illegal. The only legal basement apartments in Brampton had to have been built prior to that date, and have had to been registered with the city before January 31, 2006 and/or have legal non-conforming status.

A single or semidetached registered home can only have one basement apartment. Homes that have been subdivided into more than two units are strictly prohibited unless the property has been specifically zoned to permit multiple units. It is extremely rare to find a house that has been zoned as a triplex!

What should I be watching out for when I am looking to buy a home with a basement apartment?

Lawyers or real estate agents such as myself can confirm the status of a basement apartment with the city in order to provide you with the right information.
Real Estate Agents are bound by code of conduct guidelines and must fully and fairly disclose all information about a property for sale. Homes with doubtful legal status are typically listed with the caution “Vendor does not warrant retrofit status”, and you may have to seek further legal advice before proceeding with the purchase of a home.

What are the risks of an illegal basement apartment?

  • Increased Liability – The onus is on a homeowner to meet established standards for a second suite. If anything should happen, such as a fire, the homeowner would be held liable due to failure to meet requirements.
  • Loss of Insurance Coverage – Having a rental unit in your home is a material change to your home. Non-disclosure of this change of use may in fact make your coverage null and void.
  • Limited recover of damage – An insurance policy is not responsible for rebuilding costs related to meeting current established standards. Your insurance company is only required to cover the costs of fixing your home back to the state that existed at the time your policy was made prior to any damage.
  • Prosecution - If you do not meet City codes it means that you are breaking the law. You run the risk of being charged and can face fines with a maximum penalty of $50,000 and/or a year of imprisonment on each count.
  • Financing – Income from an unauthorized basement apartment is generally not considered when qualifying for a mortgage loan.
  • Tenants – You are a landlord. You are obliged to maintain your basement apartment in good operating order and you must follow all fire safety laws. Tenants may apply for rent reduction where the unit fails to meet the prescribed municipal health, safety, maintenance and property standards.
  • Tenant Insurance – Your homeowner’s policy will not cover property owned by a tenant.

Can I legally convert vacant space in my home into a basement apartment?

NO! The City’s zoning by-law does not permit new basement apartments. If the basement apartment did not exist in your home prior to November 16, 1995, a home in Brampton cannot be legally converted. Furthermore, any home built after 1995 can never have an existing legal basement apartment.

In order to permit a new basement apartment, the Zoning By-law would have to be changed. Changing the Zoning By-law requires the submission of a Zoning Amendment application and fee ($7759.00) to the City’s Planning, Design and Development Department.

For more information on basement apartments in Brampton, you can visit the City Of Brampton’s website.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Jan

23

When do I require a building permit?

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Photography, Real Estate, Renovations | 3 Comments

renos.jpg

This is a question I often get asked by homeowners looking to make renovations to their homes. It’s important to keep building permits in mind when you’re either looking to buy real estate or sell your home, as it may affect the house values as well as incur legal issues. So when do you require a building permit?

The Ontario Building Code Act requires that a building permit be obtained for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of more than 10 m² (108 square feet). It is illegal to construct or demolish without first obtaining a permit.

You will need a building permit if you do any of the following:

  • construct a new building
  • renovate, repair, or add to a building
  • demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • change a building’s use
  • install, change or remove portions and load-bearing walls
  • make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
  • build a garage, balcony or deck
  • excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
  • reconstruct a chimney

You do not need a building permit for the following:

  • replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
  • install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
  • build a roofless deck under two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached to a building
  • build a utility shed under 10 m² (108 square feet)
  • reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work (asphalt roof shingling only)
  • install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
  • replace or increase insulation, dry-wall or plaster
  • damp-proof basements
  • paint or decorate
  • install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
  • erect a fence (except for swimming pools - outside pools require permits)
  • replace existing forced air furnace (no duct work or venting alterations)
  • electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)

What happens if you do not get a permit?

If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, you may be prosecuted and you may even be ordered to remove work already done. Contact the Building Division – Permits Section at 905-874-2401 if you are not sure if you need a permit for your project.

Popularity: 66% [?]

Bloggy Award

 Subscribe in a reader

  • Brampton Real Estate Links