Laneway Suites

The City of Toronto’s laneway suite rules allow homeowners to create a self-contained residential unit on the same lot as a detached house, semi-detached house, or townhouse, generally located in the rear yard next to a public laneway. Laneway suites are subject to applicable zoning, building code, fire access, servicing and tree-protection requirements.

A laneway suite is different from a garden suite as a laneway suite is generally located next to a laneway and must meet specific access requirements, while a garden suite is typically located in the rear yard and is not dependent on a public laneway for access.

Key Laneway Suite Rules

• A laneway suite must be a self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as a detached house, semi-detached house, or townhouse, in the rear yard next to a laneway.
• The applicant must provide principal and emergency fire access in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and Toronto Fire Services requirements. The applicant must provide emergency access from the street the existing house faces or from a qualifying flanking street. The proposal must comply with the applicable zoning by-law, tree protection requirements, Ontario Building Code and other applicable by-laws.
• Required permit documentation generally includes a site plan, lot grading plan, floor plans, roof plan, elevations, building sections, construction details, and applicable energy-efficiency and designer forms.

Visit the City of Toronto’s webpage Laneway Suite for more detailed information on building and permit requirements.

Garden Suites

The City of Toronto’s garden suite rules allow homeowners to create a self-contained residential unit in an ancillary building, typically located in the rear yard and separate from the main house. Garden suites are permitted on properties in most residential zones across Toronto, subject to applicable zoning, building code, fire access, and by-laws.

A garden suite is different from a laneway suite: a garden suite is generally located in the rear yard and not on a public lane, while laneway suites have different zoning and access requirements.

Key Garden Suite Rules

• The City permits garden suites, subject to performance standards, in the Citywide Zoning By-law 569-2013 residential zones, including R, RD, RS, RT and RM zones.
• One garden suite containing one residential unit is permitted on a property, provided all applicable requirements are met. A garden suite can potentially be two storeys, depending on the property, provided it complies with applicable height, setbacks, separation distances, and other zoning and lot requirements.
• You must obtain a building permit to construct a garden suite. The proposal must comply with the applicable zoning by-law, Ontario Building Code, and other applicable by-laws. Tree protection requirements apply. A garden suite should not result in the removal of a healthy by-law-protected tree, and applicants must submit a Tree Declaration Form with building permit applications.

For more detailed information on building a garden suite, visit the City of Toronto’s webpage on Garden Suites.

Pre-Approved Garden Suite and Laneway Suite Designs

The City of Toronto has introduced Pre-approved Garden and Laneway Suite Plans intended to make adding an additional dwelling unit faster and less expensive.

The city currently provides pre-approved designs for:

• Studio suites
• Two-bedroom suites

Using a pre-approved design does not eliminate the need for a building permit or a site-specific review. Requirements relating to where the building is placed on the property, including zoning and Building Code requirements, still need to be reviewed as part of the permit application.

For more information on the City’s pre-approved designs, visit the City of Toronto’s webpage on Pre-approved Garden and Laneway Suite Plans.

If you have any questions or require clarification, contact the City of Toronto – Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods City Planning Division at EHON@toronto.ca.