Involvement in creating by-laws
In 2014, Lanescape was formed to bring as-of-right laneway housing to Toronto. We had seen the success of detached secondary suites in many cities like Vancouver and Ottawa and knew that Toronto’s 250+ km network of laneways was perfect for creating housing flexibility. By teaming up with the City of Toronto staff, Councillors Ana Bailao and Mary-Margaret McMahon, and Evergreen, we undertook a large-scale public engagement process to crowd-source a comprehensive draft zoning bylaw for laneway suites, resulting in input from over 3 000 Torontonians. In the summer of 2018, the city’s official plan and zoning by-law were officially amended by Toronto City Council to allow as-of-right laneway housing for thousands of properties across the city via a simple, fast, and low-cost approvals process.
Building Size
The front main wall of the laneway suite may not penetrate a 45 degree angular plane projected towards the rear lot line starting at a height of 4.0m at a distance of 7.5m from the rear main wall of the main house
Garden Platforms
Platforms less than 0.3m high may encroach into the required distance separation by a maximum of 1.5m from the front main wall of the laneway suite.
Balconies & Projections
A second storey balcony less than 10% of the suite’s floor area is permitted at the laneway. Rooftop equipment may extend beyond the maximum height, but must be less than 30% of the roof area and be setback by minimum 1.0m.
Landscaping
85% of the rear yard space between the main house and front main wall of the laneway suite must be soft landscaping. Not including a driveway, 75% of the 1.5m laneway setback must be soft landscaping.
Garden Dormers
Dormers may extend beyond the required angular plane. The total dormer width may not be wider than 30% of the total width of the laneway suite’s front main wall measured at 4.0m above grade.Unsure if your property qualifies? Contact us for your free property review!