FAQs
What is the difference between a Laneway Suite and a Garden Suite?
Garden and Laneway Suites are self-contained dwelling units, detached from the main house, typically located in a rear yard. A garden and a laneway suite can be used as a long-term rental accommodation, space for family, or for the main house tenant (as a guest house, work space etc.) Both garden suites and laneway suites must provide kitchen and bathroom facilities and may not be more than one dwelling unit. A laneway suite is situated on a lot that abuts a publicly designated laneway. A garden suite applies to properties that do not have public laneway access. Garden and laneway suites are regulated by two separate portions of the zoning by-law.
Is my property eligible for a Laneway Suite?
In order to qualify for an as-of-right Laneway suite, your property must:
- Reside within Toronto/East York, North York, Etobicoke or Scarborough
- Have a residential zoning designation (R, RS, RT, RM, RD) as per the Toronto Zoning By-law
- Must abut a municipally designated laneway for a minimum frontage of 3.5 meters
- For emergency service access, provide a 0.9 meter wide unobstructed path of access from your front curb or be located within 90 meters from a street via the laneway
These are minimum requirements, and minor variations may be required in some cases.
We offer a Free Laneway Suite Property Review that confirms your lot’s eligibility and an approximate buildable area – no site visit required! Please send us an email with your address or survey and our team will provide a complete report shortly thereafter.
Is my property eligible for a Garden Suite?
In order to qualify for an as-of-right Garden suite, your property must:
- Reside within Toronto/East York, North York, Etobicoke or Scarborough
- Have a residential zoning designation (R, RS, RT, RM, RD) as per the Toronto Zoning By-law
- Must not abut a municipally designated laneway
- For emergency service access, provide a 1.0 meter wide unobstructed path of access that is equal to or less than 45m from your front curb to the street.
These are minimum requirements, and minor variations may be acquired in some cases.
We offer a Free Garden Suite Property Review. Please send us an email with your address or survey and our team will provide a complete report shortly thereafter.
What is an LDA?
An LDA is short for Limiting Distance Agreement. This is an agreement with your neighbour to legally use your shared side yard for emergency access to the future laneway suite. This is required where your lot conditions do not provide sufficient clearance between the main house and the property line, but sufficient clearance is available between two neighbouring buildings (spanning over the shared lot line). This is a standard legal agreement that is made available by the city and registered on title. It does add some minor cost and time to the approvals process, however it is a straight-forward document that is specifically tailored to homeowners in this situation. Read here for more information.
Can trees impact the ability to build a laneway/garden suite?
Any tree with a trunk measuring larger than 0.3m in diameter, measured 1.4m above grade is subject to protection by the Toronto Private Tree By-law. A protected tree will be subject to a tree protection zone, the size of which corresponds with the size of the trunk. The larger the trunk, the larger the protection radius. If your proposed construction encroaches within a protection zone, or requires the removal of a protected tree, a permit from Toronto Parks and Forestry will be required and evaluated based on an arborist report commissioned by the homeowner.
Can you add a basement to my garden/laneway suite?
Basements are permitted in a laneway and garden suites. However, the expense associated with excavation, shoring, foundations, and drainage in the tight confines of a rear yard can inflate your project budget. A laneway/ garden suite cannot be subdivided into multiple units, but a basement may be a great option to provide additional storage, utility or expanded living space in some circumstances. More information on basements can be found here.
Can I sever my Laneway/ Garden Suite?
Laneway suites and Garden suites are non-severable, sharing a lot and municipal services with the primary residence. These suites are a great means of increasing property value, providing supplementary rental income, or providing housing flexibility on your existing property.
How do I provide services (gas, electricity, and water) to my Laneway/ Garden Suite?
Services to your laneway/ garden suite are supplied from the main house. In many cases, electrical service can be separately metered directly with Toronto Hydro. Gas and water services must share a meter with the existing residence, however there are many options available to monitor the usage attributed to the laneway or garden suite.
How much will my Suite cost to build?
As with any construction project, costs vary depending on existing conditions, the building design, complexity, and size. Generally, laneway and garden suites cost significantly less than condos, and produce significantly more income than basement apartments or other types of secondary suites. Read here for more details on the costs to expect when building a suite. To inquire about municipal incentives, tax rebates or other incentive programs, please send us an email.
Will a Laneway/Garden Suite increase my property value?
An income-generating unit will marginally increase costs while significantly increasing revenue and equity value. In the majority of cases, a properly executed laneway or garden suite will produce income and equity, both in the short and long term. Please contact us for more information on stabilized value and rental data available.
Still have questions? Send us an email with any inquiries pertaining to the by-laws, your property’s particular circumstances, or how to get started on your own Laneway Suite. Be sure to include your address or a copy of your survey. We look forward to hearing from you!