Thinking About a Garden Suite? Here's What You Need to Know
Design Proposal for a Garden Suite, Etobicoke
Toronto now allows garden suites—secondary housing units in the rear yards of residential properties that aren’t next to a laneway. These offer flexible living options, but there are important rules to follow. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Key Requirements
1. Emergency Access:
Your garden suite must have a clear, unobstructed path at least 1.0m wide and 2.1m high, with a maximum travel distance of 45m from the street. This is a Building Code requirement—not something you can vary through the Committee of Adjustment.
45m distance with 1m x 2.1m clear.
2. Trees:
Design your suite around any healthy, protected trees. If your build risks harming them, the City can deny your tree permit.
Permit for removal is required for trees with a dia of 30 cm at 1.4m above ground.
3. No Severances:
Garden suites are for personal or rental accommodation—not for splitting your lot or selling separately.
Zoning & Design Guidelines
Use: Can be used for living or home occupation (home office, gymnasium etc). Short-term rentals must follow City rules.
Footprint: Max 60m² footprint or 40% of rear yard, whichever is smaller. Combined ancillary structures can't exceed 20% of lot.
Basements: Allowed.
Height: Up to 4.0m with a 5m setback, or 6.0m if at least 7.5m from the main house.
Floor Area: The interior floor area of a garden suite (including the basement) must be less than the gross floor area of the main residential building (excluding the basement) on the lot.
Separation: Minimum 5.0m from the main house. Existing legal sheds/garages are exempt.
Side/Rear Setbacks: Usually 1.5m, though varies by lot size and location. Existing legal sheds/garages are exempt.
Angular Planes: Height must taper in at a 45° angle from certain setbacks to reduce visual impact above the 4m height at minimum set backs.
Landscaping: At least 50% (or 25% for narrower lots) of the rear yard must be soft landscaping.
Parking: No car parking required. Two bike spots must be provided.
Bottom Line:
Garden suites are a great way to add housing—but getting it right means planning around building codes, zoning, and natural features. Every property is unique, so be sure to review the full by-laws or talk to a professional.