A detached secondary unit in the rear yard — for lots without a laneway.
Free quick-reference guide (PDF, courtesy of TRREB). Save or print for easy reference.
⬇ Provincial Guide on Second Units (PDF)Garden suites are detached living units in a backyard (no laneway required). Toronto permits them as-of-right with rules on size, height and setbacks; other municipalities are following.
| ✓ Sufficient rear-yard space and access for emergency services |
| ✓ Meets zoning setbacks, height and lot coverage |
| ✓ Building permit and code compliance |
| ★ Rental income or family living space |
| ★ Works on lots without a laneway |
| ★ Adds property value |
| → Get a zoning/preliminary review |
| → Design to garden-suite standards |
| → Apply for permits and build |
Common questions about this program.
A laneway suite fronts a public lane; a garden suite sits in the rear yard without lane access.
Contact Tej Thakor, Broker of Record at Royal LePage Terra Realty, for professional real estate guidance across the GTA and surrounding areas — in English, Hindi & Gujarati.
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