Everybody’s talking about Build a garden suite in Toronto in their backyard. Sounds nice. A second house on your lot, rental income, extra space for family, aging parents, or maybe you want to stick it to the housing market. But here’s the thing: this isn’t as simple as pouring a slab and calling your cousin the framer. You can do it, but you need to know the rules, or you’ll burn money fast.
Let me simplify things for you and suggest some questions you should consider before reaching out to a designer.
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First Question: Is Your Property Even Eligible to Build a garden suite in Toronto?
Don’t assume. Just because you have a backyard doesn’t mean you can build a suite back there.
Ask yourself:
- Is your home in a residential zone like R, RD, RS, RT, or RM? (If you’re in a commercial or industrial zone, forget it.
- Are you next to a public laneway? If yes, you’re not building a garden suite — you’re dealing with different rules for a laneway suite.
- Is your lot big enough to handle setbacks and green space to Build a garden suite in Toronto after sticking a small house back there?
Even if the answer is yes, you must apply for a Zoning Certificate and maybe deal with tree protection rules and fire access.
Lot Size & Coverage: No, You Can’t Build a Mansion Back There
Another question to ask:
How big is your backyard? Be honest — you’re not building a mini condo.
- Your garden suite can be 40% of the rear yard area or 60 square meters max, whichever is smaller.
- All buildings (garden suite, sheds, garages) can’t cover more than 20% of your total lot area.
- You’ve got to leave soft landscaping too — that’s grass, plants, not just patio stones. Half the backyard must stay green if your lot is more than 6m wide.
Setbacks: Don’t Build a garden suite in Toronto Right Up to the Fence
Side and rear setbacks are no joke. These rules prevent blocking light and views, or risking fire access issues. Here’s what you’re dealing with:
- Side setback: 0.6m or 10% of lot width (up to 3m). Got a window or door on that side? Now it’s 1.5m.
- Rear setback: Usually 1.5m, but it might be more if your lot is deep.
Corner lot? Rear lane? The rules change again. You’d better check — or you’re redesigning halfway through construction.
Are You Ready for Fire & Emergency Access Rules?
You won’t get a permit if firefighters can’t reach your garden suite fast enough.
Ask yourself or contact us :
- Can emergency services get within 45m of the suite’s door?
- Is there a hydrant close enough? If not, you’re done until that’s solved.
Basement or No Basement? Here’s Why It Matters
Considering adding a basement to Build a garden suite in Toronto ? Smart move for extra space. But remember:
- It counts toward your floor area, unless used only for mechanical or storage.
- You might need a sump pump, waterproofing, and extra inspections.
So ask: Are you adding cost for space that doesn’t count legally?
Can You Rent It on Airbnb?
Sure — if you follow the rules. Short-term rentals are allowed only if:
- It’s your principal residence, or
- You’re licensed and compliant with Toronto’s short-term rental bylaw.
No, you can’t just build it and cash in on tourists unless you follow the law — and yes, they do check.
Trees: You Can’t Just Cut Them Down to Build a garden suite in Toronto
Toronto protects trees like they’re made of gold.
Ask:
- Is there a tree 30 cm in diameter or more in your way?
- Is it on City property? Then it’s probably protected.
Removing trees without a permit = heavy fines and stop-work orders.
Permits, Paperwork, and Red Tape — Can You Handle It?
This ain’t like changing your kitchen backsplash. You need:
- A building permit
- A public notice posted on your lawn (garden suites count as infill housing)
- Full architectural drawings
- Maybe even planning committee meetings
Yes, it isn’t enjoyable — but it’s part of the game.
What’s Changing in Build a garden suite in Toronto 2025?
Good question. Ontario Regulation 462/24 took effect in November 2024, and some changes might be coming. A full zoning review is underway, and the city’s Garden Suites Monitoring Team is watching how things go. As of now, 2022 rules still apply, but that might change soon.
So here’s the smart move: Call Toronto Buildings and get the latest info before making any commitments. Rules change fast.
Still Thinking About Building One? Ask Yourself These Real Questions First:
- Do I have enough space — legally, not just visually — to build and still meet all setback and landscaping rules?
- Is it for family, rental income, or resale? Each one affects how you build it.
- Do I have $300,000–$500,000 to invest, and can I wait 12–18 months for permits and construction?
- Am I mentally prepared to deal with city inspectors, bylaws, zoning, tree people, and maybe even angry neighbours?
- Will this increase the value of my property, or cause a headache?
Final Word (No Filter)
Listen, I’ve seen people spend tens of thousands on plans for garden suites — only to find out their lot was too tight, or a protected tree killed the whole deal. Do your homework. Call the city. Talk to a contractor who knows the game, not just some guy on YouTube.
If you’re serious, it’s worth doing right. But if you’re looking for a quick win or cheap rental unit, you’re in the wrong business.