Laneway Suite

Laneway Suite By-Laws

In a bid to transform Toronto’s urban landscape, Livablsuits collaborated with the City of Toronto and Evergreen, engaging thousands of residents in a groundbreaking initiative. This collective effort led to the creation of a comprehensive zoning policy for laneway suites, reflecting the diverse voices of the community. The culmination of this project was the official amendment of Toronto’s zoning by-law, streamlining the process for laneway housing approvals and making it more accessible and cost-effective for homeowners.

WHAT ARE LANEWAY SUITES?

Laneway suites are self-contained residential units located on the same lot as a detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse, or other low-rise house, typically situated in the rear yard adjacent to a public laneway. They offer a unique opportunity to increase affordable rental housing within established neighborhoods, making efficient use of existing infrastructure and revitalizing underutilized urban areas. Unlike basement apartments, laneway suites provide enhanced living spaces without disrupting the primary residence.

Garden Dormers

Design features of laneway suites include garden dormers, which may extend beyond the prescribed angular plane, provided they do not exceed 30% of the suite’s front main wall width at 4.0 meters above ground level.

Building Size

The building’s front main wall must adhere to a 45-degree angular plane, starting at a height of 4.0 meters and extending 7.5 meters from the rear wall of the main house.

Garden Platforms

Garden platforms with a height under 0.3 meters are permitted to encroach up to 1.5 meters into the required separation distance from the laneway suite’s front main wall.

Balconies & Projections

Second-story balconies are allowed at the laneway side, provided they constitute less than 10% of the suite’s floor area. Rooftop equipment may surpass the maximum height limit if it covers less than 30% of the roof area and is set back by at least 1.5 meters.

Landscaping

By embracing laneway suites, Livablsuits aims to enrich Toronto’s housing landscape, offering innovative and affordable living solutions that seamlessly integrate into the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Unsure if your property qualifies? Contact us for your free property review!

LET’S GET STARTED...

If you’d like to work with us, please give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to meet with you and discuss your ideas for your new laneway suite.

LET’S GET STARTED...

If you’d like to work with us, please give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to meet with you and discuss your ideas for your new laneway suite.