ByLaws

After pilot projects in Ottawa, Vancouver, and around the world, Toronto is making a big step forward in housing for Toronto. Laneway Housing, or Laneway Suites, are separate, detached dwellings that are built on the rear side of a property abutting a laneway or access route.

Before September 2018, Toronto’s zoning code would permit laneway housing but with the success of the pilot projects, the City of Toronto has incorporated laneway Suites into its zoning bylaw.

A strong research team

Superstar researchers, Graig Uens and George Pantazis (senior planner and planner at the City of Toronto, respectively) have been in charge of introducing the new initiatives and have provided assistance to homeowners to aid early adopters.

Two programs currently exist at this time: The Development Charges Deferral Program and The Affordable Laneway Suites Pilot Program.

Development Charges Deferral Program

Development charges are the administrative costs to the city whenever a new building is constructed. Whether you are building a small home or a mansion, breaking any new ground entitles the city to collect development charges for construction within its borders.

The Development Charges Deferral Program allows homeowners in Toronto to defer the payment of development charges.

Who Can Apply:

• must own a property within Toronto and East York District

• must conform with applicable zoning and other by-laws as determined by Toronto Building through a zoning certificate or building permit

• must have applied for building permit

• must enter into a DC Deferral for Ancillary Secondary Dwelling Units Agreement with the City

The Affordable Laneway Suites Pilot Program

The Affordable Laneway Suites Pilot Program provides funding as a forgivable loan of up to $50,000 for eligible property owners developing a laneway suite. The loan will be forgiven in 15 years from the date when the first tenant occupies the laneway suite.  The rent charge cannot exceed the City of Toronto Average Market Rent during the 15 years.

Who Can Apply:

• must own a single family home that is abutting a public lane within Toronto and East York District

• must conform with applicable zoning and other by-laws as determined by Toronto Building through a zoning certificate or building permit

• must have applied for building permit

• must enter into an Affordable Laneway Suites Contribution Agreement with the City

• must be approved for the Development Charges Deferral Program for Ancillary Secondary Dwelling Units

For more information, visit the City of Toronto website.

Design Guidelines

Think this might be the right step for you? Here is a visual design aid provided by the City of Toronto that will help you visualize what your next laneway house might look like.