Custom Garden Suite Builder In Toronto

A garden suite is a detached, self-contained residential unit located in the backyard of a property, separate from the main house. It’s designed for independent living and can be used as a rental unit, guest house, or multigenerational space.

Yes, as of 2022, garden suites are legal city-wide under Toronto's “Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods” initiative. Homeowners must meet specific zoning and building code requirements to qualify.

To build a garden suite in Toronto, your property must be located in a residential zone such as R, RD, RS, RT, or RM.

There is no minimum lot size, but your backyard must provide enough space to meet zoning rules around size, setbacks, and emergency access. The maximum allowable footprint for a garden suite is 60 m² (646 ft²) or 40% of your rear yard, whichever is less.

The total lot coverage of all accessory structures – including garages or sheds – cannot exceed 20% of your entire lot area. The height of the suite depends on its distance from the main house: you can build up to 4 m tall if the suite is at least 4 m away from the main dwelling, and up to 6 m tall if it’s set back 7.5 m or more.

Recent changes to provincial regulations have also removed angular plane restrictions, making two-storey garden suites easier to build.Setback requirements include a 1.5 m minimum distance from the rear and side lot lines, and side setbacks must typically be at least 10% of your lot’s frontage.

You must also provide a 1-metre-wide, unobstructed path of travel from the street to the garden suite for emergency access, with the entrance located within 45 m of the street and fire hydrant. A building permit is required, and if your design does not meet zoning rules exactly, you’ll need to apply for a minor variance.

The garden suite must comply with the Ontario Building Code for structure, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety. You’ll also need to complete a Tree Declaration Form, as protected trees cannot be removed without city approval.

Although no parking is required for cars, you must provide two bicycle parking spaces.

Finally, at least 50% of your rear yard must remain soft landscaping (grass or permeable surfaces), and rooftop equipment like HVAC units must be set back at least 1 m from the edge of the roof.

The maximum footprint is 60 m² (646 ft²) or 40% of your rear yard, whichever is less.

The total floor area must also be smaller than your main house, and all ancillary structures combined must not exceed 20% of the total lot size.

Yes, but only if the garden suite is at least 7.5 metres away from the main house. Maximum height is generally 6 metres, subject to angular plane and setback rules.

Yes. You’ll need to apply for a building permit, and in some cases, a minor variance if your property doesn’t fully comply with zoning regulations. A full site plan and design package is required.

Prices typically range from $250,000 to $350,000+, depending on the size, layout, materials, and whether it’s a prefabricated or fully custom build.

Yes, garden suites can be rented out as long as they meet building code standards.

They’re commonly used for long-term rentals, helping homeowners offset their mortgage or create passive income.

Most residentially zoned lots with sufficient rear yard space and proper access can qualify.

However, properties with small lots, mature trees, or unusual grading may face additional limitations or require variances.

We handle design, zoning review, permits, construction, utilities, and final finishes, offering a turn-key solution for your garden suite.

From design to final construction, most projects take 6 to 12 months, depending on permit approvals, weather, and the scope of work.

Building a garden suite will affect your property tax assessment by increasing your home’s overall value. This could raise your monthly property taxes by as much as $180, depending on the size and features of the new structure.