Here is the good news:
The bad news: they are truly terrible
- They are odd sizes, and not realistic for many lots
- They lack windows
- They have foundations that are not typical
- The steep roof slopes are unnecessary and impractical
- The 2-storey laneway house incorporates the angular plane – that is no longer a requirement
- The “studio” garden suite is only 255 sq. ft. (147 sq. ft. total for living/kitchen/dining/sleeping) – much smaller than most builds desired
- The two-bedroom garden suite is 36 feet long and only 16 feet wide – both awkward dimensions for many lots.
From Toronto Storeys:
In 2018, the City of Toronto amended zoning bylaw to allow laneway suites on residential properties in the Toronto and East York District, expanding the permissions citywide by 2020 and with the addition of garden suites in 2022. The amendment was intended to increase the number of housing options and infill opportunities in the city, ultimately helping to improve affordability for Torontonians.
Now, the City is implementing additional measures to cut down approval timelines and make the construction of garden and laneway suites more accessible, including releasing free blueprints, expanding online services for building permit submissions, and including garden and laneway suites in the existing Reliance on Professional Engineer’s Seal program.
“We need to build more affordable homes faster that people can afford. The City of Toronto is taking action to cut red tape and accelerate housing development in our city,” said Mayor Olivia Chow in a press release on Friday. “Today’s announcement will simplify approvals at city hall by enabling online applications, supporting faster approvals and providing pre-approved designs to accelerate building. We’re tackling the housing crisis by enabling more housing development, including missing middle homes.”
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