Is a Laneway Suite Different from a Carriage House Suite (Garden Suite)?
A laneway suite is an ancillary or secondary dwelling unit located in the rear yard of a residential property, separate from the primary residence, and next to a laneway.
Carriage houses (garden suites) are ancillary detached dwelling units located on a residential property that is not abutting a laneway.
In all cases, each unit must include a kitchen, a bathroom, and a space used for sleeping, which are to be used exclusively by the occupant(s).
It is important to understand that the ancillary structure that features this type of secondary suite cannot be legally conveyed as a separate parcel of land from the primary dwelling unit.
Where can Laneway Suites be Created?
Although the creation of laneway suites/carriage house suites/garden suites in Ontario has been made possible through the Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing Act, many smaller communities have not adopted these types of housing as yet.
The City of Toronto and the City of Barrie are two locations where laneway suites have been embraced. Although both municipalities allow for the creation of this type of dwelling, the zoning rules for laneway suites in the City of Toronto are unique and different from those decreed by the City of Barrie. In each instance, it is essential that the home owner or their architectural designer determine what is allowed within their residential zone prior to the commencement of such a project.
What Are The Pros of Creating a Laneway Suite?
- A laneway suite may offer an opportunity for a family member to live independently, but remain near their family
- It can be an added source of income for the home owner
- If created legally, the secondary suite will increase the value of your property
- It may result in tax benefits
- It provides the community with an additional source of affordable rental housing
- A laneway suite may enhance and improve the facade along the laneway
- The secondary suite will utilize existing municipal infrastructure; services such as electricity, gas, sewer and water will be obtained from the main street fronting the property
What Are The Cons of Creating a Laneway Suite?
- A significant renovation may be required to create the secondary suite
- The privacy of your back yard will be compromised
- The cost of your home insurance may increase due to the increased value of your home
- The cost of your municipal taxes may increase
- For secondary suite inhabitants, public services such as garbage pick-up and mail delivery will be provided from the main street fronting the property
What is Involved in the Creation of a Laneway Suite?
The design for the laneway suite must adhere to municipal zoning requirements and standards for your property, as well as the Ontario Building Code. It should be noted that Building Code requirements may differ depending upon the age of your building. Health, safety, and housing, and maintenance standards set forth by the OBC, the Fire Code, and municipal property standard by-laws must be met to acquire a building permit. Construction can only begin once a building permit is acquired. During construction, you must anticipate that building inspections will be made at specific stages.
We Can Help
The creation of laneway suite is an exciting but potentially challenging project. Zoning by-laws and Building Code requirements can be confusing. Let Homes 2B Design help you to navigate the process to ensure a successful result.
- We will determine the municipal zoning requirements and standards that apply to your property.
- We will provide consultation on the physical changes that will have to be made to the ancillary structure on your property to include a laneway suite.
- We will create design drawings that meet with your approval.
- We will prepare construction drawings that will comply with the OBC and all municipal requirements, to be included in your permit application.
- We can apply for the building permit on your behalf.
- We can represent you at the Committee of Adjustment, if necessary.