Build a Garden Suite in Toronto — Turnkey from $163,900

Yes, a building permit is required. Garden suites are permitted as-of-right in Toronto's residential zones (R, RD, RS, RT, RM) under Zoning By-law 569-2013 as amended by By-law 849-2025. No rezoning application is needed — only a building permit confirming compliance with zoning, the Ontario Building Code, and tree regulations. ARVO's permit service handles the full application process; City permit fees are paid by the owner. See how the Toronto permit process works.

A turnkey single-storey garden suite starts from $163,900 with permit service included (City permit fees paid by owner). Garden Suite + Basement configurations start from $249,900. Laneway suites start from $189,700. Final cost depends on suite size, site conditions, utility connection distances, and finishing selections. Our fixed-price contracts mean no surprises after signing.

Both. ARVO is a design-build garden suite builder: our design team prepares the architectural and engineering drawings, we prepare and submit the building permit application to the City of Toronto and manage examiner comments, and our licensed and insured general contracting team builds the suite and attends every City inspection through to occupancy — all under one fixed-price contract.

Under the updated By-law 849-2025, single-storey garden suites have a maximum GFA of 60 m² (646 sq ft), while two-storey suites can reach up to 120 m² (1,292 sq ft). The GFA cannot exceed that of the main house. Basements are included in the GFA calculation for garden suites, but the primary dwelling's basement is excluded from its GFA calculation. Lot coverage options: either 45% total lot coverage for all buildings, or 20% of lot area for all ancillary buildings combined.

Garden suites qualifying as Additional Residential Units (ARUs) are currently exempt from Development Charges in Toronto. In 2025, Council also extended DC exemptions for properties with up to six units. This saves you tens of thousands of dollars compared to typical new construction.

Yes. Basements are permitted for garden suites. Note that under By-law 849-2025, the basement area is included in the garden suite's interior floor area calculation. However, the primary dwelling's basement can be excluded from its GFA — which helps ensure your garden suite GFA stays below the main house. Our Garden Suite + Basement package starts from $249,900 and includes a single-storey suite with an unfinished basement, giving you 900–1,300 sq ft of total space.

Yes. Garden suites are self-contained dwelling units with their own kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance. They can be rented as long-term rentals. In Toronto's rental market, a well-designed garden suite can generate $2,000–$3,000+ per month in rental income depending on size, location, and finishes.

A complete building permit submission typically takes 6–10 weeks for City of Toronto review. The City also offers a Certified Plans Program that can reduce review timelines for qualifying designs. If a minor variance is needed (uncommon with our designs), add 3–4 months for Committee of Adjustment. ARVO's permit service handles the entire application process — City permit fees are paid directly by the owner.

If a family member occupies the garden suite as their primary residence (common in multi-generational households), you may qualify for the Ontario New Housing Rebate — up to approximately $16,080 in HST savings. This is a significant benefit for families building suites for parents or adult children. We can walk you through eligibility.

Both are detached secondary dwellings in the rear yard. A laneway suite fronts onto a public lane (alley) and must share a lot line with it. A garden suite is on a property without lane access. The zoning rules differ slightly — laneway suites can sometimes have reduced side setbacks and different fire access requirements. We'll identify which applies to your property during the feasibility check.