ARVO Backyard Homes designs, permits, and builds garden suites and laneway suites across Toronto. Fixed-price contracts. Permit service included. No hidden costs. Ready to move in within 14–26 weeks.
Since 2022, Toronto has permitted garden suites as-of-right across residential zones — updated in July 2025 by By-law 849-2025. No rezoning needed — just a building permit. Here's what the current rules look like.
Single-storey: max GFA 60 m² (646 sq ft). Two-storey: max GFA 120 m² (1,292 sq ft). GFA must be less than the main dwelling. Lot coverage: either 45% total for all buildings, or 20% of lot area for all ancillary buildings combined.
If less than 7.5 m from main house: max 4.0 m (single storey). If 7.5 m or more from main house: max 6.3 m (two storeys possible). Separation: 4.0 m if height ≤ 4.0 m; 7.5 m if height > 4.0 m. Updated by By-law 849-2025.
Permitted in R, RD, RS, RT, and RM residential zones under By-law 569-2013, as amended by By-law 849-2025 (adopted July 24, 2025). Properties under former municipal zoning (North York, Etobicoke, etc.) require confirmation from Toronto Buildings at 416-397-5330.
Rear: 1.5 m (increased for lots > 45 m deep, or if upper-storey rear windows present). Side: 1.5 m or 10% of lot frontage (max 3.0 m) if openings exist. Corner lots: min 1.5 m or average of adjacent front setback. Separation from main house: 4.0 m (≤ 4.0 m height) or 7.5 m (> 4.0 m height).
No additional parking required for garden suites. Two bicycle parking spaces must be provided. A clear 1.0 m wide emergency access path from street to suite entrance is required.
Toronto's Private Tree By-law protects trees over 30 cm diameter. Each tree has a Critical Root Zone (10 cm diameter = 1.2 m CRZ radius). Arborist report required if trees overlap the build area.
ARVO 雅筑 提供全程中英双语服务，从可行性评估到 permit 申请再到施工交付。 多伦多 Garden Suite 在住宅用地上属于 As-of-Right，不需要改变用途（rezoning）， 只需要 Building Permit。我们的报价包含 permit 代办服务（市政府 permit 费用由业主承担），没有隐藏收费。 欢迎微信或邮件咨询。
Every package is turnkey: architectural design, building permit, engineering, site prep, construction, utility hookup, and final inspection — all included.
From $163,900
From $249,900
From $189,700
Our fixed-price contracts include everything from design to occupancy. Here's a typical cost breakdown for a standard single-storey garden suite in Toronto.
| Item | Description | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Design | Custom or pre-approved plans, stamped drawings | ✅ Included |
| Engineering | Structural, mechanical, electrical design | ✅ Included |
| Building Permit | City of Toronto application and fees | ⚠️ Paid by owner |
| Permit Service | Full permit application handling by ARVO | ✅ Included |
| Site Preparation | Excavation, grading, foundation | ✅ Included |
| Construction | Framing, roofing, insulation, exterior finishes | ✅ Included |
| Mechanical & Electrical | HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fixtures | ✅ Included |
| Interior Finishing | Flooring, kitchen, bathroom, painting | ✅ Included |
| Utility Connections | Water, sewer, electrical to city services | ✅ Included |
| Inspections | All required building inspections to occupancy | ✅ Included |
| Total | Turnkey, ready to move in | From $163,900 |
* Prices exclude HST. City of Toronto building permit fees are paid directly by the owner. Site-specific conditions (extensive grading, long utility runs, tree protection) may affect final pricing. Arborist report quoted separately if required. Final price confirmed after free feasibility assessment.
Our streamlined process handles every step so you don't have to navigate City Hall, hire separate consultants, or coordinate trades.
We review your property address, zoning, lot dimensions, and rear yard conditions. You'll know within 48 hours if your property qualifies and get a preliminary budget range.
Choose a suite configuration. We prepare architectural plans, engineering scope, and a fixed-price proposal. No surprises — what you sign is what you pay.
We handle the full building permit application with the City of Toronto, including drawings, surveys, and any tree or grading reports. Typical review: 6–10 weeks.
Our in-house team builds your suite. Weekly progress updates. All trades coordinated under one general contractor. Build time: 14–26 weeks depending on configuration.
Final building inspection, occupancy clearance, and walkthrough with you. Your suite is ready for family, tenants, or whatever you have planned.
Answers to the most common questions Toronto homeowners ask about building a garden suite or laneway suite.
Most likely yes. 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 (adopted July 24, 2025). The main requirements are sufficient rear yard space, setback clearances, separation distance from the main house, and emergency access. Properties under former municipal zoning (like old North York or Etobicoke by-laws) may need confirmation from Toronto Buildings at 416-397-5330. Our free feasibility check covers all of this.
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.
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.
Send us your address. We'll check zoning, lot feasibility, and give you a preliminary budget — all free, no obligation.
Get Your Free Feasibility Check →