Laneway Housing

On June 28, 2018, City Council adopted the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments permitting laneway suites in R zones under Zoning By-law 569-2013 in the Toronto and East York District. This policy, called “Changing Lanes,” sets out clear rules that allow such homes to be built.

A laneway suite is a self-contained residential unit built into pre-existing lots (on top of garages or parking pads) and generally located in the backyard opening onto a laneway. They are legally connected to the houses in front of them and use their infrastructure for water and electricity. Laneway suites provide new affordable rental housing opportunities within established neighbourhoods, providing a wider range of low-density housing options while preserving community character.

The new policy comes with a variety of restrictions on their size and configuration. Click here to access the City of Toronto Zoning By-Law regarding Laneway Housing and here to access the City Planning Presentation.

Caricari Lee Architects recently completed an ambitious laneway project and renovation of an existing home at 259 Dovercourt. Located in the Trinity Bellwoods area, this urban infill project added three residences to an existing semi-detached residential flag lot with a parcel at the rear laneway. The project consists of a front, four-bedroom, semi-detached family-residence on Dovercourt Road as well as three Skey Lane homes. Each property has its own private garage. Special attention was paid to the sensitive integration of new residences into the urban fabric of the existing area.