An update on the status of Garden Suites in Toronto and a how-to guide to building your own
The City of Toronto introduced the Multiplex Housing initiative to stimulate the growth of the rental stock and provide more affordable housing options for residents. While this initiative encompasses various strategies, one standout feature is the Garden Suites project. However, recent reports reveal that progress has been slower than anticipated, with only six suites built in Toronto to date.
Garden Suites in Toronto
Two years ago, Toronto revised its zoning regulations to permit the construction of garden suites on most residential properties, aiming to increase housing options in a densely populated city. Garden suites are additional self-contained living accommodations, often situated in rear yards and detached from the main house. According to a report by city staff last month, while there have been 244 applications from homeowners to build garden suites in the first two years since the amendments, only 97 permits have been issued. Additionally, as of November 2023, despite 57 suites being under construction, only six garden suites have been completed.
Despite the sluggish pace of adoption, there are signs of growing interest in garden suites. Vendors at the National Home Show report an uptick in demand for these small, shed-like residences, with some showcasing them for the first time. This burgeoning interest suggests that while progress may have been slow thus far, there is still considerable potential for garden suites to play a significant role in addressing Toronto's housing challenges in the future.
How Our Urban Planning Consulting Firm Can Help You
Our planning consulting firm stands ready to assist homeowners, developers, and builders in navigating the complexities of the Multiplex Housing Initiative. With our expertise in urban planning and development regulations, we can advise and support clients throughout the process, from initial applications to obtaining approvals and realizing their garden suite or multiplex project.
How to Build a Garden Suite
Here are the specific steps to get a garden suite approved in Toronto:
Preliminary Consultation: Schedule a preliminary consultation with our planning consulting team to discuss your project goals, site constraints, and feasibility of constructing a garden suite on your property.
Site Assessment: Conduct a thorough site assessment to evaluate factors such as lot size, setbacks, access, and existing infrastructure to determine the suitability of the site for a garden suite.
Conceptual Design: Develop a conceptual design for the garden suite that meets your needs and complies with city regulations. Our team can provide design recommendations and assist with preparing conceptual drawings for submission.
Pre-Application Meeting: Arrange a pre-application meeting with city planning staff to review your proposed garden suite project, address any concerns or questions, and obtain guidance on the application process.
Formal Application Submission: Prepare and submit a formal application for a garden suite permit to the city's planning department. The application package should include detailed site plans, floor plans, elevations, and other required documentation.
Review and Approval Process: Await the city's review of your application, which typically involves assessing compliance with zoning bylaws, building codes, and other regulations. Our team can liaise with city staff, address any comments or revisions, and expedite the approval process.
Building Permit Issuance: Once your garden suite project receives approval, obtain a building permit from the city to commence construction. Our consultants can assist with obtaining the necessary permits and approvals to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Construction Oversight: Throughout the construction phase, our team can provide project management services, conduct site inspections, and ensure that the garden suite is built according to approved plans and specifications.
By following these steps and enlisting the support of our planning consulting firm, homeowners, developers, and builders can navigate the process of getting a garden suite approved in Toronto effectively and efficiently, contributing to the city's efforts to address its housing challenges.
Comments