Toronto Releases Free Pre-Approved Garden, Laneway Suite Plans

Toronto homeowners will soon find a helpful tool in speeding up home builds as the city now offers free pre-approved plans for garden and laneway suites. These are small, separate living units built at the back of homes or facing a public laneway. This change aims to make the build process faster, less costly, and more accessible for many.

The plans are called “Made in Toronto” pre-approved designs and they follow the Ontario Building Code and the city’s zoning by-law. Because they have been pre-reviewed, homeowners don’t need to send in full architectural drawings. Instead, they just reference the plan number in their building permit application.

Beyond just the free designs, the city has launched two more tools to make building easier. First is an online self-service system for building permit submissions. This includes suite types like garden and laneway suites, secondary suites, multiplex conversions, and new homes. Second, starting July 14, professional engineers can now stamp and take responsibility for certain accessory structure designs, which cuts approval time by about 28 days.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the city must lower housing costs and speed up construction to meet rising demands. She emphasized that these new steps will simplify the process so homeowners can build more quickly and affordably. Still, housing advocates warn these changes are only a small part of the solution. The city’s housing crisis remains severe and broader reforms are still needed.

Although garden suites have been allowed since 2022, only 114 have been built so far. Laneway suites show similar low numbers. This suggests cost and approval delays have been major barriers. The city hopes that by removing design costs and permitting hurdles, more homeowners will take action.

Toronto has set a target of adding 285,000 new homes by 2030. In 2024, only about 20,999 housing starts were recorded, falling short of the yearly goal of 23,750. The city clearly needs more tools and faster results. By offering free designs and speeding up approvals, this new initiative may help move closer to housing goals, but more work is still needed.