A Laneway Suite is a self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as a detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse, or other low-rise house. A Laneway Suite is typically located in the back yard next to a public laneway and is generally smaller in size, and completely detached from the main house on the lot.
Laneway Suites provide new rental housing opportunities within established neighbourhoods, contributing to a wider range of housing options.
View a map of Toronto’s public laneways.
The City of Toronto allows the construction of Laneway Suites across the City on residential properties that share a property line with a public lane, subject to criteria:
If you have questions about building permit applications please contact Toronto Building staff at 416-397-5330.
As of May 2021, over 200 Building permit applications for new laneway suites have been submitted to the city.
View the locations of laneway suite building permit applications.
In 2018, along with approving By-law and Policy changes to allow the construction of laneway suites, City Council directed City staff monitor the implementation of laneway suites and begin drafting a report on the monitoring period within the earlier of 2 years or the issuance of the 100th laneway suite building permit.
In 2021, the City retained Gladki Planning Associates to assist in the Laneway Suite monitoring work. The report from Gladki Planning Associates was submitted to the City in October 2021. Please note that the City Planning Divisions recommendations may align with the recommendations of this report in some instances and not others. The City’s Final Report on the Laneway Suites Monitoring Initiative will be published online in advance the November 25, 2021 Planning and Housing Committee meeting.
Please see the following for supporting documentation, including previous staff reports, related to the Changing Lanes Initiative:
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.
On July 16, 2019, City Council adopted the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments permitting Laneway Suites in R, RD, RS, RT and RM zones under Zoning By-law 569-2013 across the City.
On December 15, 2021, City Council adopted the Zoning By-law Amendment to implement changes as a result of the City’s Review of Laneway Suites – Monitoring Program
Information on future meetings will be posted on this page.
On February 16, 2023, City Planning hosted a virtual information session about changes to the Zoning By-law to remove the location restriction for laneway suites in Yorkville (the area bounded by Avenue Road, the Canadian Pacific Limited rail corridor, Yonge Street, Rosedale Valley Road, Sherbourne Street, Bloor Street East and Bloor Street West).
On October 27, 2021 City Planning hosted a consultation meeting regarding the laneway suite monitoring program.
A recording of the meeting is available for viewing.
On August 31, and September 1, 2021 City Planning hosted two information sessions regarding the laneway suite monitoring program.
A recording of the August 31st, 2021 session is available for viewing.
The Review and Monitoring Information Session presentation given by staff at both meetings is also available.