Laneway homes, also known as laneway houses or laneway suites, are a type of secondary dwelling unit that is typically located at the rear of a residential property, accessible from a laneway rather than a main street. These homes have become a popular housing option and are a hot trend in real estate of many cities, including Toronto, due to their potential to increase housing density in existing neighborhoods and provide additional rental income or living space for homeowners. Our designs are energy efficient with low carbon footprints that are built to last.
In Toronto, laneway homes have gained attention as a solution to address the city’s housing shortage and to create more affordable housing options. At FA Engineering, we provide architectural and engineering services to add a laneway home to rear of your property.
Some key points about laneway house design in Toronto:
- Location: Laneway homes are constructed in the backyards of existing residential properties, facing onto a laneway. These laneways are typically located behind rows of houses in established neighborhoods.
- Size and Design: Laneway homes in Toronto are typically smaller than the main residence at the front of the property. These structures typically range from 500 to 1,200 square feet (above grade) in size although we can apply for a Committee of Adjustment approval in order to obtain a building permit for a larger laneway home. The laneway homes are often designed as two-story structures, with a separate entrance, living area, kitchen, and bathroom. The design must conform to local zoning and building codes. The City of Toronto has guidelines and regulations in place to ensure that the design and appearance of these units are in harmony with the surrounding area. Laneway homes are seen as an alternative to home additions to provide additional living space. The services i.e. electrical, gas, water and drains typically run from the main home to the laneway home.
- Rental Income: Laneway homes can be used as rental units, providing homeowners with an additional source of rental income. They are often rented out to tenants, such as students or young professionals, who are looking for affordable housing options. The properties with a laneway suite typically sell for higher price.
- City Regulations: Building Departments of each municipality have specific regulations and guidelines governing the construction of laneway homes. The proposed laneway homes need to conform to Ontario Building Code, Zoning Bylaws and Fire Code. Building Permits are required in order to proceed with the construction. At FA Engineering, we assist in obtaining these permits for the execution of your laneway home.
- Access: Access to laneway homes is usually provided via a laneway or alley rather than the main street. The design of the access route is essential to ensure the privacy and safety of both the laneway home residents and the neighboring properties. All the services, mail delivery and garbage collection occurs at the main residence.
- Affordable Housing: Laneway homes are seen as a potential solution to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in Toronto. They can help meet the demand for smaller, more affordable housing units in the city.
Laneway House By-Law Requirements In Toronto:
- Landscaping in backyard area to be between 60% to 85% depending on the lot frontage (lot width), Landscaping between abutting lane and rear wall of the laneway home to be 75% of the area.
- Seperation between main house and laneway home to be between 5 meters to 7.5 meters depending on proposed height of the laneway home.
- Fire Department Access: Distance from the fire hydrant to the fire truck parking on the main street to be 45 meters measures. Travel path (0.9 meters wide x 2.1 meters high minimum.) from fire truck to laneway suite entrance to be between 45 meters or 90 meters with additional fire safety measures.
- Can find a detailed list of all bylaws related to Toronto Laneway Homes is available on the City of Toronto website at https://www.toronto.ca/zoning/bylaw_amendments/ZBL_NewProvision_Chapter150_8.htm
A Laneway Home engineered and designed by FA Engineering, currently under construction.
3D Rendering of a laneway home design.
Planning and Design to Construction:
Laneway house design have gained popularity in Toronto as a means of addressing housing affordability challenges and increasing housing density while preserving the character of established neighborhoods. However, it’s essential to navigate the city’s regulations and consult with local authorities or engineers before planning the construction of a laneway home in Toronto. Regulations and guidelines may get updated over time, so it’s advisable to check with the City of Toronto or consult us for the most up-to-date information.