Garden Suite & Second Suite Permits in the GTA
What Is a Garden Suite?
A garden suite is a self-contained living accommodation located within an ancillary building, usually in the rear yard (but not on a public laneway), and separate or detached from the primary dwelling on the lot.
What Is a Laneway Suite?
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 home.
A laneway suite is typically located in the backyard next to a public laneway, is generally smaller in size, and is completely detached from the main house.
Advantages of a Second Suite
Income generation: renting out a laneway suite or garden suite gives homeowners an additional stream of income, which can help cover a mortgage or living expenses in a city where rental prices are high.
Increasing property value: garden and laneway suites add value to a property. By adding a secondary dwelling, owners may be able to increase their property’s market value.
Sustainability and green space: garden suites often integrate eco-friendly designs, such as solar panels, green roofs, or energy-efficient features, contributing to more sustainable living while making better use of backyard space.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation on How You Can Rely on Our Expertise To Assist in Obtaining Your Permit Smoothly & at a Reasonable Cost.
Secondary Suite Loan Program
Ontario homeowners can access the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program and mortgage refinancing to build garden suites, convert an unused basement into a rental apartment, or convert a garage into a laneway home. These programs are intended to help homeowners increase their income and create more affordable housing.
- The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program offers loans of up to $80,000 at a 2% interest rate over 15 years, intended to help homeowners finance rental units such as basement suites, laneway homes, or garden suites
- Mortgage refinancing may be available for up to 90% of the post-renovation value of a home, amortized over up to 30 years
- Homeowners can combine both the loan program and mortgage financing to help cover the cost of adding a secondary suite
Other programs include the City of Hamilton’s Ontario Renovates program, which offers forgivable loans of up to $50,000 for creating secondary suites, and the City of Toronto’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) program, which allows garden suites in most residential zones.
For more information on how to use these programs, consult a financial advisor.
Serving the GTA, York, Durham & Peel
Permit Man designs second suites, garden suites, and laneway suites for homeowners across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax, Whitby, and the surrounding GTA, York, Durham, and Peel communities.
Serving the GTA, York, Durham & Peel
Permit Man designs second suites, garden suites, and laneway suites for homeowners across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax, Whitby, and the surrounding GTA, York, Durham, and Peel communities.
Our Scope of Work Includes
- Free site visit and consultation
- Measurement of the existing building and site plan
- Preparation of existing and proposed architectural, structural, and mechanical drawings
- Submission to the city and follow-up until the permit is issued
What Makes Us the Best Choice?
- The design is completed within 10 business days
- We provide cost-efficient design solutions that comply with the Ontario Building Code
- We don’t submit permit applications until you’re satisfied
- We guarantee on-time project completion
- We prioritize 100% customer satisfaction
Trusted Engineering & Permit Services Across the GTA
Garden Suite & Second Suite FAQs
What's the difference between a garden suite and a laneway suite?
A garden suite is a detached secondary dwelling built in a backyard, while a laneway suite specifically faces a public laneway, both are permitted forms of secondary housing in Toronto and much of the GTA.
Is there financial help available for building a second suite in Ontario?
Ontario’s Secondary Suite Loan Program can help homeowners finance eligible second-suite construction, ask Permit Man whether your project qualifies. Place your confidence in Permit Man and trust us with the seamless processing of your garden suite or laneway suite permit.
