Ontario’s More Homes Built Faster Act (2022) means municipalities can no longer prohibit garden suites on most residential lots. Here’s what changed and what it means for GTA homeowners.
What municipalities can still regulate:
- Maximum height (province guidance: 6m)
- Setbacks (min 1.5m rear, 0.6m side recommended)
- Lot coverage maximums
- Design standards and heritage overlays
Permit process:
- Full building permit required (site plan, architectural drawings, lot grading plan)
- Toronto’s by-right pathway targets 30-day approval (no variances)
- Committee of Adjustment variance: add 3-6 months
- Pre-application consultation strongly recommended
Servicing costs (often the surprise):
- Separate or shared water/sewer connection required
- Separate electrical service or subpanel
- Enbridge gas needs separate meter
- Site servicing alone: $15,000-$40,000
Construction cost ranges (GTA 2026):
- Prefab/modular 400-600 sq ft: $150,000-$250,000 all-in
- Custom single-storey 600-900 sq ft: $250,000-$400,000
- Two-storey custom 900-1,200 sq ft: $350,000-$550,000
- Soft costs (design, permits, development charges): add $25,000-$60,000
Anyone here completed a garden suite in Toronto or the 905? How was the process?
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