Laneway Homes: Toronto’s Newest Housing Trend
Laneway homes are small detached properties on a lot, generally behind another house opening up onto a back lane. These are beginning to grow in popularity across Toronto due to our ever increasing population. This is another of our creative methods of dealing with excessive density, which (as of now) is mostly a Canadian development. Its origin began in North Vancouver, followed by an increase in popularity in Ottawa and then adopted in Toronto. They were developed as early as 1930, beginning as carriage homes (detached properties that began as a horse stable and converted into a home). Heavily populated cities across the country are beginning to develop these homes more and more.
Getting this type of property was traditionally very difficult, policy changes as of 2018 had simplified the process by giving quick access to permits for those who qualify. Gregg Lintern, Chief Planner & Executive Director for the City of Toronto, in an interview with REC stated: "Simplifying the once difficult process of getting permits for laneway suites was to comfortably add gradual density to the city. This is the modern interpretation of Missing Middle Housing." Which was utilized in the 30’s in the States to curb issues of developing population.
Architect Rohan Walters of Spaces By Rohan Inc. is excited about the appeal and benefits of these tight-fit properties for Torontonians. "They curtail urban sprawl due to adding a property on already utilized land. The landowner saves on taxation, increases the equity of the property and saves an annual average of $4,000 by staying within the same lot. Generally, family members are the ones utilizing these properties to retain a strong sense of familial stability." The suites add a significant value to the lot, especially if one is renting out to tenants. They also effectively make the area safer by animating the street better through generating more informal surveillance in an urban environment.
The negatives of laneway homes are extremely limited. The majority of this focus is the perception, as they threaten the traditional white-picket fence ideal that some still maintain. It has no negative influence on property values or on zoning within the area. There's been a noted concern of privacy and overlook in regards to neighbouring properties, but this is not an issue as laws of construction are extremely strict in order to avoid this.
Specific to Ontario, the new property cannot exceed more than 30% of the entire lot. There needs to be a minimum difference of 3.5 meters between the property and the street, as this will allow enough space for EMS services to travel through. The minimum distance from both properties requires at least 1.8 meters. Laneway homes cannot exceed more than 2 storeys, anything that will encroach on the initial property cannot be developed. There is some leeway with these properties, but this can only be accomplished by going through the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). The house must meet accessible building standards, manage water, the Ontario Building Code, Tier 2 of the Toronto Green Standards, the initial land has to accommodate a suite within an existing ancillary building and avoid the removal or damage of a protected tree. The zoning is more permissive in the older parts of the city due to more availability of space, while it is more of an issue in newer suburban sections as the evolving density leaves less area to expand with the focus already on detached dwelling.
The average square footage of a lane home is between 1,000 -1,500, but they can be up to 2,000. The average price of construction within Ontario is $400,000 - 500,000, although they can reach up to $900,000 on the premium end. The architecture style of these properties can be any type the owner and architect see fit; as long as everything is zoned correctly there are no restrictions. Laneway suites are a good mix of modern and traditional. It’s best that anyone building work with an established architect to ensure safety and quality.