Garden suite permits (pre-approved plans)

Check whether you need a permit

• You need to apply for a building permit to build a garden suite on your property.
• If you own a detached, semi-detached or town home, you can build up to two additional residential units (ARUs) on your property.
• Garden suites are detached additional residential units. They’re self‑contained suites that typically have cooking, living, sleeping and washroom facilities.
• They can be located within the primary home, also known as attached units, or in a detached building known as a garden suite.
• Only one garden suite is permitted on a single lot.
• The City offers pre-approved plans for one-bedroom and studio garden suites, making it easier for homeowners to build a detached unit on their property.
• If you’re building a garden suite on your property, you can choose to build one of our pre‑approved models and use those plans for your building project. A site plan and grading plan are still required.
• Using pre-approved plans can save time and costs associated with drawing custom plans. The City will also expedite the review of your application. You are still responsible for all building costs and should work with a licensed home builder.
• To find zoning regulations for your property, use the property information tool.

Choose your design

Select either the one‑bedroom or studio garden suite model.

• When you use a pre-approved plan for a garden suite, you don’t need to work with a qualified designer to develop drawings of floor plans and elevations.
• When reviewing the pre‑approved designs, consider the total amount of space the garden suite will occupy on your lot. You’ll also need to think about the distance from the garden suite to the property lines, known as the setback distance, and the distance from the primary house.
• Studio model suite: The studio suite has 40 square metres (≈ 431 sq ft) (430 square feet (≈ 39.9 m²)) of floor space, including an open-concept area for living, cooking and sleeping, and a separate three-piece bathroom.
• One-bedroom model suite: The one-bedroom suite has 55 square metres (≈ 592 sq ft) (600 square feet (≈ 55.7 m²)) of floor space, including a living area, kitchen and a separate bedroom and three-piece bathroom.
• You can customize your exterior and interior finishes that don’t require changes to the pre-approved plans. These include the siding material, windows, doors and flooring. The size and layout of the suite, such as wall, door, window and room locations, can’t be modified.

Cost your project

Once you’ve chosen a design, use the materials list for your model to begin pricing costs to build. Work with a home builder to enter the material and labour costs. The tool will calculate an estimated price for your suite.

• Pricing information
• Exterior servicing (sanitary, sewer, water, electrical, gas)
• Exterior backfill, drainage or waterproofing (dimple boards, torch-on)
• Sidewalk repairs or restoration of city, neighbourhood or common areas
• Labour costs or contractor markups
• Review allowance items* with professionals
• Obtain builder validation before construction
• By using one of the provided materials lists, you accept full responsibility for verifying all information and assume all project risks. Consult licensed builders, engineers and trades professionals before any construction decisions. Read all disclaimers before proceeding.

Prepare your site and grading plans0 of 11

While the plans and elevations are pre-approved, we need a detailed site plan to determine whether the garden suite will fit on your property. We also need a grading and drainage plan that shows the grading changes. Hire a design professional to make sure your plans are prepared correctly.

• Site plan1
• Zoning setbacks and lot coverage4You need these minimum setback distances between the garden suite and the following property lines:
• Fire department access2The garden suite will need an unobstructed hard-surfaced pathway for fire emergency access that is:
• Water and sanitary services2Determine whether the garden suite will share water connections with the primary house or have separate connections.
• Detailed requirements2

You need an account to see these 11 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Submitting your permit application

• Site and grading plans
• Applicable Law Form
• Application to Register a Second Unit, if applicable
• You don’t need to upload the pre-approved plans when submitting your application in ePlans. Enter the selected model type in the description of proposed work.
• Applications that must be resubmitted may result in delays of two weeks or more.

Request a new address

• Your new garden suite will need a separate municipal address. We’ll reach out with requirements for creating a new street address after we review your building permit application.
• When the City assigns a new address to your property, it does not guarantee the approval of your building permit application. The approval process for building permits involves separate considerations.

Pay the permit fees and charges

• Total permit fees depend on the size and type of unit you’re building. They will be calculated once we pre-screen your request.
• In addition to building permit fees, garden suites have a fee of $77.20, plus HST, for the new address. Some development charges will also apply.
• For a residential property, a permit will cost a minimum of $244.
• You will need to pay a $50 administrative fee when you submit your request online. This non-refundable deposit will be credited towards the total cost of your permit.
• Fees for different types of projects are outlined in the Building Permit Fee Schedule.
• Building permit fees are refunded when you’re building or legalizing ARUs. Additionally, second and third ARUs are exempt from most municipal charges.
• See all the available exemptions and rebates.
• If you’ve applied for a building permit to build or legalize ARUs, your building permit fee will be automatically refunded after the ARU is constructed and all building inspections are completed. A refund cheque will be mailed to you.
• Once the site and grading plans are reviewed and approved and all fees are paid, we’ll issue your building permit and construction can begin. To help make sure your project goes smoothly, you can schedule a kickoff meeting with Inspection Services.