Lot Size Requirements: For potential garden suites, the lot size should not exceed 60 m2 (645 ft2). The combined space occupied by your garden suite and any other secondary dwellings must not exceed 20% of your total property area. A garden suite's lot size should not surpass 40% of your backyard space.

Space Requirements: In Toronto, garden suites must maintain a minimum distance of 1.5m (5ft) from the rear property line and 0.6m (2ft) from the side property lines. All garden suites must maintain a minimum distance of 5m (16.4ft) from the primary residence.

Maximum Building Height: Garden suites have a maximum allowable height of 6.0 meters, measured from the average grade. The height measurement extends to the highest point of the roof structure. It's important to note that if a garden suite is situated closer than 7.5 meters to the main house, its height cannot exceed 4.0 meters, as previously mentioned.

Allowed Uses: Garden suites are designated for residential use exclusively. The sole exception to this regulation is for home rentals, specifically long-term rentals. Short-term rentals are subject to distinct bylaws and necessitate specific permits.

Number Of Units: Toronto garden suites are restricted to a single unit. While you can build basements and second stories to expand the space within your garden suites, these may not be converted into separate apartments.

Parking Requirements: Parking spaces aren’t necessarily required for garden suites, but they’re something you should consider especially if your street is already sore for parking.

Preserving Healthy Trees: When you’re designing your garden suite, make sure that construction won’t involve cutting down any young, healthy trees, especially ones that are protected or owned by the city.

Emergency Access Requirements: Emergency access passage to your Garden Suite must be a minimum of 0.9m (3ft) wide and 2.1m (7ft) high.
Your Garden suite entrance should be no further than 45m from your street.

Making changes to your property, such as adding a garden suite, may impact your property taxes and insurance rates.

Property Taxes for Garden Suites: While the exact tax implications of garden suites are still being determined, they are expected to be similar to those of other secondary dwelling units, like detached garages.

Insurance for Garden Suites: Insuring your garden suite is similar to insuring any other structure on your property. Garden suites are typically covered under Detached Private Structure or Outbuilding policies. If you plan to rent it out, it may fall under Homeowner-Tenant Policies. Ensure your policy is updated to include the garden suite, and if necessary, consider a property reevaluation if your current policy doesn't provide adequate coverage.