Sunday, October 5, 2025
More

    Top 6 This Week

    popular+

    Can I Add a Garden Suite to My Lot | ATTIMO Homes

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    What Every Homeowner Needs to Check First

    With rising housing costs and evolving family needs, Garden Suites—also known as Additional Residential Units (ARUs)—are becoming a popular way for homeowners to maximize their property’s potential. Whether you’re considering extra space for family, rental income, or aging in place, a Garden Suite offers a flexible and attainable solution.

    But before you invest time and money into purchasing one, you need to ask can I add a Garden Suite to my lot? Is your property actually suited for a Garden Suite?

    Many homeowners are eager to add a secondary unit, only to discover unexpected challenges—zoning setbacks, infrastructure limitations, or costly site upgrades—that delay or prevent their plans. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key property considerations that determine whether a Garden Suite is feasible for your lot.

    Remember, your Garden Suite is designed so you can always remove and resell your Garden Suite and recapture your investment.

    Can I Add a Garden Suite to My Lot?

    Zoning and Lot Size: Do You Meet the Basic Requirements?

    First things first: Can you legally add a Garden Suite to your property? Each municipality in Ontario has its own zoning bylaws that regulate minimum lot size, unit placement, and setbacks. Here’s what you need to check:

    • Your Zoning Classification: Most residentially zoned properties allow a Garden Suite, but some areas have restrictions (e.g., heritage districts or environmentally protected lands). Check with your municipality.
    • Lot Size Minimums: Some municipalities require a minimum lot size for detached ARUs, ensuring enough space for both the primary and secondary dwelling.
    • Setback Requirements: Your Garden Suite must be a certain distance from property lines, the main house, and other structures. Common setback rules include:

    > Rear Yard: Typically 7.5 meters
    > Interior Side Yard: Typically 1.2 meters
    > Exterior Yard: Typically 6.0 meters
    (Exact numbers vary by location—always confirm with your local planning department.) Height & Footprint Restrictions: Many municipalities limit detached Garden Suites to one story, though some areas allow for two-story units with height caps (e.g., 5-8 meters).

    Pro Tip: Zoning laws are evolving. If your property doesn’t currently qualify, check whether your municipality has planned zoning updates or exemptions that might allow it in the future.

    Site Access & Parking: Can Your Property Support a Second Unit?

    Beyond zoning, your property must have sufficient access for construction, services, and daily use. Consider these factors:

    • Construction Access: Can a modular unit be craned in, or is there enough space for a site-built structure? Some lots with narrow side yards or no rear lane access may have challenges.
    • Parking Requirements: Most municipalities require at least one dedicated parking space for a Garden Suite. If your driveway is already full, you may need to explore parking pads, shared spaces, or minor variances.
    • Emergency Access: Fire codes often require a clear pathway for emergency services (firefighters, paramedics, etc.), typically at least 1.5 meters wide.

    • Pro Tip: Even if your property meets the technical requirements, think about practical livability—Will you and your tenants have adequate parking and easy access?

    Utility Connections: Can Your Property Handle the Extra Load?

    Garden Suites need to be properly connected to municipal services, such as:

    • Water Supply: Your home’s existing water service must be able to accommodate another dwelling. In some cases, an upgrade to a larger water main may be required.
    • Sewer or Septic Capacity: If your home is connected to municipal sewage, your town may require an engineering assessment to ensure your pipes can handle the additional wastewater. If you’re on septic, you’ll likely need a system review to determine if an expansion is needed.
    • Electrical Load: A 100-amp service may not be sufficient for both the main house and Garden Suite. Many homeowners must upgrade to 200 amps, which can add $3,000–$6,000 to project costs.
    • Gas & HVAC Considerations: If your main house has gas heating, extending it to the Garden Suite might be an option—but electric HVAC systems are often easier and more cost-effective. 
    • Pro Tip: Utility upgrades can significantly impact your budget. Before committing, get quotes from licensed professionals to assess the true cost of connecting your unit.

    Site Grading, Drainage & Foundation Considerations

    • Lot Grading & Drainage: If your property is sloped, drainage patterns may need to be adjusted to prevent water pooling around the Garden Suite. This may require regrading, retaining walls, or engineered drainage solutions.
    • Foundation Type: Most municipalities require Garden Suites to be permanently affixed to the ground. Common foundation types include:

    > Helical Piles (screw piles) â€“ cost-effective, minimal excavation, ideal for modular builds.
    > Slab-on-Grade â€“ concrete slab for added durability.
    > Crawlspace or Full Basement â€“ allows for extra storage but adds cost.

    Pro Tip: Foundations affect both cost and installation timeline. If you’re considering a modular Garden Suite, check if the manufacturer has foundation preferences.

    Special Considerations: Heritage, Environmental & Easements

    Some properties require additional approvals, assessments, or permits before a Garden Suite can be built.

    • Heritage Properties: If your home is in a designated heritage district, your project may need special approval for design compatibility.
    • Environmental Restrictions: Properties within conservation areas or the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) may face extra hurdles, such as mandatory environmental impact studies.
    • Easements & Underground Infrastructure: If your backyard has utility easements (e.g., hydro, sewer, stormwater drains), these can limit where a Garden Suite can be placed. Check property surveys or title documents.

    Pro Tip: Check property records early in the process to avoid last-minute surprises. Easements and conservation rules aren’t always obvious but can completely change your plans.

    Final Thoughts: How to Move Forward

    If your property meets the basic zoning, access, and utility requirements, a Garden Suite is an excellent investment. However, for homeowners navigating these complexities, the best first step is a professional site assessment.

    At ATTIMO Homes, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate the entire process—from property eligibility checks to site servicing, permitting, and installation.

    Next Steps for Homeowners:

    1. Review your zoning regulations (or contact us for help).
    2. Assess your site layout, parking, and utility capacity.
    3. Book a consultation to explore design options and construction feasibility.

    Want to explore whether a Garden Suite is right for you? Get in touch today to schedule a property eligibility check!
    Visit Our Model Garden Suite at Collingwood Home Hardware
    Contact Us: [email protected] | 647-938-9662

    References

    1. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. (2023). Additional Residential Units in Ontario: Policies and Regulations. 
    2. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). (2023). The Future of Housing: Exploring Secondary Units in Ontario. 
    3. City of Toronto. (2022). Laneway Suites Program. 
    4. Government of Canada. (2023). Housing Affordability and Multigenerational Living Trends. Retrieved from 
    5. National Institute on Aging. (2023). Aging in Place: The Preferences of Canadian Seniors. Retrieved from 
    6. Ontario Building Code. (2023). Building Standards for Secondary Units and Garden Suites. 

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Popular Articles

    GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM

    Popular Articles

    Casey Morrison VIDEO Share | 100 Kids Tell Us What Makes Them Happy

    Enjoy a smile or a laugh, you deserve it! Every week I’ll be sharing with you something fun and uplifting – Casey Morrison Every kid...

    OPP CHARGE WEST PARRY SOUND RESIDENT IN AN ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION

    (Parry Sound, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU) with the assistance of West Parry Sound OPP detachment members and...

    Celeigh Cardinal – Studio 79 | Wednesday April 23rd

    JUNO award winning Celeigh Cardinal is bringing her 5 piece band to our intimate studio space this April! Celeigh’s powerful voice and storytelling have earned...

    In Spite of Ourselves – An Evening of John Prine | Johnny Max Band

    Wednesday, June 19 @ 7:30 pm - $55 | Meaford Hall Buy Tickets John Prine is widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of...

    Inside an Iconic Home Built on a 200 ft Cliff!

    Today we are touring one of the most special homes I have ever seen, a 2,170 square foot mountaintop house, and the fourth home...

    Traveling Wilburys – The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys Documentary

    'The True History of The Traveling Wilburys' was filmed in the spring of 1988 whilst the band were recording 'Vol. 1' in Los Angeles,...

    TRENTON GOLDEN HAWKS CAPTURE BRANT SNOW TROPHY 

    OJHL regular season champions open postseason at home on Friday March 4, 2025, Mississauga, ON – The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) announced today that the Trenton...

    2025 Grants and Donations Program Now Accepting Applications

    The Town of The Blue Mountains Council is pleased to announce that the 2025 Grants and Donations Program is now accepting applications. The deadline...

    Immune-Boosting Foods to Eat During Winter to Help You Stay Healthy

    As winter rolls in, it brings cold weather and a higher risk of colds, flu, and other illnesses. A strong immune system is crucial...

    9 Thirty Six shares: Here are 9 great fitness events and activities to kickstart the new year!

    936 suggests: Walking Works Wonders... PLEASE REMEMBER that 9 Thirty Six (936) is a Gemini 2 chatbot in learning mode (smarter every moment ;) New Year's...

    Town Seeking Consultant for New Fire Hall in Craigleith

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents that a Request for Proposals (RFP) process is currently underway seeking a consultant...

    UPDATE I – OPP Seeking Assistance in Theft of Retail Items from Midland Store

    Suspects Identified and Charged Through investigation and the assistance of community members, the two suspects have been identified and charged as follows. Accused # 1 Barry...

    Canada’s Massive $12B Mega Dam

    The Site C Dam is a hydroelectric megaproject in a country that is known as a big-player in the hydropower sector. This is not...

    Driving the Amalfi Coast: The Most Beautiful Road in the World 🇮🇹 | 4K Scenic Journey

    Join us on one of the most scenic drives on Earth: La Costiera Amalfitana, the legendary Amalfi Coast in southern Italy! 🇮🇹 In this...

    Vote to keep Canada strong and free!

    By David Suzuki It’s election time in Canada. All elections are important, but the April 28 election comes at a critical time. We’re facing an...

    Celebrating our National Championship Collingwood Blues and their Historic 2023-24 Season

    Photos courtesy of OJHL Images A special pregame ceremony was held at 'The Eddie", to celebrate our National Championship Collingwood Blues and their historic 2023-24...

    Custom Designed Home for Sale | Edmonton, Alberta

    $1,050,000 | 11030 122 ST NWEdmonton, Alberta T5M0B2 MLS® Number: E4384806 Call Peter B. Taylor | Associate - 780-916-7653. MaxWell Progressive | 5560 Windermere Blvd SW |Edmonton,...

    Victor Gao: Trump Has NO CLUE This Is Happening & It’s Terrifying…

    Victor Gao offers a staunch defense of China’s development model and foreign policy, positioning it as a pragmatic and stabilizing force in an increasingly...

    TWO CHARGED, ROAD OR TRAIL IMPAIRED IS STILL IMPAIRED

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two individuals with impaired driving related charges over the...

    Weekly Mobile Park Program & Community Garden Returns for 2025

    Collingwood, ON - This summer, the Town of Collingwood is excited to bring back the Heritage Park Play and Mobile Park Programs, offering...

    Collingwood’s Waterfront: A New Era of Opportunity and Community Access

    by Rick Crouch | Dec 5, 2024 | Community Issues, Municipal Affairs, Planning and Development, Real Estate General Among the many proposed developments across the Southern Georgian Bay area, few carry as much...

    FIFA World Cup Heads to North America – Toronto’s Big Economic Bet

    North America will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, bringing 104 matches to 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. FIFA expects...

    Car culture is driving us to disaster

    By David Suzuki The climate crisis is too big to be remedied by individual actions alone. It requires government policies and regulations and international cooperation...

    Great Adventures in Iceland with Our Collingwood Girl Guides

    Our Collingwood Girl Guides spent two years fundraising and sold over 10,000 boxes of cookies to take 13 girls aged 12-14 (over half of...