The Seven Key Performance Standards Your Laneway Home Must Abide By

So, you are thinking about building a laneway home on your property. But where to begin? As you might well know, there are loads of requirements and specifications the structure has to adhere to. The process might also be a bit tedious and time-consuming. But, as soon as your plans are approved, you’ll be able to rent it out within 4 months.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the specific performance standards every laneway home in Toronto has to adhere to. This way you will know what lies ahead when you decide to continue building your laneway home.

1. It Has to Be Sustainable

Each laneway home has to be constructed and maintained using sustainable materials and methods. This could mean using a green roof or photovoltaic panels. You must also have efficient construction methods that have little to no impact on the surrounding area.

Something worth mentioning and keeping in mind is the fact that sustainability standards are constantly changing. This means you will have to ensure the structure is kept up-to-date and that it meets these specific standards regularly.

2. It has to Be Accessible

Even though laneway homes are considered to be the answer to the big rental problem Toronto is facing, accessibility is a key component in construction. It is estimated that 25% of Ontario’s population will be seniors by 2041 and in need of care or a nursing home.

Laneway homes can be the best option and should be considered as a multigenerational living option for families who want to continue living in their neighbourhoods. They will also provide an affordable care option for the elderly.

3. It has to Be Safe

As is the case with any secondary suite constructed in the greater Toronto area, newly built laneway suites have to be constructed according to strict standards.

It is also noted that the construction of laneway suites in laneways create a responsibility for the space and increase safety in the city. It is therefore of utmost importance that the upkeep of these suites is tended to regularly.

4. It has to Complement the Neighbourhood

As stipulated in the key performance standards of the construction of laneway suites, each laneway home has to complement the neighbourhood. This means that all materials used for construction and finishing should be in character with the neighbourhood.

Materials used must be of high quality. Cladding must be durable, washable and easy to maintain.

5. It has to Comply with Construction Specifications

The use of energy efficient and thick building assemblies are necessary. The thickness of insulation will increase as stipulated by Ontario’s Building Code.

The thickness of walls, roofs, and floors should be considered when contractors and architects determine the permitted heights and footprints of these laneway homes.

6. Heritage Should be Taken into Consideration

The upkeep of specific heritage sites should be important when a laneway suite is built in an area. Building materials, design and the overall shape of the building should in every way complement and add to the aesthetics of the district it is constructed in.

Heritage requirements will always be applied when a laneway home is built in a heritage district as this will ensure a high-quality living space for everyone. Ensuring that the design and materials used meet these requirements are key.

7. It has to Be Affordable

The entire process of building laneway suites has to be efficient but also affordable for residents. As this by-law aims to solve housing problems by increasing density, homeowners should be able to easily and affordably add laneway homes to their property.

Additionally, there shouldn’t be any extra charges for homeowners who wish to build a laneway suite on their property if it is the second dwelling constructed on their property. The construction of these secondary dwellings should be efficient, simple and affordable.

Every residential area in Toronto that has a laneway has to comply with performance standards. Not only will this ensure the successful implementation of the new by-law, but it will also increase the availability of quality housing.

Whichever way you look at it, the laneway housing by-law is bound to make a change for the better in Toronto. The city will now be able to accommodate the influx of residents while doing away with crime and ensuring the greater Toronto area looks great.