Toronto setback guidelines for urban infill

There are a lot of overlooked urban lots in old Toronto that pose great potential for urban infill project. An architectural designed modern home can do a lot in a little space. While a buyer sources an infill property, it is important to assess the new structure based on setback requirements as part of the feasibility before finalizing the purchase.

Recently there has been announcements from several sources that the newly enacted municipal zoning by-laws ( as of August 2010) may in fact be repealed shortly. If that is the case, guidelines would have to adhere to the old zoning in the short term. With respect to setbacks, there would be no real difference. Building height would then remain at 11m ( not 10m as in the new by-law) and gfa is neighbourhood specific.

 

Set backs

1) Front Yard Setback - Averaging

In a residential Zone if a lot is located:

a) Beside one lot in the Residential Zone category, and that abutting lot has an existing principal building fronting on the same street and located in whole or in part, 15.0m or less from the subject lot, the minimum required front yard setback is the existing front yard setback of that principal building on the abutting lot; or

b) between two abutting lots in the Residential Zone category, each with an existing principal building fronting on the same street and located, in whole or in part, 15.0m or less from the subject lot, the minimum required front yard setback is the average of the existing front yard setbacks of those principal buildings on the abutting lots.

 

2) The minimum rear yard setback in a Residential Zone is 7.5m

 

This next one is significant, but should be ok if the lots are in excess of 25'.

Access to Parking Space

 

1) Parking Access to a Corner Lot or a Lot Abutting a Lane

In an R zone, on a corner lot or a lot abutting lane, vehicle access to any parking space on the lot must be form the street abutting a side lot line or from the lane

2) Garage Entrance in Front Wall Not Permitted on Certain Lots

Despite 10.5.80.40 (1), if a lot in an R zone has a lot frontage of 7.6 metres of less, a vehicular entrance through the front wall of a principal building is not permitted.

 

If you are planning source land or tear down to build on an urban infill lot, I'd love to help!

 

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