What's the parking minimum for a Toronto secondary suite?

Toronto does not have a parking minimum requirement for secondary suites (basement apartments) in most cases. The City of Toronto eliminated mandatory parking requirements for secondary suites back in 2013, recognizing that forcing additional parking spaces was a barrier to creating much-needed rental housing.

Here's what that means in practice: if you're adding a basement apartment, in-law suite, or second unit to your detached, semi-detached, or townhouse, you are not required to provide a dedicated parking space for the tenant. This applies across most residential zones in the city.

There are a few nuances worth knowing. If your property already has a driveway or garage, the existing parking situation doesn't need to change to accommodate the suite. However, if your property is in an area with specific zoning overlays or heritage designations, it's worth double-checking with the City of Toronto's zoning department, as local conditions can occasionally affect what's permitted on your lot.

For laneway suites and garden suites — Toronto's newer forms of additional dwelling units approved in 2018 and 2022 respectively — parking is also generally not required. These units are specifically designed for properties where adding parking would be impractical anyway.

What does matter for secondary suites in Toronto is compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 150, which cover things like minimum ceiling heights (6'5" for basements), separate entrances, fire separation between units, egress windows, and proper ventilation. These are the real checklist items that determine whether your suite can be legally registered.

Your next step is to contact the City of Toronto Building Division at 416-397-5330 or visit toronto.ca/building to confirm zoning eligibility for your specific address and pull the necessary permits. Unpermitted suites create serious liability and insurance problems — and can complicate a future home sale.

If you need a contractor to help design or build out a compliant secondary suite, browse licensed professionals in the Toronto Construction Network directory to find experienced local builders familiar with the city's secondary suite requirements.