Planning policies in many North American cities have resulted in an increase in demand for housing in and around major cities due to generations of low-density development. Such planning resulted in the proliferation of single-family housing. While recent high-density development has launched huge condominium growth, land dedicated to single-family housing remains incredibly low in terms of occupancy. There is currently little to no higher density dwelling permitted in these regions. Given the increases in housing prices, restricted growth, as well as changing family and work needs, there is now a need to increase density in low-rise residential zones. Seeing the need to fill in this missing middle ground, various North American municipalities, including Toronto, have granted homeowners the option to construct an accessory dwelling unit in their backyard. Standard Toronto houses typically have a backyard, street access at the front, and a laneway at the rear. Properties with rear or side yard access to laneways are permitted to have these units, referred to as laneway houses (LWHs). Toronto’s 2018 as-of-right housing by-law (810-2018) and subsequent 2019 amendment allow Torontonians to build laneway housing in the city. The City encourages the development of laneway housing, as it helps people live close to where they work, and keeps lanes 'green, liveable, and safe.” The City defines a laneway suite as a “self-contained residential unit, subordinate to a primary dwelling, in which both kitchen and bathroom facilities are provided and located on a lot within an ancillary building, adjacent to a public laneway. Laneway suites provide an additional form of contextually appropriate low-rise housing within the City’s neighbourhoods and are part of complete communities.' Interested homeowners are encouraged to explore the City of Toronto’s laneway housing suites website (https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/changing-lanes-the-city-of-torontos-review-of-laneway-suites/) to acquaint themselves with official guidelines. A detailed explanation of the parameters that dictate Toronto laneway house planning follows below