What is a laneway house?
A laneway house is a small, self-contained home built behind your main house, usually near an alley or side yard. They help add rental or family housing without changing the look of your neighbourhood. In Wrenford, building a laneway house means following Zoning By-law 2016-040, the Ontario Building Code, and a few extra steps to keep your property safe and connected to city services.
Steps to build a laneway house
- Check if your property is eligible. Not every lot can fit a laneway house. Your property must meet minimum width, depth, and setback rules. If your lot is near the Tamsin River, Corvid Creek, or Hollis Creek, you may also need a permit from the Tamsin Valley Conservation Authority. You can check your property's zoning through our online eligibility tool.
- Hire a designer or architect. We strongly recommend working with a licensed professional. They will draw up plans that meet the Ontario Building Code and your neighbourhood's design guidelines.
- Apply for permits. You will need a development permit and a building permit. If you are tearing down an old shed or garage, you will also need a demolition permit. Submit your plans through the Wrenford ePermits portal.
- Pay your fees. Once your application is complete, we will send you a fee estimate. You can pay online by credit card or in person at City Hall.
- Start construction. After we issue your permits, you have six months to begin work. Keep a printed copy of the approved permit and drawings on site. Book your inspections as the build progresses.
- Get your occupancy permit. When the work is done, a final inspection will confirm everything meets code. Once approved, you will receive an occupancy permit, and your new unit is ready to live in or rent.
Design and zoning rules
Laneway houses in Wrenford must match the scale of your main house. Maximum height is usually two storeys, and the building must stay clear of property lines and underground utilities. If you are adding a laneway house or secondary suite, your current address will not change. Instead, we will assign a new unit number to the laneway home and update your official records.
Utilities and electrical services
Before you build, you must confirm that your property can handle extra electrical and water demand. Most laneway houses require a 200-amp electrical service.
- Electrical metering: All meters must be placed outside, grouped together, and clearly labelled. The meter box needs at least one metre of clear space in front of it, mounted between 1.5 and 1.8 metres high.
- Tamsin Valley Energy: Contact them early in the process to check if your area has enough power capacity. The City does not review electrical service locations until your permit is nearly ready.
- Water and wastewater: If your laneway house needs a new sewer or water connection, apply for a connection permit through the Wrenford ePermits portal before applying for your building permit.
Fees and permits
Building a laneway house requires several permits and fees. The exact amount depends on the size of the home and your property's assessed value.
- Development permit: $450.00
- Building permit: Calculated based on construction cost
- Demolition permit (if applicable): $250.00
- Inspections: Included in the building permit fee
All fees are listed in the Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151. You can view the current schedule online.
Need help?
Our Planning & Development team is here to guide you through the process.
- Planning inquiries: [email protected]
- Building permit questions: [email protected]
- In-person support: Room 200, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 519-555-0100 to reach City Hall.