Key Terms to Know in Custom Homebuilding
Introduction
Navigating custom home construction in Toronto means understanding the language of builders, architects, and city planners. These key terms will help you communicate effectively and make informed decisions throughout your project.
Lot & Zoning Terms
Lot Frontage
The width of your property measured along the street. Most Toronto custom homes require minimum frontage of 30-50 feet depending on zoning. Wider frontage allows for larger home designs.
Lot Coverage
The percentage of your lot that can be covered by building footprint. Toronto typically allows 30-45% coverage depending on zone. Example: a 5,000 sq ft lot with 40% coverage allows a 2,000 sq ft building footprint.
Setbacks
Required distance between your home and property lines. Toronto enforces front, side, and rear setbacks—typically 15-20 feet (front), 3-5 feet (sides), and 20-25 feet (rear). These create your buildable envelope.
Zoning
Municipal designation that controls what you can build. Common Toronto residential zones include R (Residential), RD (Residential Detached), and RM (Residential Multiple). Each has specific requirements for size, use, and density.
FSI (Floor Space Index)
Ratio of total building floor area to lot size. An FSI of 0.6 on a 5,000 sq ft lot allows 3,000 sq ft of total floor area (all levels combined). Toronto uses FSI to control neighborhood density.
Building Size Terms
GFA (Gross Floor Area)
Total floor area of all levels of your home, measured to exterior walls. Basements may be partially excluded depending on how much is below grade. This is the number you compare against your maximum allowable FSI.
Max GFA
Maximum allowed building size based on lot area × FSI. This is your size limit—exceeding it requires a variance.
Building Height
Vertical measurement from grade to roof peak. Toronto typically limits residential buildings to 9-11 meters (about 2.5-3 stories) depending on zone.
Grade
The ground level elevation around your home. Important for determining basement inclusion in GFA and compliance with height limits.
Approval & Variance Terms
Minor Variance
Permission from the Committee of Adjustment to exceed zoning requirements by small amounts. Common for setback relief, height increases, or coverage adjustments. Adds 3-6 months to timeline.
Committee of Adjustment
Toronto board that grants minor variances and consent for lot severances. Meets monthly to review applications.
Site Plan Approval
City review process for larger projects ensuring compliance with design guidelines, parking, landscaping, and servicing requirements.
As-of-Right
Development that complies fully with existing zoning and requires no variances. Fastest approval path but limits design flexibility.
Construction Terms
Envelope
The buildable area of your lot after setbacks are applied. Your home must fit within this three-dimensional space.
Footprint
The ground-level outline of your building. Must comply with lot coverage limits.
Massing
Three-dimensional scale and form of your building. City planners review massing to ensure compatibility with neighborhood character.
Servicing
Connections to municipal water, sewer, storm drainage, and utilities. Adequate servicing must be confirmed before building.
Why These Terms Matter
Understanding this terminology helps you:
Read and interpret zoning reports
Communicate effectively with your builder and architect
Understand what's possible on your lot
Navigate Committee of Adjustment meetings
Make informed decisions about variances
When you know the language, you stay in control of your project.
Internal Link: What to Look for in a Custom Home Lot
Conclusion
These terms form the foundation of custom home planning in Toronto. While your builder and architect will guide you through the technical details, understanding this vocabulary empowers you to participate meaningfully in design decisions and city approvals.
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