Enabling Four Units approved by Council

On Monday, March 25, 2024, Kitchener Council unanimously approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to enable up to four dwelling units on residential lots in Kitchener where zoning permits single detached, semi-detached or street townhouse dwelling units.

Subject to Regional approval of the Official Plan Amendment and expiry of appeal periods, the zoning by-law regulations will permit up to four dwelling units on approximately 41,450 lots, representing 68% of all residential lots in Kitchener. This approval helps to implement Kitchener’s Municipal Housing Pledge through gentle intensification of the ‘missing little’ housing including detached additional dwelling units and small multi-plexes which can be integrated in existing and new neighbourhood contexts. This new zoning balances site functionality and flexibility in built form while mitigating potential impacts on the community.

While the zoning may permit additional units, the City is reliant on homeowners and developers to build these additional units. With the support of the Housing Accelerator Fund, staff will prepare tools to make it easier to work through that approval process which can seem daunting for some homeowners and developers.

Additional information with regard to the status of these applications can be found on the City’s Planning Applications website: kitchener.ca/planningapplications