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Four Units, Four Storeys Zoning Bylaw Amendment

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Zoning amendments to allow for up to four dwelling units per property (Z-24-05)

We are exploring changes to the Zoning Bylaw that would allow up to four dwelling units on residential properties (properties zoned for low density residential development). Visit this project page to provide input, ask a question, check public meeting dates, learn more about the types of additional residential units you might see in your neighbourhood.

The proposed changes build on previous amendments to the Zoning Bylaw that permitted three residential units per property in alignment with the Province’s “Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022”.

The proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw include:

  • allowing up to four dwelling units on residential lots;
  • increasing the maximum permitted building height from 10 metres (3 storeys) to 13 metres (4 storeys) on lots zoned for low-rise residential uses;
  • reducing vehicular parking requirements for lots with three and four dwelling units;
  • amending regulations for Coach Houses to facilitate more housing; and
  • consolidating and amending definitions of residential uses to simplify the Zoning Bylaw.

You can provide feedback to the planning department, and it will be shared with the council, or ask a question to learn more about this application.

Zoning amendments to allow for up to four dwelling units per property (Z-24-05)

We are exploring changes to the Zoning Bylaw that would allow up to four dwelling units on residential properties (properties zoned for low density residential development). Visit this project page to provide input, ask a question, check public meeting dates, learn more about the types of additional residential units you might see in your neighbourhood.

The proposed changes build on previous amendments to the Zoning Bylaw that permitted three residential units per property in alignment with the Province’s “Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022”.

The proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw include:

  • allowing up to four dwelling units on residential lots;
  • increasing the maximum permitted building height from 10 metres (3 storeys) to 13 metres (4 storeys) on lots zoned for low-rise residential uses;
  • reducing vehicular parking requirements for lots with three and four dwelling units;
  • amending regulations for Coach Houses to facilitate more housing; and
  • consolidating and amending definitions of residential uses to simplify the Zoning Bylaw.

You can provide feedback to the planning department, and it will be shared with the council, or ask a question to learn more about this application.

Ask a question, read answers

Questions and answers will be published on this site for public viewing. If your username includes your first or last name, or your email address, these will be available for public viewing. Do not include personal or identifying information in your question; if your question is of a personal nature, consider contacting a member of the project team directly. For more information, please refer to our privacy policy.

Questions will be answered by a member of the Planning department within two business days. Some questions may require more time but they will be answered as soon as the information for the response can be collected.

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  • Share are there neighbourhoods or streets where these four dwelling units are not allowed to be constructed? Are they allowed on lots of any size? What size of property are they allowed? Why is lowering parking spaces being allowed? Is there an assumption that not everyone needs a private vehicle or that public transit is within 2 min walking distance? My experience in my beechwood neighbourhood is that families with children and both couple working need 2 vehicles. This might be true in other neighbourhoods. What is the rationale? on Facebook Share are there neighbourhoods or streets where these four dwelling units are not allowed to be constructed? Are they allowed on lots of any size? What size of property are they allowed? Why is lowering parking spaces being allowed? Is there an assumption that not everyone needs a private vehicle or that public transit is within 2 min walking distance? My experience in my beechwood neighbourhood is that families with children and both couple working need 2 vehicles. This might be true in other neighbourhoods. What is the rationale? on Twitter Share are there neighbourhoods or streets where these four dwelling units are not allowed to be constructed? Are they allowed on lots of any size? What size of property are they allowed? Why is lowering parking spaces being allowed? Is there an assumption that not everyone needs a private vehicle or that public transit is within 2 min walking distance? My experience in my beechwood neighbourhood is that families with children and both couple working need 2 vehicles. This might be true in other neighbourhoods. What is the rationale? on Linkedin Email are there neighbourhoods or streets where these four dwelling units are not allowed to be constructed? Are they allowed on lots of any size? What size of property are they allowed? Why is lowering parking spaces being allowed? Is there an assumption that not everyone needs a private vehicle or that public transit is within 2 min walking distance? My experience in my beechwood neighbourhood is that families with children and both couple working need 2 vehicles. This might be true in other neighbourhoods. What is the rationale? link

    are there neighbourhoods or streets where these four dwelling units are not allowed to be constructed? Are they allowed on lots of any size? What size of property are they allowed? Why is lowering parking spaces being allowed? Is there an assumption that not everyone needs a private vehicle or that public transit is within 2 min walking distance? My experience in my beechwood neighbourhood is that families with children and both couple working need 2 vehicles. This might be true in other neighbourhoods. What is the rationale?

    Shimin asked 9 days ago

    The Zoning By-law currently allows up to three (3) dwelling units on any residential property that is serviced. The Four Units, Four Storeys Zoning By-law Amendment allows for up to four dwelling units and up to four storeys to be built on serviced lots zoned for low-rise residential uses (zones R1 through R9). Additional residential units (ARUs) can be built on any lot with an existing single detached building, semi-detached building, or townhouse. There is no minimum lot size requirement to have an ARU, however ARUs must comply with other Zoning By-law regulations such as minimum side yard and rear yard setbacks.

    We are proposing to reduce the minimum required parking spots for properties with three (3) and four (4) units, recognizing that there are space-related challenges with fitting multiple cars on a property. Property owners will still be able to provide greater than the minimum required parking spaces on their property, as long as they comply with the regulations in the Zoning By-law. We know that there will likely be properties where 4 or more parking spaces will be provided, but the approach recognizes that not every household will require a vehicle and not every property will be able to fit more parking.

    We hope that answers your questions! If you have any further questions, please feel free to respond or contact staff using the contact information provided on this Engage page.

    Sincerely,
    Adam

  • Share Will the overnight parking requirements in Waterloo be changed to accommodate the extra vehicles coming from multiple families per lot? on Facebook Share Will the overnight parking requirements in Waterloo be changed to accommodate the extra vehicles coming from multiple families per lot? on Twitter Share Will the overnight parking requirements in Waterloo be changed to accommodate the extra vehicles coming from multiple families per lot? on Linkedin Email Will the overnight parking requirements in Waterloo be changed to accommodate the extra vehicles coming from multiple families per lot? link

    Will the overnight parking requirements in Waterloo be changed to accommodate the extra vehicles coming from multiple families per lot?

    Anna A asked about 1 month ago

    Hi Anna,

    Staff is proposing to reduce the minimum required parking spots for properties with three (3) and four (4) units, recognizing that there are challenges with fitting multiple cars on a property. Nonetheless, there will still be properties where potentially more than 4 parking spaces will be demanded. 

    Zoning By-Law 2018-050 contains regulations which limit the expansion of driveways and parking in front of habitable floor space. If more parking than the required minimum is demanded, such parking must be in compliance with the zoning regulations. 

    At this time, Council has not directed staff to look into allowing on-street parking.

    Thank you for your feedback!

    Sincerely,
    Adam

  • Share 1) are considerations being given to the future requirements for storage of garbage bins that will be introduced when the garbage pickup bins are changed to allow automated pickup by the trucks? These bins are proven to be an eyesore and dangerous for snow ploughs and cars in the winter in communities that have implemented them. 2) is noise pollution on adjacent properties being considered? The City of Waterloo has not effectively dealt with noise pollution from pool heaters, for example. How will the noise pollution from adding additional units to currently single-family properties be regulated? on Facebook Share 1) are considerations being given to the future requirements for storage of garbage bins that will be introduced when the garbage pickup bins are changed to allow automated pickup by the trucks? These bins are proven to be an eyesore and dangerous for snow ploughs and cars in the winter in communities that have implemented them. 2) is noise pollution on adjacent properties being considered? The City of Waterloo has not effectively dealt with noise pollution from pool heaters, for example. How will the noise pollution from adding additional units to currently single-family properties be regulated? on Twitter Share 1) are considerations being given to the future requirements for storage of garbage bins that will be introduced when the garbage pickup bins are changed to allow automated pickup by the trucks? These bins are proven to be an eyesore and dangerous for snow ploughs and cars in the winter in communities that have implemented them. 2) is noise pollution on adjacent properties being considered? The City of Waterloo has not effectively dealt with noise pollution from pool heaters, for example. How will the noise pollution from adding additional units to currently single-family properties be regulated? on Linkedin Email 1) are considerations being given to the future requirements for storage of garbage bins that will be introduced when the garbage pickup bins are changed to allow automated pickup by the trucks? These bins are proven to be an eyesore and dangerous for snow ploughs and cars in the winter in communities that have implemented them. 2) is noise pollution on adjacent properties being considered? The City of Waterloo has not effectively dealt with noise pollution from pool heaters, for example. How will the noise pollution from adding additional units to currently single-family properties be regulated? link

    1) are considerations being given to the future requirements for storage of garbage bins that will be introduced when the garbage pickup bins are changed to allow automated pickup by the trucks? These bins are proven to be an eyesore and dangerous for snow ploughs and cars in the winter in communities that have implemented them. 2) is noise pollution on adjacent properties being considered? The City of Waterloo has not effectively dealt with noise pollution from pool heaters, for example. How will the noise pollution from adding additional units to currently single-family properties be regulated?

    SGH01 asked 5 months ago

    Hi there, 

    Thank you for providing your feedback!

    Responding to your first question, property owners are responsible for ensuring that the use of their property complies with the standards set out in the City's Property Standards By-Law. This applies to all currently existing properties and their Additional Residential Units. When new Additional Residential Units are built, the property owner must obtain a Rental License before renting their units out to prospective tenants. The Rental Licensing By-Law is currently in the process of being updated to include a preliminary site plan, which would allow City staff to ensure that waste storage is accommodated in a suitable location that does not interfere with parking or vehicular traffic.

    To your second question, the City of Waterloo regulates urban noise through its Noise By-Law, which regulates when certain noises can be made (e.g. construction noise is only allowed from 7am-5pm). All City residents must comply with the Noise By-Law. The Municipal Enforcement Division is responsible for handling noise complaints.

    Have a great day,
    Adam

Page last updated: 20 Nov 2024, 11:17 AM