Thanks to everyone who has joined us at one of our open houses this month. Our last open house will be Jan. 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Forest Heights Community Centre (1700 Queen’s Boulevard).

We've added the open house posters to this page. They give more information about the benefits and considerations in enabling four units on a lot, as well as some examples of what that might look like. Read onwards or view as a PDF

If you have comments or feedback, please reach out to us at EnablingFourUnits@kitchener.ca or call the Planning division at 519-741-2426 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994).

About the project

'Enabling Four Units’ is exploring the creation of zoning regulations to allow up to four dwelling units on a lot where a single-detached, semi-detached, or street-fronting townhouse dwelling is a permitted use.

Already permitted (up to three units):

• 3 units in primary
• 2 units in primary and 1 unit in detached

Under consideration (up to four units):

• 4 units in primary
• 3 units in primary and 1 unit in detached
• 2 units in primary and 2 units in detached

Benefits and considerations for enabling four units on a lot

Benefits of four units on a lot:

• Adds gentle density with more housing options
• Responds to growing housing demand
• Supports multi-generational households
• Additional source of revenue for homeowners
• Improves housing attainability
• Efficient use of infrastructure

Considerations for enabling four units on a lot:

• Servicing capacity
• Site layout and functionality
• Addition to existing versus purpose built
• Parking
• Setbacks and separation
• Building heights

What can additional units on a lot look like?

Single Detached Dwelling

• Lot width – 12.2 m / 40 ft
• Lot depth – 38.1 m / 125 ft

Split Level Single Detached Dwelling

• Lot width – 17.5 m / 57.5 ft
• Lot depth – 35 m / 115 ft

Semi-detached Dwelling

• Lot width – 10.4 m / 34 ft
• Lot depth – 34.1 m / 112 ft

Narrow Lot

• Lot width – 5.50 m / 18 ft
• Lot depth – 31.5 m / 104 ft