Tiny houses, laneway suites and backyard homes all fall under the permit category of Additional Dwelling Units (Detached). Our zoning bylaw allows for these buildings on most properties zoned R-1 through R-7.
To build an Additional Dwelling Unit (Detached) on your property, you'll need an approved building permit. We've outlined the application process on this page.
On this page:
- About Additional Dwelling Units (Detached)
- Zoning
- Parking
- Before you apply for a permit
- Additional Dwelling Unit (Detached) permit process
About Additional Dwelling Units (Detached)
Additional Dwelling Units (Detached) are commonly known as ADUs, backyard homes, tiny houses or laneway suites.
In most cases, they're built in the backyard of a property that already has a main house. They're not trailers or mobile homes because ADUs are permanent. While ADUs are smaller than the main house, they are still required to be built to a high standard. In many ways, they are like any other new house built in Kitchener, except smaller.
If you want to add an attached unit to a home (like a basement unit or in-law suite), visit our duplexes and basement apartments page.
When you're planning your new ADU, you'll need to consider:
One-year update to council
Backyard homes have been allowed in Kitchener since 2021. In June 2022, staff provided a one-year update to council about ADUs (Detached) in Kitchener, including uptake, successes, challenges and next steps.
Zoning
To help make sure that these new units are a good fit in our existing neighbourhoods, there are zoning and parking regulations that must be met.
If you want to add a detached dwelling unit to your property but don't meet all the zoning regulations, you can send us an email to discuss your options.
Lot |
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Building height |
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Setback |
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Access to unit |
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Footprint |
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Parking
The parking regulations for an additional dwelling unit (detached) depend on how many units are on your lot. There are two possible combinations:
- two units in total: one in the main building, and the second in an additional dwelling unit (detached) in the backyard
- three units in total: two in the main building (duplex) and the third in an additional dwelling unit (detached) in the backyard
There are also parking space size requirements you will need to meet.
Properties near ION stations
If your property is within 800 metres of an ION station, your backyard home does not need a parking spot. This is around a 10-minute walk from an ION station, and future tenants may not need to own a car. Check our map to see an 800 metre radius around each station.
Two units in total
If there are two units on the property, two parking spaces are required.
Here are the proposed minimum parking options for two units:
Option one |
An 11.5 metre long driveway (measured from the front property line towards the house) that is at least 2.6 metres wide. An 11.5 metre long driveway meets the requirement for two parking spaces. The two spaces can be arranged in tandem (one behind the other). |
Option two |
A single garage combined with a driveway in front of the garage. The garage must be located at least 6 metres from the front property line and be able to accommodate one parking space. The driveway in front of the garage must be at least 2.6 metres wide and will accommodate the second space. The two spaces can be arranged in tandem (one behind the other). |
Three units in total
If there are three units on the property, three parking spaces are required.
Here are the proposed minimum parking options for three units:
Option one |
A double garage combined with a driveway in front of the garage. The double garage must be located at least 6 metres from the front property line and be able to accommodate two parking spaces. The driveway in front of the garage must be at least 5.2 metres wide and will accommodate the third space. Two of the three spaces can be arranged in tandem (one behind the other). |
Option two |
An 11.5-metre-long double driveway that is at least 5.2 metres wide. Three parking spaces must be able to fit on this driveway and only one can be located closer than 6 metres from the property line. Two of the three spaces can be arranged in tandem (one behind the other). |
Option three |
A 17-metre-long single driveway (measured from the front property line towards the house) that is at least 2.6 metres wide. A 17 metre long driveway meets the requirement for three parking spaces. The three spaces can be arranged in tandem (one behind the other). |
Size of parking spaces
The size of parking spaces in Kitchener depend on whether it is an outdoor space (driveway) or an indoor space (garage or carport).
- outdoor space: parking space must be a minimum of 2.6 metres wide by 5.5 metres deep
- indoor space: parking space must be a minimum of 3.04 metres wide by 5.49 metres deep
Before you apply for a permit
Before you apply for building permits, please consider the following:
Regulations |
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Services and utilities |
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Address sign |
If you have any questions, send us an email. |
Heritage and conservation |
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On the property |
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Development charges |
After your site plan is approved, you can get your building permits. Before your building permit can be issued, you must pay development charges. For backyard homes, region & city development charges are waived. You have to pay school board development charges (a combined $3,801 per unit as of June 1, 2022). Visit the Waterloo Regional District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board webpages for the most up-to-date information on development charges. |
Additional Dwelling Unit (Detached) permit process
You need a building permit to build an Additional Dwelling Unit (Detached). When we review your application, staff will make sure your plans and drawings meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and our zoning bylaws.
Visit our residential building permits page to learn more.