Decisions around the permitted uses of land and how a property is configured are not made lightly. For this reason, property owners and developers who want to make such changes must apply for a zoning bylaw amendment.
On this page:
Consultation
If you want to file an application for a zoning bylaw amendment, you need to request a pre-submission consultation before you apply.
Filing an application
After you complete the pre-submission process, you can file a complete application for either a minor zoning bylaw amendment or a major zoning bylaw amendment.
A minor zoning bylaw amendment is required in these situations:
- a change is proposed to the zoning regulations (except for building height and Floor Space Ratio)
- when a single new permitted use is proposed
A major zoning bylaw amendment is required when the proposed amendment is not considered a minor zoning bylaw amendment.
Both types of amendments use the same application form.
Please fill out the application form, then either:
- send it to our planning staff by email (for files under 10MB)
- upload it directly to ShareFile (for files over 10MB)
Send us an email if you need access to ShareFile to upload your application.
As soon as possible after sending us your application virtually, please send the original, signed application form and cheque (payable to the City of Kitchener) to:
Attn: Manager of Development Review
200 King Street West
Kitchener, ON
N2G 4V6
After you apply
This is a public process and involves circulating the application to:
- members of the community
- internal staff
- external review agencies
These groups will be able to review and comment on the application.
Staff will write a staff report and make a recommendation to the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee.
City council will make the final decision on all applications.
The target timeframe to process a zoning bylaw amendment is within 90 days (or 120 days when combined with an Official Plan amendment).