Additional dwelling unit (ADU) permits in Kitchener: forms, plans and fee

Check whether you need a permit

An additional dwelling unit (ADU) is a separate and self-contained dwelling unit located on the same property as a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or street-townhouse dwelling. It may be located within the existing building, an addition to an existing building, a separate detached structure or may be one of up to four units in a new building.

You may be able to build up to four dwelling units on lots that currently permit a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or street townhouse dwelling.
A building permit is required before starting any construction.
This process applies to residential buildings with two to four total residential units. For buildings with five to 10 dwelling units, visit the residential dwelling units page.

Getting started

If you want to add ADUs to your property, there are a few things to do before you apply for a building permit.

Guide to Additional Dwelling Units
designer: to help prepare your plans and navigate the process
designer or architect: required if you’re proposing three or more units in a building
contractors
other professionals, as required
We recommend talking to at least three designers and contractors before finalizing your project team.
building permits
zoning (occupancy) certificate
new driveway or driveway widening permit
development charges
regional permits if your property is on a regional road
where your property lines are
setbacks to existing buildings
easements
rights-of-way
encroachments
protected services such as utilities, infiltration galleries or drainage swales
If you do not have a survey, you can request a copy of a property survey online.
If your property is larger than one acre and your project has any impact on existing trees either on or adjacent to your property, you may need a tree conservation permit.
If your project may impact trees on the property line (in shared ownership) or on adjacent lands (such as construction within root zones), you must get permission from the neighbouring property owner.
If your project may impact trees on public lands (examples: street trees or trees in an adjacent park or natural area), please send us an email.

Types of ADUs

Under our zoning bylaw, many combinations of ADUs may be possible, up to a maximum of four units on a lot.

one ADU within or attached to the main building for a total of two units
also known as a duplex
two ADUs for a total of three units
also known as a triplex
three attached units for a total of four units on your property
also known as a four-plex
the three new units could be located in or in an addition to the main dwelling or in an entirely new building
one detached dwelling
also called a tiny house or backyard home
the backyard home can have one or two units, and you can have up to four dwelling units on the lot
you could have up to three units in the main building and one in a backyard home
you could have up to two units in the main building and a two-unit backyard home
if the permitted building height allows, you can also build a unit above a detached garage

Check the zoning

Under our zoning bylaw, up to four dwelling units are permitted on residential lots in Kitchener. However, in some cases, only one or two dwelling units may be possible due to zoning regulations such as minimum lot width, servicing restrictions or other constraints like natural hazards. Some lots may not be suitable for ADUs.
Your ADU must comply with our zoning bylaw and the Ontario Building Code.
Check the zoning of your property online using our interactive mapping tool. If you have any questions or need help, call 519-741-2426 or send us an email.
The by-law requires that a 1.1 metre (≈ 3 ft 7¼ in) wide unobstructed walkway is provided to the main entrance of all additional dwelling units where the door does not face a public street. The walkway must have overhead clearance of 2.1 metres (≈ 6 ft 10⅝ in), and cannot be obstructed by window wells, parking spaces, HVAC equipment, utility meters or anything that blocks the path of travel.
the minimum number of vehicle and bicycle parking spaces
the minimum size of parking spaces
number of driveways
driveway width (maximum is generally 40 to 50% of the width of a lot, to a maximum of 8 metres (≈ 26 ft 3 in))
driveway or parking lot setbacks
maximum garage width
the material of driveways and walkways
If you want to widen your driveway, you will need a driveway widening and curb-cutting permit.

Only if your project is for ADUs other than duplexes

Get a zoning (occupancy) certificate, if needed

A zoning (occupancy) certificate is required to confirm your project will meet zoning regulations for all ADUs except duplexes.

Step 1: submit your application

Submit your application online. Login to the portal and click on the My Planning tab.
Payment will be required at the time of application for all Residential Zoning Certificates for the application to be deemed complete.

Additional information and plans

Depending on your proposed use, you may also need to include additional information and plans with your application. These can include:

survey (for new residential uses)
zoning plan (drawings showing compliance to applicable zoning regulations for the proposed use)

Step 2: staff review

Staff will review your application within 15 business days.
You can apply for a Zoning (Occupancy) Certificate before you apply for a building permit, or at the same time as you apply for your Building Permit (zoning review may extend the typical review timeline of a Building Permit.)
Staff will share any comments or required changes, and work with you to resolve any deficiencies. This could include you making changes to your plan, or exploring whether it might be appropriate to request a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment.

Step 3: certificate issued

Once the proposal and plans comply with zoning, we’ll issue approval confirming the new use is compliant with the zoning bylaw.

Step 4: zoning inspection for residential units

A zoning inspection is required to confirm zoning compliance where residential units are added to a residential building/lot.
A development must pass this inspection before final building inspection and the building permit rebate can be issued.

Site plan approval

You do not need to complete the site plan application process for residential buildings with four to 10 total units that do not contain other uses within the building or on the property.

Check for other permits

Depending on your project, several permits may be required:

driveway widening and curb cutting permit: required if you plan to widen your driveway
minor variance: required if your project does not comply with our zoning bylaw and you cannot change your project so that it does comply
road occupancy/work permit: required if you need to occupy or close any city road, sidewalk or boulevard
heritage permit: may be required if your property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
offsite works agreement: if you have new service connections or paving proposed in the right of way
Grand River Conservation Authority permit: may be required if your property includes regulated features such as floodplains, wetlands or steep slopes

Read the duplex process guides

process guide - duplexes
guide to a successful inspection - duplex
water and gas servicing/metering guide for additional meters

Complete the forms for a duplex5

Submit your application

You can apply for your building permit online or in person. All projects must follow our zoning bylaw.
Online: use our online services. After you apply, you can check the status of your permit and schedule any city inspections.
In person: please book an appointment. Please bring your completed forms and drawings to your appointment.
We will review your application within 10 business days.
After we review the application, our staff will email you to let you know the permit is ready to issue. If we need more information, we’ll send you a status letter with a list of issues that need to be addressed before we issue the permit.

Pay the fee

permit fee: $0.37 per square foot (≈ $3.98 per m²) of finished space (or $163 minimum)
rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)

Build your ADU(s)

After you get your building permit and other required permits, you can start construction.
An optional pre-construction inspection can be scheduled before or during construction. This is an opportunity to discuss construction methods or other questions with the building inspector.
You must schedule regular inspections throughout the construction process. For duplexes, download our guide to successful inspections to learn more about this process and what the inspector will look for, as well as common issues with inspections. For triplexes and fourplexes, please contact your building inspector.