Kitchener council approves ‘tiny home’ zoning bylaw amendment

Responding to what’s been described as ‘strong community interest’ on the issue, Kitchener Council has voted unanimously in favour of an amendment to an existing zoning bylaw that allows the construction of ‘additional dwelling units’ on all low rise properties that meet required regulations. Heralded by Ward 7 councillor Bil Ioannidis as the “gentlest form of intensification”, the move comes after extended community engagement on the issue, while Planning & Building staff indicated a “strong enthusiasm” and weekly inquiries on developments

According to a staff report made to Kitchener council, the bylaw amendment allows the construction of these small detached units on 57,000 properties across the city – with the expectation that around 25,000 of those properties will meet important zoning rules and be eligible to obtain a permit. In constructing an additional unit, specific regulations have been determined regarding a minimum lot area of 395 square metres and a minimum lot width of 13.1 metres. Tiny home units are also required to be connected to “full municipal services” and are only permitted in the “rear yard” of existing or newly constructed properties – similar to the zoning rules in place for sheds or detached garages. According to city staff, units are also expected to have a maximum height of one-and-a-half storeys, while being a maximum of half the size of the main house or 80 square metres – whichever is smaller.

Speaking to the impact that these units could have on the city’s housing supply was Councillor Ioannidis, who called the decision to approve the amendment a “once-in-a-lifetime policy change” that touches on issues of housing shortage and affordability, sustainability, societal pressures with multi-generational living and pressures from population growth.

“It touches on so many fronts that we’re facing in our community,” said Ioannidis. “I know it’s not the silver bullet to solve all our problems – and it’s not meant to be, but it can help significantly. It’s just another tool in our toolbox.”

In reviewing the bylaw amendment in Monday’s committee meeting, there were some concerns raised regarding tenancy of these properties once built – in that tenancy is completely determined by the homeowner of the property. Potential issues were raised of the possibility of constructing these units strictly for an AirBnB style rental, with one delegate expressing dissatisfaction that the tiny homes may not make much of an impact in assisting the unhoused population find a place of residence.

During that meeting, Ward 1 Councillor Scott Davey expressed interest in exploring a way in which to track the units being built and allocate a portion of the new tax revenue towards Kitchener’s affordable housing initiatives – a matter which will be discussed by staff and presented to council in the future. In addition, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic also spoke to potential incentives or pilot projects that could be investigated to pursue affordable housing situations for owners inclined to support that effort.

Staff from the City of Kitchener will also be looking to potentially host a design competition for tiny homes in the coming months, aiming to partner with local post-secondary institutions as well as design professionals in Kitchener to come up with templates and models of what the units could potentially look like.

“This is exciting – this is another option. There’s not one simple solution to our housing crisis – it’s going to be a combination of options like this.” said Ward 2 Councillor Dave Schneider. “Really looking forward to it.”