Gentle Density 4+ Units

Gentle Density/ 4+ Units

The purpose of the Gentle Density/4+ units work is to explore the impact and feasibility of 4 or more (4+) residential units in Guelph's low-density residential areas. The aim of this project is to:

• Determine ideal lot sizes that can accommodate appropriate parking, landscaping and trees, and building setbacks requirements.
• Develop examples of best practices for new housing types through a series of site plan designs.
• Propose a new Zoning By-law to allow for the introduction of a new 4-unit housing type in low-density residential areas.

To help answer questions about gentle density, affordable housing, and more, please visit the FAQ section.

How to get involved

City of Guelph staff will be considering feedback and direction received from Council and the public to prepare a Decision Report for Council Planning meeting December 10, 2024. You can view the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, along with the staff report and council presentation, here.

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas about enabling four units on low density residential lots in Guelph. A statutory public meeting to consider the draft zoning regulations was held on April 9, 2024 at 10am.

To watch the recording of the Council meeting, click here

To see the agenda and staff report, visit https://pub-guelph.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=46423(External link)

Please visit and follow Key Dates to find out about additional engagement opportunities.

Additional Residential Dwelling Unit Survey

22 April 2024

The City of Guelph is launching a brief survey on Additional Residential Dwelling Units. If you are someone who builds, owns, rents out or is interested in an Additional Residential Dwelling Unit, we want your feedback! Your answers will help us understand if current rules for additional residential dwelling units are working or need to change. It will also help build our knowledge on the role of Additional Residential Dwelling Units in Guelph's rental housing market.

To fill out the Additional Residential Dwelling Unit Survey, please click here.

Public Meeting on Draft Zoning Regulations

09 April 2024

Council held the Statutory Public Meeting to consider the draft zoning regulations to enable four units on low-density residential lots and introduce more gentle density options for housing in existing neighbourhoods. Council voted to receive the report from staff. A staff recommendation report and decision on the regulations is expected in June 2024; this recommendation report will include considerations around feedback and comments received through the Statutory Public Meeting.

The staff report, and attachments that provide information and details on what is proposed, can be read here.

The video of the Council meeting can be viewed here.

Draft Zoning Regulations to Permit Four (4) Units Now Available

02 April 2024

A draft of the proposed zoning regulations are now available for information. The purpose of the draft regulations is to enable additional residential dwelling units on low-density residential lots and strive to introduce more gentle density options for housing in existing neighbourhoods.

The staff report, with attachments, provide more information and details on both what is proposed to stay the same and what is proposed to change.

A Statutory Public Meeting will be held on April 9th, 2024, where it is possible to delegate and share your thoughts on the draft regulations. To view the Public Notice, click here.

Gentle Density Engagement and Open House

29 February, 2024

Throughout February 2024, staff held 4 information sessions which culminated in an Open House on February 29, 2024. At these information sessions, staff shared example demonstration plans to show what four units could look like on various lot sizes around Guelph and used them as conversation-starters for gathering thoughts and ideas.

We will use the feedback received to form the draft zoning regulations for 4+ units, which will be available on March 28, 2024.

Exploring Opportunities for 4 Plus Units – Background Analysis

In November 2023, work began to explore opportunities to permit 4+ units on low-density residential lots across the City. The first step in this work was to prepare a policy background review and design demonstrations to highlight the potential in existing neighbourhoods. The Background Analysis highlights Guelph’s existing conditions, its policy context, and several examples of gentle density work being done across the country.

Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.

Who's Listening

FAQ

What does Gentle Density mean?

Gentle Density is a low impact type of housing that is of a similar scale to townhouses, row houses and triplexes. Gentle density is one way to increase housing supply with minimal impact on existing communities.