Second Residential Units

Nested Applications

Content - Res - Community Services - Housing - Secondary Suites

The second residential unit Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments are now in effect. Please note that the online guides are being updated to reflect the new zoning amendments. 

Living in a secondary suite in a residential home is an attractive and affordable housing option for many Kingstonians. As one of its efforts to help increase the availability of affordable housing, the City has made policy and regulatory changes to encourage the development of second residential units – an option that can help support the affordable housing needs of homeowners as well as their tenants. Recent Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments now permit second residential units across the City, save and except for specific areas subject to servicing constraints.

Find out more about the City's second residential unit Affordable Housing Grant Program.
Download a summary of the Official Plan Amendments and Zoning Bylaw Amendments
Note: These summaries are provided for information purposes only. Zoning regulations will vary depending on the applicable zoning bylaw. For accurate reference, the original bylaws must be consulted.

Second Residential Units made easy

This page is intended to provide a one-stop source for information related to the development of a legal second residential unit within the City of Kingston. Be sure to consult the following guides which have been developed to assist homeowners interested in developing a second residential unit.

Second Residential Units permit guide cover
Second Residential Unit
Permit Guide


Starting to plan your project

The first step in planning your second residential unit is to ensure your property complies with the requirements of the zoning bylaw. If your property complies with the zoning bylaw, the next step is to complete and submit a Building Permit application. Be sure to consult the Second Residential Unit Building Permit Guide for additional information to help you prepare a complete application. 


View the Planning and Development Map and select the second residential unit tab.


Second Residential Unit Affordable Housing Grant Program

The City is offering the Second Residential Unit Affordable Housing Grant Program to stimulate homeowner investment to create alternate housing options within the City.

To complement existing affordable housing programs available within the City, the grant program is now being offered to allow homeowners to participate in the creation of additional modestly priced rental housing within the City.

Participants of the program must commit to renting the suite:

  1. at an affordable rate for an agreed upon period of time, and
  2. to a household that meets certain household income criteria

Provided these two requirements are met, there are no other conditions or requirements on who can rent the suite. For additional information, including how to apply and program requirements review the program guideline.

The grant provides a forgivable loan of the lesser of $15,000 or 75% of the costs associated with developing a second residential unit. Funding will be provided to owner-occupied households who create a second residential unit and commit to providing the unit at an affordable rental rate to an income qualified tenant household for a minimum five year affordability period.

Developing affordable housing is one of the City’s top priorities. 

Content - Res - Comm Services - Housing - Programs - Secondary Suites lower


Building a Green Second Residential Unit

The City is committed to developing as a sustainable community. Your second residential unit helps to achieve this goal by making efficient use of infrastructure and community amenities, providing alternative housing formats and affordable housing options, supporting transit services, amongst other community benefits. The following resources provide tips to improve the energy efficiency of your home and second residential unit: