City Council has approved a motion to allow residents to build four residential units (fourplexes) on low-rise residential lots. The motion, moved by Mayor Crombie, includes the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments required to permit fourplexes citywide.

“The scale and urgency of the housing crisis requires that we take bold steps to get more housing built and do what we can to make it more affordable. As we continue to grow, we want the right mix of housing for our city. Allowing fourplexes in our neighbourhoods will help create more affordable rental options for multigenerational families, older adults and young people who want to build a future in Mississauga.”

Mayor Bonnie Crombie

The City’s new regulations:

• Permit fourplexes “as of right” which means applicants can apply for a building permit without additional zoning permissions if they meet by-law regulations.
• Support purpose-built fourplexes or the conversion of an existing property to accommodate four units.
• Allow a variety of fourplex configurations up to three storeys in height including a partially above-grade basement unit.
• Support the creation of rental units in neighbourhoods.

“As a City we are doing everything in our power to address the housing crisis but we’ve been very clear – we can’t do it alone. We need the support of other levels of government and we must be willing to work together to resolve this crisis,” added Mayor Crombie.  “Approving fourplexes ensures Mississauga remains eligible for up to $120 million in federal funding for housing and community infrastructure while taking another step towards meeting the new homes target prescribed by the provincial government.”

Increasing ‘Missing Middle’ housing in low-rise communities is a key action in the City’s housing plan. Read Growing Mississauga: An Action Plan for New Housing to learn how the City is working to meet the province’s goal of building 120,000 new homes while streamlining building approvals and making homes more affordable.