Mid-Rise and Tall Building Policy

What is Density by Design?

Density by Design is the City of Kingston's project to develop mid-rise and tall building design policies. These policies will guide the future development of buildings of more than four storeys in Kingston to ensure compatibility with existing development. They will also outline specific architectural design requirements for mid-rise and tall buildings City-wide.

This project will complement other work the City is doing to support intensification and will provide clear direction on the design of mid-rise and tall buildings in the City. It will result in the preparation of draft policies for inclusion in the Official Plan.

Why does design matter?

Design matters because it shapes how residents interact with their City. Effective mid-rise and tall building design policies present an opportunity to support Kingston’s goal of providing more affordable housing options to residents while encouraging environmental sustainability and creating vibrant hubs of activity within the City. Furthermore, effective policies can work to conserve and enrich built heritage in the City.

Issues & Options Report

The Issues & Options Report presents the first phase of the drafting/creation of new policy for the City of Kingston that will guide the design of future proposed mid-rise and tall buildings across the city. The eventual new policy report will be entitled "Density by Design: Kingston Mid-rise and Tall Building Policy."

The purpose of the report, which has been prepared after a first round of public consultation and the review of tall building design guidelines and policy approaches in various cities across Canada, is intended to stimulate continued discussion between and among Council, key stakeholders and the wider community about related current or emerging issues. Defining and further discussing these issues will help the project team, made up of City Planning Department Staff and planning and urban design consultant Brent Toderian of TODERIAN UrbanWORKS, to work out what needs to be addressed in the policies. It will also help to shape a clear vision for the future development of mid-rise and tall buildings in the City.