Housing Initiatives

The City is updating its Official Plan to:

• Support “missing middle” housing
• Encourage appropriate intensification
• Enable higher-density development in built-up areas

More information can be found on our Official Plan webpage.

The City is updating its CIP to:

• Remove outdated or duplicate programs
• Introduce new incentives for housing development

The CIP includes financial incentives such as grants and rebates to support housing and redevelopment projects. More information can be found on our CIP webpage.

The City offers financial incentives for creating accessory dwelling units:

• New housing: $5,000 per unit
• Existing housing or detached units: $5,000 per unit

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility requirements apply.

These programs help increase housing options for families, seniors and renters. More information can be found on our ADU webpage.

The City is developing a catalogue of pre-reviewed detached ADU building plans.

Benefits include:

• Faster permitting timelines
• Lower design costs
• Improved predictability for applicants

Plans will meet Ontario Building Code requirements but must still comply with zoning rules. More information can be found on our Near Permit-Ready House Designs webpage.

Up to four residential units are permitted on many urban properties without requiring rezoning approval.

This includes:

• Additional dwelling units
• Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes

All developments must meet applicable zoning and building regulations.

The City now offers an online system (CityView) for submitting planning applications.

This system allows users to:

• Submit applications online
• Track application status
• Receive updates

The system simplifies the application process for residents and helps improve processing times.

The Development Tracker is an online tool that provides up-to-date information on housing development in Belleville.

It includes:

• Active development applications
• Subdivision approvals and construction status
• Housing construction data
• Residential land supply information

The City completed a Housing Needs Assessment in May 2025. The report identifies current and future housing needs, and supports applications for funding programs

More information can be found in the Housing Needs Assessment Report.

The Housing Accelerator Fund is a federal program that provides funding to municipalities to increase housing supply.

In Belleville, the funding supports planning changes, faster approvals and incentives to encourage new housing development.

“Missing middle” housing refers to multi-unit housing that is smaller in scale than apartment buildings.

Examples include:

• Duplexes
• Triplexes
• Fourplexes
• Townhouses

These housing types help increase density while maintaining neighbourhood character.

An accessory dwelling unit is a self-contained residential unit located on the same property as a primary home.

Examples include:

• Basement apartments
• Secondary suites
• Detached backyard units

ADUs provide additional housing options for families, renters and seniors.

Application details, including required documents and deadlines, are available through the City’s housing programs. Applicants must typically:

• Submit a complete application
• Obtain required permits
• Meet all program conditions

More information can be found on our Community Improvement Plan webpage.

The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) provides financial incentives to support development and redevelopment. This may include grants or rebates for eligible housing projects, including housing development.

“As-of-right” means a property owner can build up to four residential units on a residentially zoned property within the urban area without needing rezoning approval, as long as all zoning and building rules are met.

Timelines vary depending on the type and complexity of the application. Using the City’s e-permitting system can help improve processing times and provide status updates.

The City offers an online Development Tracker that provides information on:

• Active development applications
• Approved subdivisions
• Housing construction activity
• Available residential land

Residents and developers can contact the City’s planning department for assistance with:

• Program eligibility
• Application requirements
• Development approvals