Considerations When Building Multiplexes

  • A multiplex is a residential building with two, three, or four units – also called a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, as defined by the Zoning By-Law.
  • In order to qualify as a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, at least one dwelling unit must be entirely or partially above another.
  • Multiple units built side-by-side would generally be considered a townhouse or a semi-detached house under the Zoning By-Law and different standards would apply to this type of housing.
  • If the property is located in an R, RD, RS, RM, or RT zone, you may build a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. You may also convert an existing house to contain two, three or four units.
  • To check which zone your property is located in, please visit the Interactive By-Law Map. Use the search bar at the top of the webpage to enter your address, and a box containing key zoning information for your property will appear.
  • If you have zoning questions for a specific property, please contact Toronto Building Staff at 416-397-5330 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday or in person at a Toronto Building Customer Service counter.
  • If you want to determine whether your multiplex plans comply with the Zoning By-law, please apply for a Zoning Review and obtain a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate.
  • Multiplexes are subject to maximum height limits in metres. Multiplexes are exempt from regulations shown on the Height Overlay limiting the maximum number of storeys.
  • Use the Height Overlay on the Interactive Zoning By-Law Map to check height limits for your property. Click on the Legend tab at the left side of the screen to expand the menu, then under Overlay Layers, check the Height box.
  • If the Height Overlay shows a permitted height of less than 10 metres, the maximum height of a multiplex in this zone is 10 metres.
  • If the Height Overlay is 10 metres or more, that height limit applies.
  • If there is no maximum height shown on the Height Overlay, please check the height regulations for the zone which applies to your property.
  • If your property is subject to lot coverage as indicated by the Lot Coverage Overlay, the base residential standards in Chapter 10, or a Chapter 900 exception, this regulation still applies to multiplexes.
  • Use the Lot Coverage Overlay on the Interactive Zoning By-Law Map  to check lot coverage limits for your property. Click on the Legend tab at the left side of the screen to expand the menu, then under Overlay Layers, check the Lot Coverage box.
  • Maximum floor space index regulations, as indicated by a “d” with a number value in the zone label (for example: d 1.0), do not apply to multiplexes.
  • If there is a Chapter 900 exception which applies to the property, indicated by an (x) followed by a number in the zone label, any maximum floor space index specified in this exception may still apply.
  • To view the Chapter 900 exception which applies to your property, please visit the Interactive Zoning By-Law Map. When you enter your address in the search bar, a box containing key zoning information for your property will appear. Click on the link to the Bylaw Exception to view the detailed regulations in the Chapter 900 exception that applies.
    • The City is currently undertaking a harmonization exercise for Chapter 900 exceptions applying to residential properties which may modify some of these exceptions.
  • Multiplexes are now subject to the same building setbacks as other residential building types in each zone.
  • The setbacks that apply depend on the zone in which your property is located.
  • To view the regulations that apply to the zone in which your property is located, please visit the Interactive Zoning By-Law Map . When you enter your address in the search bar, a box containing key zoning information for your property will appear. Click on the links to the Bylaw Chapter and Bylaw Section to view the detailed regulations that apply to your property.
  • Setback regulations are primarily contained in Clause 10.##.40.70 within each zone:
  • It is possible to have an accessory dwelling unit, like a garden suite or laneway suite on the same property as a multiplex, if certain regulations are met.
  • For more detail on garden suite regulations, visit EHON Garden Suites.
  • For more detail on laneway suite regulations, visit Changing Lanes.
  • In most cases, Multiplexes are exempt from development charges and cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication provided there are no more than four units on the residential lot.
  • Exemptions for development charges are found in 415-6 of the Municipal Code. See A. (2) for the provision applying to multiplexes.
  • Exemptions for cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication are found in 415-30 of the Municipal Code. See (16) for the provision applying to multiplexes.
  • Multiplexes may have multiple front entrances.
  • The multiplex zoning by-law amendment (By-law 474-2023) also deleted the restrictions on front entrances for secondary suites.
  • Two balconies or decks are permitted per unit: one on the front and one on the rear of the building.
  • Balconies and decks must be located on the second storey or above and cannot project beyond the maximum limits specified in the Zoning By-law.
  • Multiplexes on a corner lot may also locate balconies on the side wall facing a street.
  • Any activity that can cause a tree of 30 centimetres or more in diameter, to be injured or removed, on private property, is prohibited unless authorized with a permit under the Tree Protection By-law.
  • Visit the Tree & Ravine Protection website to learn more about the City’s Tree Protection By-law and the application process to remove or injure a protected tree, undertake work in ravines, and how to report unauthorized injury or removal of a tree.