Find Urban Design Manuals
Use these manuals to understand the city’s urban design standards. They help guide development applications and support the design goals in the Official Plan.
On this page:
- Learn about the Urban Design Manual refresh
- Use the city-wide Urban Design Manual
- West Side Employment Lands design guidelines
Learn about the Urban Design Manual refresh
We are updating the Urban Design Manual to:
- align with the City of Waterloo Strategic Plan
- include new design documents
- reflect current practices and innovation
- simplify and reduce repetition
- improve digital access
Provide feedback and get project updates
Visit the Urban Design Manual Refresh page on Engage Waterloo for project information and feedback opportunities.
Use the city-wide Urban Design Manual
Developers and city staff use this manual when reviewing:
- Official Plan amendments
- Zoning Bylaw amendments
- site plan applications
Urban design shapes how buildings, streets and open spaces work together. Good urban design is about creative city building and the art of creating great places for people.
In some cases there are site or area specific urban design guidelines. Reach out to our Planning Division for more information.
Download the manual
The Urban Design Manual includes 5 sections:
- Introduction (PDF)
- General city design guidelines (PDF)
- Supplemental design guidelines (PDF)
- Site plan review guidelines (PDF)
- Appendices (PDF)
Buy a print copy
Buy a print copy at the IPPW counter on the second floor of City Hall.
- $100 for colour
- $45 for black and white
Pay by cash, debit or cheque.
West Side Employment Lands design guidelines
Published in 2021, these guidelines apply to the West Side Employment Lands (WSEL) in the southwest corner of city. The area is planned for future growth and economic development.