Zoning
Residential Zones Project
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Public Engagement
Reimagining Neighbourhoods
Reimagining Neighbourhoods is about providing housing choice and more affordable housing options for the residents of Hamilton.
Residential Zones Phases
Learn More About
Project Phases
Mid Rise Residential Zones are typically on the periphery of neighbourhoods along major streets, permitting uses like stacked townhouses, block townhouses, or apartment buildings to a maximum range of 6-12 storeys depending on location. These zones allow for housing choice near transit routes and access to community services. The City staff are currently working on new Mid Rise Residential Zones to apply to certain lots across the City.
Mid Rise Residential refers to multiple housing types, including, back-to-back and stacked townhouses and apartment or condo buildings. These types of units are often referred to as the ‘missing middle’.
What's Next?
Staff engaged in public consultation through a survey on the Engage Hamilton website, a number of pop-up events throughout the City, and 2 Public Information Centres. Further opportunities for comment will be available and communicated.
For further information on the Mid Rise Residential Zones, access these reports:
Reimagining neighbourhoods and creating more housing choice within our neighbourhoods.
Low Density residential areas are the neighbourhoods across Hamilton that are zoned a low density residential zone and permit a range of uses.
The first new urban residential zones created for Zoning By-law No. 05-200 are:
- Low Density Residential (R1) Zone
- Low Density Residential - Small Lot (R1a) Zone
- Low Density Residential – Large Lot (R2) Zone
| Types of Housing Permitted | R1 ZONE Standard Lot | R1a ZONE Small Lot | R2 ZONE Large Lot (NEW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Detached Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Semi-detached Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Duplex Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Triplex Dwelling (new) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fourplex Dwelling (new) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Street Townhouse Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Providing Housing Choice in Hamilton Timeline
- September 2018 - Laneway Housing Pilot Project
- May 2021 - Additional Dwelling Units and Detached Additional Dwelling Units permissions introduced
- August 2022 - Low Density Residential Zones. Expanded the residential uses permitted. Existing dwellings permitted to convert to contain up to four dwelling units.
- February 2024 - Introduced Triplexes and Fourplexes as permitted uses in Low Density Residential Zones in City-wide Zoning By-law 05-200
- February 2024 - Permitted Detached Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Rural Area
Changes to Low Density Residential Zones
Homes are permitted to contain Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) and Additional Dwelling Unit- Detached (ADU-D) are permitted on most residential properties.
With the expanded housing choice in neighbourhoods, Neighbourhood Infill Design Guidelines have been developed to guide multiplex development in neighbourhoods e.g. triplexes and fourplexes. The Guidelines work with the Low Density Residential zoning to guide the development of multiplexes in a way that emphasizes the compatible integration of infill developments in neighbourhoods.
Review the results of the online survey conducted to understand your neighbourhood priorities. Learn more about the completed public engagement.
Reimagining Neighbourhoods Consultation Summary Results
Reimagining Neighbourhoods Survey Results - November to December 2023
For further information on the changes to Low Density Residential Zones, access these reports:
Updates and Amendments to Low Density Residential Zones
Providing House Choice in Hamilton’s Neighbourhoods
- Planning Committee Agenda - Aug 3, 2022 - Item 9.6
- By-law Nos. 22-191 to 22-197
Additional Dwelling Units / Detached Additional Dwelling Units
- Planning Committee Agenda - May 17, 2022 - Item 9.1
- By-law Nos. 22-132 to 22-138
For Zoning Questions
Contact Us
Residential Zones Project
For questions or to be adding to our mailing list
Residential Zones Project Team
Email [email protected]
ADU/Detached ADU
For Ontario Building Code requirements related to ADUs.
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5117
Email [email protected]
For Zoning questions related to ADUs.
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 2719
Email [email protected]
General Zoning
Planning Division
City Hall, 5th Floor
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 2719
Email [email protected]
For Building Permit Questions
Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5117
Email [email protected]
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