- Use the Search By-laws tool and enter a keyword (e.g. Fence) or a by-law number (e.g. 22-001).
- Narrow your search results by using the Category and Sort By filter options.
- Browse the search results. To view a PDF version, click on the by-law number and title of your choice.
The online listing is updated as City Council passes new by-laws.
Disclaimer: By-laws contained in this section have been prepared for the purpose of convenience only and are not certified true copies. Where available, office consolidated versions, combining the original By-law and any amendments, are provided for ease of use. For accurate reference, consult copies of the official By-laws and documents in the Records Division of the Office of the City Clerk.
For by-laws and documents that are not available in an electronic format, email [email protected].
The by-laws include those enacted, amended and repealed by City Council, as well as those enacted, amended and repealed by the Ontario Municipal Board, Ontario Land Tribunal or Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. The City of Hamilton provides online access to reference copies of current by-laws dating from 2004 to the present.
There may be one or more subject categories assigned to each by-law depending on context. Selecting a specific category can narrow your search.
By-laws are the official rules that define how the City is governed
Documents
A By-Law to Prohibit Certain Uses of Land, Buildings and Structures, and to Regulate the Height, Bulk, Location, Spacing, Character and Use of Buildings and Structures in the City of Hamilton.
Office Consolidation as of November 2022.
Office Consolidation as of April 2024.
The City of Hamilton’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 05-200 came into effect on May 25, 2005, and is being implemented in stages.
1.1 - Title of By-Law
1.2 - Effective Date
1.3 - Area to which the By-Law Applies
1.4 - Scope of the By-Law
1.5 - Validity
1.6 - Compliance with Applicable Law
1.7 - Repeal of Existing By-laws
1.8 - Administration
1.9 - Enforcement and Penalties
1.10 - Remedies
1.11 - Legal Non-Conforming Uses
1.12 - Transitional Provision
2.1 - Establishment of Classifications and Zones
2.2 - Use of Zone Symbols
2.3 - Incorporation of Zoning Maps
2.4 - Incorporation of Schedules
2.5 - Incorporation of Appendices
2.6 - Interpretation of Zone Boundaries
2.7 - Interpretation of the By-law
4.1 - Prohibited Uses
4.2 - Human Habitation not within Main Building
4.3 - Frontage on a Street
4.4 - Public Uses Permitted in all Zones
4.5 - Number of Dwellings Per Lot
4.6 - Permitted Yard Encroachments
4.7 - Reduction of Yards for Non-Conforming Lots
4.8 - Accessory Buildings in all Zones
4.9 - Air Conditioners and Pumps
4.10 - Satellite Dishes
4.11 - Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas
4.12 - Vacuum Clause
4.13 - Reduction in Regulations Resulting from Street Widening
4.14 - Laneways Deemed to be Streets
4.15 - Model Homes in Draft Plans of Subdivision
4.16 - Regulation for Consolidated Lot Development
4.17 - Airport
4.18 - Temporary Uses
4.19 - Visual Barrier
4.20 - Outdoor Commercial Patios
4.21 - Home Business
4.22 - Adequate Services
4.23 - Special Setbacks
4.24 - Conservation Authority Regulation Area
4.25 - Drive Through Regulations
4.26 - Urban Farm
4.27 - Community Garden
4.28 - Urban Farmers Market
4.29 - Minimum Distance Separation Formulae
4.30 - Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
4.31 - Niagara Escarpment Plan Development Control Area
4.32 - Reduction in Regulations Resulting from Public Transit Facilities
4.33 - Secondary Dwelling Unit and Secondary Dwelling Unit – Detached
The D1 Zone represents the cultural, institutional, residential, and commercial make-up of Downtown Hamilton.
The D2 Zone applies along King Street, James Street and portions of Hess Village and King William Street.
The D5 Zone applies stable residential areas in the Downtown.
To impose development charges against land to pay for increased capital costs required because of increased needs for services arising from development of the area.
Consolidated with Amendment 21-102 and 19-142-OLT-01 Schedule A and 19-142-OLT-02 Schedule A.
To Appoint the City Auditor as Auditor General Under Section 223.19 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Consolidated as of August 10, 2023
To put into place a mechanism whereby, under appropriate circumstances, employees who disclose serious wrongdoing regarding City operations are protected from reprisal and whereby, under appropriate circumstances, investigations or alternative actions are undertaken in response to such disclosures
Office Consolidation as of August 2023
Prohibiting and Regulating the Alteration of Property Grades, the Placing or Dumping of Fill, and the Removal of Topsoil. Repeals and replaces Site Alteration By-law No. 03-126.
Consolidated May 4, 2023
To impose development charges against land to pay for increased capital costs required because of increased needs for services arising from development of the area to which the said By-law applies.
Office Consolidation as of September 2018.
To consolidate and update Site Plan Control By-laws in the City of Hamilton
By-law Nos. 03-294, 08-298 and 14-323 are repealed in their entirety.