- 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 clerk@hamilton.ca.
The by-laws include those enacted, amended and repealed by City Council, as well as those enacted, amended and repealed by the Ontario Municipal Board, Ontario Land Tribunal or Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.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
The P6 Zone applies to all lands identified as an Environmentally Significant Area or Earth Science ANSI in the Rural Hamilton Official Plan. In addition, the P6 Zone is also applied to all lands identified as a Key Natural Heritage Feature outside of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System, identified in the Rural Hamilton Official Plan.
Temporary Provisions for Specific Lands
You may only park your vehicle on a street where permitted. Any vehicle parked in a metered spot must have paid the meter and must not exceed the maximum time limit posted for that spot. By-law officers or police officers can issue a parking ticket remove your vehicle at your expense if you do not comply with posted parking restrictions.
Consolidated January 18, 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
To Appoint the City Auditor as Auditor General Under Section 223.19 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Consolidated as of August 10, 2023
To regulate the use of lands and the use, location and character of buildings and structures within the Town of Ancaster.
Repealing By-Law No. 1890, passed May 7, 1963, being the Zoning By-law of the Town of Ancaster.
Office Consolidation as of September 2023.
Being a By-law under the provisions of Section 34 of the Planning Act, being Chapter P.13 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, as amended from time to time
Office Consolidation as of November 2023
To adopt procedures governing the calling, place, and proceedings of meetings.
Office Consolidation as of November 2023.
To license, regulate and govern businesses, and to impose conditions on the obtaining, holding and keeping of licenses to carry on such businesses.
Consolidated November 30, 2023
Respecting the City of Hamilton's Cemeteries and To Repeal former area municipality by-laws:
- By-law 81-91, Town of Ancaster
- By-law 4459-98, Town of Dundas
- By-law 91-16-C, Town of Flamborough
- By-law 500-94, Township of Glanbrook
- By-law 95-125, City of Hamilton
- By-law 4402-96, City of Stoney Creek
Consolidated January 2024
Special Exceptions for Specific Lands
Holding Provisions for Specific Lands
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 A2 zone permitted uses:
- Abattoir
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Processing Establishment - Stand Alone
- Agricultural Storage Establishment
- Community Garden (By-law No. 21-189, October 13, 2021)
- Farm Product Supply Dealer
- Kennel
- Livestock Assembly Point
- Residential Care Facility
- Secondary Uses to Agriculture
- Single Detached Dwelling
Veterinary Service – Farm Animal
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
The A1 zone permitted uses:
- Agriculture
- Community Garden (By-law No. 21-189, October 13, 2021)
- Residential Care Facility
- Secondary Uses to Agriculture
- Single Detached Dwelling
- Veterinary Service – Farm Animal
The M12 zone permitted uses:
- Agriculture
- Community Garden (By-law No. 21-189, October 13, 2021)
- Conservation
- Mineral Aggregate Operation
- Recreation, Passive
- Secondary Uses to Agriculture
The S1 Zone permitted uses:
- Agriculture (By-law No. 18-219, August 17, 2018)
- Residential Care Facility
- Single Detached Dwelling
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
The R2 Zone permitted uses:
- Community Garden
- Day Nursery
- Duplex Dwelling
- Fourplex Dwelling
- Lodging House
- Residential Care Facility
- Retirement Home
- Semi-Detached Dwelling
- Single Detached Dwelling
- Street Townhouse Dwelling
- Triplex Dwelling
- Urban Farm