What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan provides detailed information about land uses and policies that are relevant to that specific area. Each Neighbourhood Plan has a coloured Land Use Map and development policies which are implemented through Official Plans, Secondary Plans and Zoning By-laws. Neighbourhood Plans may also include other related documents such as Urban Design Guidelines, Streetscape Master Plans or Transportation Master Plans.
For example, a parcel of land may be designated in the Neighbourhood Plan as “Attached Housing”, namely townhouses. The written policies would identify the preferred density, form and type of housing and vehicular access. Design Guidelines might define the common design elements within the block or street section.
Neighbourhood Plans have been prepared for over 70 of the 137 neighbourhoods in the City of Hamilton. The plans first date back to the early 1970’s. Most of the areas where there is considerable potential for redevelopment have approved Neighbourhood Plans. Neighbourhood Plans are periodically reviewed and updated.
Neighbourhood Plan books are available for purchase from the Cartographic and Graphic Services section at the City of Hamilton.
Note: Neighbourhood Plans are not formally adopted under the Planning Act as amendments to the Official Plan.