Planning Applications
Zoning By-law Amendment
Design Review Panel
A voluntary technical panel that will provide expert and impartial design advice and guidance to Planning staff on urban design matters of development within Design Priority Areas.
The Zoning By-law regulates the use of land such as residential, commercial, industrial or institutional, as well as the:
- location, size and height of buildings or structures
- built form
- sets out parking and loading requirements
- other site specific requirements
If a property owner wishes to make changes to a property that deviates from the permitted uses or the regulations of the Zoning By-law, the owner must apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment.
Amending a Zoning By-law
A Zoning By-law can be amended to change either the zoning of the land or add special provisions to the zoning designation for a special property. This amending by-law can be as little as changing the zoning designation from one to another, adding a use or changing a zoning by-law requirement.
Minor variance: If a property owner wishes to make a minor change to the Zoning By-law regulations that would differ only slightly from the provisions, the owner may apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance, rather than a Zoning By-law Amendment. You should discuss this alternative first with Planning staff.
How to
Apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment
The process to obtain a Zoning By-Law Amendment may take a minimum of four to six months to complete, after we receive your completed application including any supporting studies. The level of complexity and issues related to your proposal will affect this timeline.
Before submitting an application, a Formal Consultation is recommended. The Formal Consultation process is no longer mandatory and is at the discretion of the Applicant.
The purpose of the Formal Consultation is to:
- Confirm whether a Zoning By-law Amendment is necessary.
- Provide preliminary comments and feedback on the proposed amendment.
- Tailor the submission requirements based on the context of the proposal.
- Confirm whether you will need other approvals such as an Official Plan Amendment.
Design Review Panel
The Design Review Panel is generally limited to complex Zoning By-law Amendments and Site Plan applications in the following Design Priority Areas:
- Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan Area
- Areas of Major Change and Corridors of Gradual Change within Setting Sail Secondary Plan Area
- Any other large scale project that has the potential to significantly impact the physical environment functionally and aesthetically.
Applications subject to the DRP will be identified at the Formal Consultation stage including any additional submission requirements.
Submission Requirements & Information
Review Zoning By-law Amendment Submission Requirements & Information
If an Applicant chooses not to proceed with the Formal Consultation process, the submission requirements as set out in the Official Plan must be met. Refer to the new Official Plan Schedule - Other Information and Materials:
- Urban Hamilton Official Plan - Schedule I
- Rural Hamilton Official Plan - Schedule H
- Regional Hamilton OP - Schedule I
Application Form
This application form is to be used by persons or public bodies wishing to amend the land use designations (official plan or zoning) for a specific property in the City of Hamilton. In this form, the term "subject land" means the land that is subject of the proposed amendment. It is also to be used for any proposal to amend existing approved official plan policy or zone provisions.
Complete Zoning By-law Amendment Application Form
Are you eligible for fee exemptions? Are you applying for Eligible New Non-Profit Affordable Housing?
Complete Non-Profit Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Application Form
For all planning applications, payment of application fees must be made when the application is submitted. The payment is considered a requirement of a complete application. Application fees are non-refundable.
Refer to the Planning Division Fees page for a complete list of application fees.
The application fee can be paid by cheque, certified cheque (payable to “City of Hamilton”), or by in-person credit card transactions. All cheques submitted to the Planning Division must be accompanied by a cover letter or Fee Intake Memo indicating: municipal address of the development; the application type, description of the fee, fee amount, and cheque number; Owner /Applicant’s name and contact information; Agent’s name and contact information; and if known, the assigned file number and assigned Planner’s name.
Review fees for other external agencies (Conservation Authority, Hamilton International Airport) may be applicable, and the applicant shall contact each agency for confirmation of their fees. Refer to the Application Form for more information.
All applications are required to be submitted in electronic format (PDF) via the Sync link.
To initiate a digital application submission, email [email protected] to obtain a Sync link to upload the completed application form, supporting information and materials. To complete the digital submission process, email [email protected] with subject line “NEW SUBMISSION – [Insert File Type] – [Insert Address]” to confirm that the upload to Sync is complete.
Alternatively, the application can be mailed or delivered in person to:
City of Hamilton
71 Main Street West, 5th Floor
Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 4Y5
Attention: Planning Division
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