Residential Zones Project

Low density residential areas are the neighbourhoods across Hamilton that are zoned a low density residential zone, permitting uses like single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, and street townhouses.

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

Once complete, the number of Low Density Residential Zones will be significantly reduced, resulting in consistent low density residential zones across Hamilton.

Hamilton’s Neighbourhoods

In the Urban Area, areas with Low Density Residential Zoning (yellow) represent a significant amount of the land in the Urban Area (over 40%). 

Providing House Choice in Hamilton’s Neighbourhoods

The zones in Hamilton’s neighbourhoods are also changing to allow for greater housing choice. These changes have been introduced in stages, increasing the housing choice in neighbourhoods through small-scale intensification.

Benefits of small-scale intensification in neighbourhoods:

• removes the barriers of exclusionary zoning which restricts the types of housing permitted in neighbourhoods
• provide housing choice and more affordable housing options for residents
• promotes sustainable growth that makes use of existing infrastructure and services
• provides more housing options for residents at various stages of life

To improve housing choice, the types of housing now permitted in Low Density Residential Zones has been expanded to:

• Single Detached and Duplex Dwellings
• Semi-detached Dwellings
• Street Townhouse Dwellings

Examples of Converted Dwellings and possible configurations (three or four Dwelling Units on a lot)

What's next for Low Density Residential Zones?

Secondary Plans

Neighbourhood Infill Design Guidelines

To provide more small-scale intensification opportunities in the City’s neighbourhoods, the Urban Hamilton Official Plan now permits fourplexes in neighbourhoods and up to sixplexes in locations generally along the periphery of neighbourhoods.

The City is developing Infill Design Guidelines for these forms of housing which will inform the development of new zoning regulations to permit up to fourplexes in neighbourhoods. The guidelines will work with the new zoning regulations to direct the integration of this type of housing in neighbourhoods.

To inform this work, in November 2022, the City consulted with the public through a focus group discussion about what one values in their neighbourhood and important elements to address when developing design guidelines and zoning regulations for small-scale intensification in neighbourhoods. City staff have used this feedback to draft the Draft Infill Design Guidelines and Zoning Regulations. The public will be consulted on the Infill Design Guidelines and Zoning Regulations as part of upcoming consultation planned for the Residential Zones Project. Check back for updates.

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?

Public consultation will begin shortly on this project. We are asking the public for input on how they see this zone functioning, where it may be appropriate, and what the priorities are for the people of Hamilton. More information will be posted before the public consultation begins.