Zoning
Residential Zones Project
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The City of Hamilton’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 05-200 came into effect on May 25, 2005, and has been implemented in stages since then. This Zoning By-law applies to the entire City of Hamilton and is replacing the Zoning By-laws of the former municipalities.
In 2022, Low Density Residential Zones (Phase 1) were introduced and implemented, which expanded permissions within neighbourhoods across the urban areas of Hamilton.
In 2025, Council approved the new Mid Rise Residential Zones (Phase 2) to enable additional housing choice across urban areas of Hamilton, particularly along the periphery of neighbourhoods. Staff Report – Phase 1 of the Mid Rise Residential Zones project PED23069(b)
Residential Zones Phases
Learn More About
Project Phases
What's Next?
The next phase of the Mid Rise Residential Zones Project is expanding the zones to additional properties across the City. A report is expected to be presented to Planning Committee in September 2026. A link to the Planning Committee Agenda and Report will be provided once released.
For further information on the Mid Rise Residential Zones, access these reports:
Reimagining neighbourhoods and creating more housing choice within our neighbourhoods.
Low Density residential areas are the neighbourhoods across Hamilton that are zoned a low density residential zone and permit a range of uses.
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
- Low Density Residential – Large Lot (R2) Zone
| Types of Housing Permitted | R1 ZONE Standard Lot | R1a ZONE Small Lot | R2 ZONE Large Lot (NEW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Detached Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Semi-detached Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Duplex Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Triplex Dwelling (new) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fourplex Dwelling (new) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Street Townhouse Dwelling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Providing Housing Choice in Hamilton Timeline
- September 2018 - Laneway Housing Pilot Project
- May 2021 - Additional Dwelling Units and Detached Additional Dwelling Units permissions introduced
- August 2022 - Low Density Residential Zones. Expanded the residential uses permitted. Existing dwellings permitted to convert to contain up to four dwelling units.
- February 2024 - Introduced Triplexes and Fourplexes as permitted uses in Low Density Residential Zones in City-wide Zoning By-law 05-200
- February 2024 - Permitted Detached Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Rural Area
Changes to Low Density Residential Zones
Homes are permitted to contain Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) and Additional Dwelling Unit- Detached (ADU-D) are permitted on most residential properties.
With the expanded housing choice in neighbourhoods, Neighbourhood Infill Design Guidelines have been developed to guide multiplex development in neighbourhoods e.g. triplexes and fourplexes. The Guidelines work with the Low Density Residential zoning to guide the development of multiplexes in a way that emphasizes the compatible integration of infill developments in neighbourhoods.
Review the results of the online survey conducted to understand your neighbourhood priorities. Learn more about the completed public engagement.
Reimagining Neighbourhoods Consultation Summary Results
Reimagining Neighbourhoods Survey Results - November to December 2023
For further information on the changes to Low Density Residential Zones, access these reports:
Updates and Amendments to Low Density Residential Zones
Providing House Choice in Hamilton’s Neighbourhoods
- Planning Committee Agenda - Aug 3, 2022 - Item 9.6
- By-law Nos. 22-191 to 22-197
Additional Dwelling Units / Detached Additional Dwelling Units
- Planning Committee Agenda - May 17, 2022 - Item 9.1
- By-law Nos. 22-132 to 22-138
Public Engagement
Reimagining Neighbourhoods
Reimagining Neighbourhoods is about providing housing choice and more affordable housing options for the residents of Hamilton.
For Zoning Questions
Contact Us
Residential Zones Project
For questions or to be adding to our mailing list
Residential Zones Project Team
Email [email protected]
ADU/Detached ADU
For Ontario Building Code requirements related to ADUs.
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5117
Email [email protected]
For Zoning questions related to ADUs.
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 2719
Email [email protected]
General Zoning
Planning Division
City Hall, 5th Floor
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 2719
Email [email protected]
For Building Permit Questions
Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5117
Email [email protected]
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