Zoning By-law No. 05-200
The City of Hamilton’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 05-200 came into effect on May 25, 2005, and is being implemented in stages.
In July and October 2015, the City passed a series of zoning by-law amendments to add new zones for the rural area. The purpose of the Rural Zones is to implement the policies of the Rural Hamilton Official Plan and to create consistent zoning throughout the rural area.
In October 2016 and February 2018, the City passed a series of zoning by-law amendments to add new Transit Oriented Corridor (TOC) Zones. Furthermore, the City passed a zoning by-law amendment to add new Commercial and Mixed Use Zones (CMU) and an Utility Zone for the urban area in November 2017 but has been appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). The purpose of the new TOC and CMU zones is to implement the policies of the Urban Hamilton Official Plan to create consistent zoning within the urban area.
The next phase of Zoning By-law No. 05-200 is focused on Residential Zones.
Effective dates
Unless otherwise noted, Sections 1 to 6 inclusive, and those Schedules A, B, C D, E and F which incorporate boundaries for Downtown Hamilton were passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton and became effective on May 25, 2005.
Section 7 which incorporates new Open Space and Parks Zones for the Urban Area of the City of Hamilton was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 06-166) and became effective on June 14, 2006. New Conservation/Hazard Land Zones for the Rural Area were passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 15-173) and became effective on July 10, 2015.
Section 8 which incorporates new Institutional Zones for the Urban Area of the City of Hamilton was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 07-101) and became effective on March 28, 2007.
Section 9 which incorporates new Industrial Zones for the Urban Area of the City of Hamilton was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 10- 128) and became effective on June 28, 2011. New Industrial Zones for the Airport Employment Growth District were passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 10-288) and became effective on April 10, 2015. A new Extractive Industrial Zone was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (Bylaw No. 15-173) and became effective on July 10, 2015.
Section 12 which incorporates new Rural Zones for the Rural Area of the City of Hamilton was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 15-173) and became effective on July 10, 2015.
Section 11 which incorporates new Transit Oriented Corridor Zones for the Urban Area of the City of Hamilton, where Phase 1 was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 16-265) and became effective on October 12, 2016, and Phase 2 was passed by Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 18-032) and became effective on February 14, 2018.
Section 14 which incorporates new Waterfront Zones for the Urban Area of the City of Hamilton was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 17-095) and became effective on May 24, 2017.
Section 10 which incorporates new Commercial and Mixed Use Zones for the Urban Area of the City of Hamilton was passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law No. 17-240) and became effective on November 8, 2017.
Comprehensive amendments to Section 6: Downtown Zones were passed by the Council of the City of Hamilton (By-law 18-114)
How to use this By-law
You can use our interactive zoning map to search by address to determine the zoning of a specific property. The zone code can be used to find the list of permitted uses, regulations, and any special exceptions.
Here is an example. For this example, let's use Tim Hortons Field:
- To look up the zoning for a property: Open the zoning mapping tool, and search the address "75 Balsam Avenue North". The mapping tool will zoom to the property and display the zoning on the map as City Wide Park (P3) Zone, with a Special Exception 42.
- To view the permitted uses and regulations: This page contains drop-down menus for each zone category. To find the permitted uses and regulations for the "P3" zone for Tim Hortons' Field, find the "Section 7: Open Space and Park Zones" drop-down menu below and expand to download the zoning titled "7.3 - City Wide (P3) Zone".
- To view the exceptions, provisions or figures: To find information on the Special Exception "42", find the “Schedules” drop-down menu below and expand to download "Schedule C - Special Exceptions". The Holding Provisions, Temporary Use Provisions, and Special Figures are also located in this section.
Download the Guide to Zoning By-law No. 05-200 (PDF, 2 MB) to help you understand the definitions in the By-law.
Zoning By-law (Consolidated as of August 14, 2019)
Record of Amending By-laws
Full list of By-law amendments passed by The City of Hamilton amending Zoning By-law 05-200 (PDF, 150 KB)
View full listing of City of Hamilton By-laws by year
| By-law | Date | Zones | City Initiated Amendment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05-200 | 25-May-05 | Downtown (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) |
Implementation of D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 Zones |
| 06-038 | 1-Mar-06 | Adequate Services General Provision | |
| 06-166 | 14-Jun-06 | Open Space and Parks (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) |
Implementing P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 Zone |
| 07-043 | 15-Feb-07 | Industrial (M1) | Implementing M1 Site specifics 6, 7 |
| 07-101 | 28-Mar-07 | Institutional (I1, I2, I3) | Implementing I1, I2, I3 Zones |
| 07-111 | 11-Apr-07 | Applicable Zones | |
| 07-233 | 8-Aug-07 | Cemetery Mapping (P4) | Implementing P4 for cemetery |
| 09-210 | 30-Sep-09 | General Provisions | Outdoor Commercial Patios amended for capacity, location and design |
| 10-037 | 24-Feb-10 | Parks P5 Zone | Hazard Land zoning |
| 10-128 | 26-May-10 | New Industrial Zones M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 | Implementation of new Industrial Zones |
| 10-288 (see 15-118) |
13-Oct-10 | Many | New Airport Related M7-M11 Zones |
| 14-163 | 25-Jun-14 | Housekeeping | Medical Marihuana |
| 15-107 | 22-Apr-15 | Urban Farmers Market | Definitions and regulations |
| 15-118 | 10-Apr-15 | Airport Employment Growth District | Implementation of M7, M8, M9, M10 and M11 Zones |
| 15-173 (under appeal) |
10-Jul-15 | Rural Zones | Implementation of P6, P7, P8, M12, A1, A2, S1, S2, S3, E1 and E2 Zones |
| 15-237 (under appeal) |
14-Oct-15 | Rural Zones | Corrections to By-law No. 15-173 |
| 15-238 (under appeal) |
14-Oct-15 | Rural Zones | Additional Exception 253 lands (Rural Landscape Contractors) |
| 15-246 | 28-Oct-15 | Zones along LRT Corridor | Interim Control By-law for LRT Corridor |
| 16-265 (portions still under appeal) |
12-Oct-16 | New Transit Oriented Corridor Zones |
Introduction of the TOC1, TOC2, TOC3 Zones |
| 17-082 | Entertainment on Outdoor Commercial Patios |
Temporary Use By-law to allow entertainment on outdoor commercial patios |
|
| 17-095 (under appeal |
24-May-17 | New Waterfront Zones for Pier 8 |
Introduction of the WF1, WF2 and EF3 Zones |
| 17-240 (portions still under appeal) |
8-Nov-17 | New Commercial and Mixed Use Zones |
Introduction of the C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C5a, C6, C7, and U3 Zones. |
| 18-032 | 14-Feb-18 | New TOC 4 Zone, TOC extension to Eastgate |
Introduction of TOC4 Zone, additional lands to be added to the LRT Corridor |
| 18-092 | 11-Apr-18 | New M13 and M14 | Introduction of M13 & M14 Zones for the lands owned and operated by the Hamilton Port Authority |
| 18-093 | 11-Apr-18 | Urban Area Open Space (P4) Zone, Industrial (M6) Zone |
Add certain lands to 05-200 and add special exceptions |
| 18-114 | May 9, 2018 | Downtown Hamilton | Revisions to the Downtown Zones to reflect the Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan revisions |
| 18-219 |
17-Aug-18 | Urban and Rural Areas | Updates to certain Definitions, General Provisions, Parking Regulations, Institutional Zones, Industrial Zones,TOC Zones, Rural Zones, certain Special Exceptions, certain Holding Provisions, urban and rural mapping. |
| 18-266 (portions still under appeal) |
12-Sept-18 | Definitions, Industrial Zones, Rural Zones, Certain Special Exceptions | General and site specific text and mapping amendments on a City-wide basis respecting Cannabis Growing and Harvesting Facilities, Aquaponics, and Greenhouses. |
| 19-062 | 27-Mar-19 | Urban and Rural Areas | Updates to certain Definitions, General Provisions, Parking Regulations, Open Space Zones, Industrial Zones, TOC Zones, Commercial and Mixed Use Zones, Rural Zones, certain Special Exceptions, certain Holding Provisions, urban and rural mapping. |
| 19-066 | 10-Apr-19 | Production Student for Bay-Queen-Tiffany | Repealing and replacing Special Exception 442 to included amended uses and regulations to permit a Production Studio, limited commercial uses. |
| 19-103 | 9-May-19 | Entertainment on Outdoor Commercial Patios |
Temporary Use By -law extension to allow entertainment on outdoor commercial patios |
| 19-104 | 9-May-19 | Entertainment on Outdoor Commercial Patios |
Temporary Use By -law extension to allow entertainment on outdoor commercial patios |
| 19-106 | 9-May-19 | Entertainment on Outdoor Commercial Patios |
Temporary Use By-law extension to allow entertainment on outdoor commercial patios |
| 19-278 | 13-Nov-19 | Neighbourhood Commercial (C2) Zone |
Adding a site specific exception relating to ground floor level above mean sea level |
| 20-144 | 17-Jul-20 | Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) Zone |
Rezone lands to Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) Zone and amend certain zone regulations |
| 20-181 | 21-Aug-20 | Certain Commerical and Downtown Zones | Temporary Use By-law extension to allow entertainment on outdoor commercial patios |
| 20-214 | 14-Oct-20 | Certain Commerical and Downtown Zones | Temporary Use By-law extension to allow entertainment on outdoor commercial patios |
| 20-070 | 12-May-21 | General Provisions – Accessory Buildings | Repeal and replace existing accessory building regulations |
| 21-071 | 12-May-21 |
Secondary Dwelling Units |
Add new Secondary Dwelling Unit regulations |
| 21-143 | 13-Aug-21 |
Outdoor Commercial Patios and Tents |
Temporary Use By-law for Outdoor Commercial Patios and an addition to and extension of the Temporary Use By-law for Temporary Tents |
| 21-167 | 29-Sep-21 | Secondary Dwelling Units – Housekeeping | Housekeeping Amendment for the Secondary Dwelling Units regulations |
Table of Contents
Table of Contents (PDF, 26 KB)
Section 1: Administration
Section 1: Administration (PDF, 36 KB)
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
Section 2: Interpretation
Section 2: Interpretation (PDF, 45 KB)
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
Section 3: Definitions
Section 3: Definitions (PDF, 164 KB)
Section 4: General Provisions
Section 4: General Provisions (PDF, 99 KB)
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
Section 5: Parking Regulations
Section 5: Parking Regulations (PDF, 124 KB)
5.1 - Location
5.2 - Design Standards
5.2.1 - Location of Loading Facilities
5.3 - Commercial Motor Vehicles
5.4 - Major Recreational Vehicles
5.5 - Barrier Free Parking
5.6 - Parking Schedules
5.7 - Bicycle Parking
Section 6: Downtown Zones
6.0 - Downtown Zones General Provisions (PDF, 34 KB)
6.1 - Downtown Central Business District (D1) Zone (PDF, 32 KB)
6.2 - Downtown Prime Retail Streets (D2) Zone (PDF, 43 KB)
6.3 - Downtown Mixed Use (D3) Zone (PDF, 45 KB)
6.4 - Downtown Local Commercial (D4) Zone (PDF, 35 KB)
6.5 - Downtown Residential (D5) Zone (PDF, 54 KB)
6.6 - Downtown Multiple Residential (D6) Zone (PDF, 36 KB)
Section 7: Open Space and Park Zones
7.1 - Neighbourhood Park (P1) Zone (PDF, 41 KB)
7.2 - Community Park (P2) Zone (PDF, 30 KB)
7.3 - City Wide (P3) Zone (PDF, 42 KB)
7.4 - Open Space (P4) Zone (PDF, 40 KB)
7.5 - Conservation/Hazard Lands (P5) Zone (PDF, 27 KB)
7.6 - Conservation/Hazard Land - Rural (P6) Zone (PDF, 43 KB)
7.7 - Conservation/Hazard Land - Rural (P7) Zone (PDF, 20 KB)
7.8 - Conservation/Hazard Land - Rural (P8) Zone (PDF, 15 KB)
Section 8: Institutional Zones
8.1 - Neighbourhood Institutional (I1) Zone (PDF, 167 KB)
8.2 - Community Institutional (I2) Zone (PDF, 197 KB)
8.3 - Major Institutional (I3) Zone (PDF, 88 KB)
Section 9: Industrial Zones
9.1 - Research and Development (M1) Zone (PDF, 102 KB)
9.2 - General Business Park (M2) Zone (PDF, 92 KB)
9.3 - Prestige Business Park (M3) Zone (PDF, 123 KB)
9.4 - Business Park Support (M4) Zone (PDF, 116 KB)
9.5 - General Industrial (M5) Zone (PDF, 81 KB)
9.6 - Light Industrial (M6) Zone (PDF, 104 KB
9.7 - Airside Industrial (M7) Zone (PDF, 102 KB)
9.8 - Airport Related Business (M8) Zone (PDF, 99 KB)
9.9 - Airport Reserve (M9) Zone (PDF, 94 KB)
9.10 - Airport Light Industrial (M10) Zone (PDF, 106KB)
9.11 - Airport Prestige Business (M11) Zone (PDF, 113 KB)
9.12 - Extractive Industrial (M12) Zone (PDF, 69 KB)
9.13 - Shipping and Navigation (Port Lands) (M13) Zone (PDF, 38 KB)
9.14 - Shipping and Navigation (East Port) (M14) Zone (PDF, 47 KB)
Section 10: Commercial and Mixed Use Zones
10.1 - Residential Character Commercial (C1) Zone (PDF, 14 KB)
10.2 - Neighbourhood Commercial (C2) Zone (PDF, 22 KB)
10.3 - Community Commercial (C3) Zone (PDF, 21KB)
10.4 - Mixed Use High Density (C4) Zone (PDF, 25 KB)
10.5 - Mixed Use Medium Density (C5) Zone (PDF, 30 KB)
10.5a - Mixed Use Medium Density - Pedestrian Focus (C5a) Zone (PDF, 25 KB)
10.6 - District Commercial (C6) Zone (PDF, 20 KB)
10.7 - Arterial Commercial (C7) Zone (PDF, 15 KB)
Section 11: Transit Oriented Corridor Zones
11.1 - Mixed Use (TOC1) Zone (PDF, 40 KB)
11.2 - Local Commerical (TOC2) Zone (PDF, 27 KB)
11.3 - Multiple Residential (TOC3) Zone (PDF, 46 KB)
11.4 - Mixed Use High Density (TOC4) Zone (PDF, 24 KB)
Section 12: Rural Zones
12.1 - Agriculture (A1) Zone (PDF, 75 KB)
12.2 - Rural (A2) Zone (PDF, 90 KB)
12.3 - Settlement Residential (S1) Zone (PDF, 23 KB)
12.4 - Settlement Commercial (S2) Zone (PDF, 28 KB)
12.5 - Settlement Institutional (S3) Zone (PDF, 22 KB)
12.6 - Existing Rural Commercial (E1) Zone (PDF, 30 KB)
12.7 - Existing Rural Industrial (E2) Zone (PDF, 27 KB)
Section 13: Utility Zones
13.1 - Airport (U1) Zone (PDF, 10 KB)
13.2 - Utility (U2) Zone (PDF, 11 KB)
13.3 - Parking (U3) Zone (PDF, 13 KB)
Section 14: Waterfront Zones
14.0 - Waterfront Zone (PDF, 20 KB)
14.1 - Waterfront - Multiple Residential (WF1) Zone (PDF, 13 KB)
14.2 - Waterfront - Multiple Residential (WF2) Zone (PDF, 15 KB)
14.3 - Waterfront - Prime Retail Streets (WF3) Zone (PDF, 15 KB)
Schedules
Schedule A - Zone Maps. View up-to-date zoning mapping.
Schedule B - Property Details
Schedule C - Special Exceptions (PDF, 2.6 MB)
Schedule D - Holding Provisions (PDF, 384 KB)
Schedule E - Temporary Use Provisions (PDF, 165 KB)
Schedule F - Special Figures (PDF, 1 MB)
Contact us
For zoning or building permit information, contact:
Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
Phone: 905-546-2720
Email: [email protected]
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