The Zoning By-law Simplification and Modernization in Low-rise Residential Zones Study is a component of the City’s Housing Action Plan that seeks to achieve or exceed the provincial housing target of 285,000 new homes over the next 10 years. This study will explore potential changes to Zoning By-law 569-2013 with the aim of removing barriers, easing administration, and enabling the creation of more housing.

Potential changes will be guided by three key themes of Simplification, Harmonization, and Modernization.

More information on potential changes under each theme and details about opportunities for input can be found below.

Proposed changes to reduce confusion, remove redundant provisions, and simplify wording where appropriate.

Potential changes include:

  • Updating and clarifying zoning regulations to eliminate confusion and duplication regarding secondary suites and multiplexes.

Proposed changes to align regulations between building types and zones, as appropriate, to reflect current best practices.

Potential changes include:

  • Aligning Main Wall Height (MWH) provisions between building types (e.g. detached and semi-detached houses) and across zones.
  • Harmonizing building depth permissions for low-rise apartment buildings and townhouses in the R zone.

Proposed changes to modernize zoning regulations and move towards a more form-based approach to land use regulation.

Potential changes include:

  • Exploring alternatives to regulating Floor Space Index (FSI) to move the city-wide zoning by-law towards a more form-based approach to land use regulation that focuses on the external characteristics of a building.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

On October 26 and 27, 2023, City Planning hosted virtual public consultation meetings to present proposed zoning changes as part of Phase 1 of the Zoning By-law Simplification and Modernization in Low-rise Residential Zones study. A copy of the consultation presentation is available.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Information on future meetings will be posted on this page.