Banner Source: rehousing.ca

The City is reviewing its Zoning By-law to update regulations and is proposing to introduce Form Based Zoning for residential areas.

Form Based Zoning will help the City simplify its zoning regulations.

Form Based Zoning focuses on the physical form of development (i.e., height, building placement) rather than the separation of use and dwelling types. It shifts away from traditional zoning which can be restrictive and complex in practice. Form Based Zoning supports the development of "missing middle" housing to help support our growing City.

Form based zoning is intended to be incorporated into the new comprehensive zoning by-law in residential areas. Staff are considering the following 4 new zones which would apply City-wide:

  • RR - Detached, private services
  • R1 - Detached, attached and multiple (3 storey maximum)
  • R2 - Detached, attached and multiple (4 storey maximum)
  • R3 - Attached and multiples (5-15 storey maximum, subject to tall building standards)

This project is one of nine initiatives the City committed to through the Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Current Zoning By-law 150-85

The City's current Zoning By-law came into effect in 1987 and is very restrictive and a barrier to housing. The current By-law places properties into discrete zones based on dwelling type and density. Currently, there are 16 unique residential zones, each with individual standards such as permitted dwelling type, maximum density, frontage, lot area, and setbacks.

City staff are working towards completing a new comprehensive Zoning By-law that will reflect current planning practices and community standards.

Part of this new approach is supporting what is referred to as "missing middle housing".

You may have heard the term Missing Middle around housing, but what is the Missing Middle? Where did it go? Watch this video to find out why Middle went missing and to understand this housing concept:

Missing Middle Housing:


Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a federal government program designed to help increase the number of houses across Canada. The City of Cambridge does not actually build houses, that is the work of developers and builders in the City. HAF provides funding to help municipalities remove barriers and fast track approvals to increase the number of houses being built and see shovels in the ground faster.

The HAF program includes a funding agreement in which the City is required to complete nine local initiatives/projects aimed to boost housing supply.

Join us at one of our upcoming workshops to explore the possibilities to add more housing in residential neighbourhoods in a way that is compatible in form and character with the varying contexts across the City. There will be three workshops (all will include the same presentation). Please join the location that is most convenient for you.