If you’re an investor, homeowner or homebuyer, you may have heard about land use bylaws and what zoning designations are put in place for certain properties or parcels. If you are unfamiliar with each of the land use zoning titles mean, here’s a complete guide.
RESIDENTIAL
- R1: one dwelling; primarily for single detached homes.
- R-1N: one dwelling narrow; primarily for single detached homes on narrow or small parcels where homes may include a secondary suite.
- R-1S: one dwelling; primarily for single detached homes that may include a secondary suite.
- R2: one/two dwelling; primarily for single detached, side-by-side and duplex homes. Single detached homes may include a secondary suite.
- R-2M: multi-dwelling; primarily for side-by-side homes and rowhouses.
- R-C1: contextual one dwelling; primarily for single detached homes.
- R-C1L: contextual large parcel dwelling; primarily for single detached homes on large parcels.
- R-C1N: contextual one dwelling, narrow: primarily for single detached homes on narrow or small parcels where homes may include a secondary suite.
- R-C2: contextual one/two dwelling; single detached, side-by-side and duplex homes. Single detached homes may include a secondary suite.
- R-CG: grade oriented, infill dwelling; primarily for rowhouses but also allows for single detached, side-by-side and duplex homes that may include a secondary suite.
- R-G: low-density mixed housing; for a mix of low density housing forms in suburban greenfield locations , including single-detached, side by side, duplex , cottage housing clusters and rowhouse development, all of which may include secondary suite.
- R-Gm: low density, mixed housing; for a range of low density housing forms in suburban greenfield locations , including side by side, duplex , cottage housing clusters and rowhouse development (but excluding single detached), all of which may include a secondary suite.
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL
- M-1: low profile district; developing area that is primarily for 3 to 4 storey apartment buildings, townhouses and rowhouses.
- M-2: medium profile district; developing area that is primarily for 4 to 5 storey apartment buildings.
- M-C1: contextual low profile; developed area that is primarily for 3 to 4 storey apartment buildings and townhouses.
- M-C2: contextual medium profile; developed area that is primarily for 3 to 5 storey apartment buildings.
- M-G: at-grade housing district; designation that is primarily for townhouses and rowhouses.
- M-H1: high-density low-rise; primarily for 4 to 8 storey apartment buildings that may include commercial storefronts.
- M-H2: high-density medium rise; primarily for apartment buildings of varied height (4 to 15 storeys) that may include commercial storefronts.
- M-H3: high-density high rise; primarily for high rise apartment buildings (no predetermined maximum height) that may include commercial storefronts.
- M-X1: low support commercial; primarily for 3 to 4 storey apartment buildings with commercial storefronts.
- M-X2: medium support commercial; primarily for 4 to 5 storey apartment buildings with commercial storefronts.
For more information on further land use designations, including downtown districts and commercial, see the City of Calgary website.
