More Homes for More People: Increasing Housing Supply
Official Plan and Zoning By-laws Amendments to increase homes in the City
Ontario is in a housing crisis, and the City of Richmond Hill is working to increase the housing supply for its residents.
One of the City's initiatives for the Federal Government’s Housing Accelerator Fund is to build more housing across neighbourhoods, especially those near rapid transit stations, which will increase gentle density and supply much-needed missing middle housing in the community.
Accordingly, the City initiated Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendments associated with these two distinct but related initiatives. On December 11, 2024, Council approved Official Plan Amendments 58 (“OPA 58”) and 59 (“OPA 59”), as well as implementing Zoning By-laws 143-24 and 144-24.
- The purpose of OPA 58 is to allow for up to four (4) self-contained residential dwelling units on properties zoned for detached houses, semi-detached houses or rowhouses.
- The purpose of OPA 59 is to facilitate permissions for buildings of up to four(4) storeys within Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) having mixed-use centres and corridors designations.
OPAs 58 and 59 and Zoning By-laws 143-24 and 144-24 are in full force and effect. The provisions of By-laws 143-24 and 144-24 have been incorporated in the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law (By-law 93-25) in accordance with the related OPAs.
| Approved Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-laws |
| Staff Reports |
| Gentle Density |
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Gentle density is an urban development term for increasing the housing supply with minimal impact on the existing neighbourhoods and communities. Gentle density allows the City to increase rental homes supply, housing choices, add vibrancy to neighbourhoods with declining populations, and support the aging population to stay and thrive in their communities. Learn more about how Gentle Density can help increase the housing supply in Richmond Hill. |
| Examples of Possible Additional Residential Units |
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Owners may convert, split or add to their houses to create new units.
A separate building in the backyard may also contain units.
Or, brand new multi-plexes may be constructed.
Images provided by ReHousing. |
Resources
- Housing Accelerator Fund
- Official Plan Update
- Zone Richmond Hill
- Affordable Housing Strategy
- Additional Residential Unit
Questions and Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Email Salvatore Aiello - Manager, Development Zoning, or call 905-771-9996 ext. 2540.