To conclude our series on Ottawa home renovation zoning by-laws, we are going to talk about infill. Infill is further construction and use of land within an already built up area. In the interest of maintaining neighbourhood character and consistency, most cities have infill provisions in place that affect any custom home addition and construction.

The City of Ottawa has two main infill provisions that we should keep in mind when considering a home renovation or addition. These provisions deal with developments inside the Greenbelt only and these provisions apply on top of most other by-laws governing the area.

Infill 1

Infill 1 deals with new property developments on vacant lots (historically vacant, or from demolition, or from severance) in mature neighbourhoods, specifically urban downtown areas, and is related to the character and streetscape of the existing neighbourhood. Primary areas of concern for Infill 1 are parking, front doors and front and back yards. Infill 1 is primarily focused on regulating how new developments will affect the look of the existing neighbourhoods from the street and in terms of consistent neighbourhood character. For specifics on Infill 1, see Section 139 of the City of Ottawa Zoning By-Law: Low-Rise Residential Infill Development in the Mature Neighbourhoods Overlay.

Infill 2

Infill 2 expanded on Infill 1 and deals specifically with building height, building mass and rear and side property setbacks. Infill 2 includes limitations on balconies, rooftop terraces and other building features that affect building shape and appearance from the street and the footprint of the building.

How are you impacted by infill provisions for your home renovation or addition in Ottawa?

First, know that Infill 2 deals with 11 city wards in outer urban areas, including Bay, College, Knoxdale-Merivale, Gloucester-Southgate, Beacon Hill-Cyrville, River and Alta Vista wards, as well as parts of Rideau-Vanier ward.

If you are in those areas, know that developing vacant lots or redeveloping existing lots will come with limitations that aim to keep the character of the neighbourhood consistent. For example, the placement and size of balconies and the height of triplex dwellings will all be governed by zoning rules aimed at managing infill and its impact on the neighbourhood’s character.

Also keep in mind that the infill provisions are constantly being debated, discussed and updated by the City of Ottawa and so it pays to visit the zoning by-laws webpage frequently to stay on top of any changes or new guidelines that are put in place.

Thanks for reading along this month on the Holland Homes and Renovations blog as we discussed some basics related to the City of Ottawa zoning by-laws affecting your home addition or renovation here in Ottawa.

Planning on expanding your home? Consult with our renovation experts by email [email protected] or call (613) 725-7366 to make sure you’re well informed before you start your project!