Following the repeal of Calgary’s citywide blanket rezoning, City Council has directed Administration to propose additional restrictions on where rowhouses and townhouses can be developed within 6 approved Local Area Plans (LAPs). If approved, the amendments would limit where Council supports residential developments with 3 or more units in certain areas.
Here is our breakdown of what is being proposed and how you can get involved in the decision-making process.
WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED
The proposed amendments would introduce consistent "Limited Scale Policies" to 6 approved LAPs, including:
1. North Hill Communities
2. East Calgary International Avenue Communities
3. Riley Communities
4. South Shaganappi Communities
5. Chinook Communities
6. West Elbow Communities
The Westbrook Communities and Heritage Communities LAPs are excluded because they already contain similar location-based policies.
Under the proposed policies, single-detached and semi-detached homes would continue to be supported throughout these areas. However, rowhouses, townhouses and other building forms containing three or more residential units would be supported only in specific locations.
WHERE WOULD ROWHOUSES AND TOWNHOUSES BE SUPPORTED?
If approved, the proposed policies would require a property to have a rear lane and meet at least ONE of the following location criteria:
WHEN WILL COUNCIL MAKE A FINAL DECISION?
The proposed amendments have not yet been approved. Council is scheduled to consider and vote on the changes at the Public Hearing on November 9, 2026. Until Council makes its decision, the proposed policies should not be treated as approved requirements.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
These proposed amendments could affect redevelopment opportunities in specific residential areas across Calgary, particularly for properties being considered for rowhouse or townhouse projects with three or more units.
If you own, are considering purchasing, or are evaluating a property for redevelopment, it is worth confirming which Local Area Plan applies and whether the property falls within a Neighbourhood Local – Limited Scale area.
For the full details, including maps showing the affected areas and information on how to participate in the Public Hearing, visit the City of Calgary's official page: www.calgary.ca/LAPLimitedScalePolicy.
Have questions about zoning, redevelopment potential or how these proposed changes could affect your property? We're here to talk.
Source:
City of Calgary - Proposed Limitations on Rowhousing www.calgary.ca/planning/local-area/lap-limited-scale-policy.html?redirect=/laplimitedscalepolicy
