Understanding the proposed citywide rezoning change
Understanding the proposed citywide rezoning change
What is being proposed
Calgary City Council is considering a bylaw that would:
- Bring back the low-density residential zones that existed in the land use bylaw prior to the citywide rezoning approved by Council in May 2024.
- Change the zoning of residential properties back to what existed before the citywide rezoning in 2024, except for properties that:
- Received approval for a permit or subdivision application under R-CG, R-G, or H-GO zoning before the proposed bylaw takes effect; or
- Submitted a permit or subdivision application before the first reading of the proposed bylaw; or
- Rezoned through an approved rezoning application applied for by the property owner after August 6, 2024.
- Make changes to the rules in the Residential – Grade Oriented (R-CG) district, the low density residential general rules and defined uses.
We value your input. There will be a public hearing of Council on March 23, 2026. Learn more about participating including how to provide your feedback at Public Submission to City Clerk's Office.
What is Zoning?
Zoning rules regulate the shape and size of buildings and the types of land uses allowed on a property, like homes, schools, shops, factories or offices. Residential zoning rules control how many homes are allowed to be built, where they have to be located on the property, their maximum height, and other rules. These rules are found in Calgary’s current Land Use Bylaw.
How this may impact you
Proposed Rezoning
Homeowners
The zoning for your property may change. You can find zoning information for your property by using the interactive address map. Enter your address in the search field and the search results will display your current zoning as well as the proposed new zoning. You may also use the map to click on properties to find out zoning information.
Use the comparison between existing and proposed zone to find out what that means for development rules on your property. Need assistance? Call 403-268-5311.
Planning Applicants
City Council has directed City Administration to exempt some parcels with active planning applications (subdivision, development permit, building permit). If you have submitted a complete application, you may be exempt from the repeal of zoning and may retain your current zoning
Applicants whose parcels are proposed to retain their current zoning may still be impacted by the proposed rule changes to the current R-CG land use district. These are summarized in the comparison between existing and proposed zone.
If you are planning to submit an application after the public hearing in March, you will need to get approval before the August Implementation to retain your current zoning.
Note: Staff are currently working with a larger file load, as they work through the impacts of the citywide zoning repeal. Please note that current timelines may be extended during this time, as responses will take longer than expected.
Proposed R-CG changes
City Council has also directed staff to prepare amendments to the current R-CG Land Use District. The proposed amendments would:
- Prohibit townhouses and rowhouses, except for parcels at the end of a block.
- Reduce the maximum amount of units in rowhouses and townhouses from 4 units to 3 units.
- Reduce maximum building coverage on the parcel from 60% to 55%.
- Reduce building height from 11.0 meters to 10.0 meters.
- Reintroduce a minimum front setback that is based on the front setback of neighboring buildings.
- Prohibit zero lot line development.
- Maintain current minimum parking requirements of either 1.0 or 0.5 stalls per unit or suite.
- Modify Section 529 of the Land Use Bylaw, from 75 units per hectare to 60 units per hectare
If approved by City Council on March 23, these amendments would come into effect on August 4, 2026.
For more information, view the comparison between existing and proposed districts.
How you can get involved
Opportunities for public input and questions will be available at the Public Hearing schedule March 23, 2026.
You can participate in the Public Hearing by:
Find more information on participating in public hearings.
Notice of Public hearing
Proposed Repeal of Rezoning for Housing Bylaw
Public Hearing Meeting of Council on Monday, March 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Comparison between existing and proposed zone
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Rezoning for Housing”?
Rezoning for Housing was a residential zoning change approved by City Council in August 2024. It changed residential zoning rules to allow more types of housing, such as semi-detached homes (duplexes), rowhouses, and townhouses in more neighborhoods where previously only single or semi-detached homes were allowed. Since 2024, Rowhomes and Townhomes can be built without first requiring a Land Use Redesignation to be approved by City Council. A development permit and building permit is still required.
What did City Council decide on December 15th 2025?
City Council directed city staff to begin a process to repeal Rezoning for Housing. City staff have prepared Land Use Bylaw changes that would bring back the residential zoning districts that existed before the 2024 changes. This means that building a rowhouse, townhouse or semi-detached home (duplex) will once again require a Land Use Redesignation to be approved by City Council, as well as a development permit and building permit.
Is Rezoning for Housing repealed right now?
No. The zoning rule changes introduced by Rezoning for Housing are still in effect.
Who will make the decision on repealing citywide rezoning?
Calgary City Council will make the decision on repealing Rezoning for Housing after the conclusion of the Public Hearing beginning on March 23rd 2026.
When could changes take effect?
If Council approves the repeal bylaw following the public hearing on March 23rd, changes will take effect on August 4th, 2026. Until then, current zoning rules remain in place.
Will my property’s zoning change if the repeal goes ahead?
If a repeal is approved, 99% of properties will return to the zoning that applied before Rezoning for Housing. The City will notify affected landowners and provide information explaining any proposed changes.
If Rezoning for Housing is repealed and I am no longer zoned R-CG, does that mean I can’t build a rowhouse on my lot?
You may still be able to build a rowhouse – you would need to receive an approved Land Use Redesignation from City Council to a different land use district which allows for rowhomes, as well as a development permit and building permit.
What do I do if there is an error on the map?
If you have reviewed the map and believe there is an error in the proposed district listed, e-mail zoningquestions@calgary.ca.
I don’t want to revert to my previous land use. Do I have a choice?
99% of properties are proposed to return to their prior zoning. 1% of parcels have active planning applications (subdivision, development permit, building permit). If you have submitted a complete application, you may be exempt from the repeal of zoning and may be eligible to retain your current zoning.
I am a property owner. Do I need to do anything?
No action is required from property owners. This information is intended to inform you of the proposed change and how it may relate to your property or neighbourhood. Any member of the public can participate in the Public Hearing on March 23, 2026.
What happens to development applications that are already in progress?
Applications must continue to be processed under the current rules. If approved by City Council, the new rules would come into effect on August 4th, 2026.
How can I share my opinion with City Council?
You can participate in the Public Hearing by:
You can also contact your councilor prior to the Public Hearing.
Timeline
About the proposed repeal of citywide rezoning
In 2024 City Council approved citywide rezoning with amendments in response to Calgary’s housing crisis, enabling an increased housing supply and housing choices. Rezoning for housing was one of 98 actions in the Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy.
On December 15, 2025, Council initiated the process to consider a repeal of the citywide Rezoning for Housing. This decision does not mean Rezoning for Housing has immediately been repealed. The current land use districts and development rules will remain in place until the effective date of the new bylaw. Council will make its final decision at the public hearing in March 2026 and all three readings of the bylaw are given.