Should Cambridge Allow More Housing Types in Residential Areas?

Official title: New Comprehensive Zoning By-law with Form Based Residential Zoning

Closed Community Planning Housing & Communities

Cambridge is rewriting its zoning rules to make it easier to build different types of housing. Right now, the city has 16 different residential zones with strict rules about what can be built where. The new approach would simplify this to just 4 zones based on building height, not housing type. This means duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings could be built in more neighbourhoods.

Why This Matters

Looking for a place to rent or buy in Cambridge? This could mean more options in your price range. Homeowners might see new townhouses or small apartments built nearby. The city's current rules date back to 1987 and make it hard to build anything other than single-family homes in most areas.

What Could Change

The city's 16 residential zones would become 4 simpler zones. Duplexes and triplexes could be built in areas currently restricted to single homes. Buildings up to 4 storeys could go in more neighbourhoods. This is part of a federal Housing Accelerator Fund agreement to speed up housing construction.

Key Issues

Should the city reduce 16 residential zones to 4 simpler zones based on building height?
How can 'missing middle' housing like duplexes and townhouses fit into existing neighbourhoods?
What building standards should apply to taller residential buildings (5-15 storeys)?

How to Participate

Review the Phase One Recommendation Report to see the final draft zoning by-law.
Read the Phase One Update Report for survey results and community feedback analysis.
Send comments directly to cooperb@cambridge.ca or syneb@cambridge.ca.

What Happened

The survey ran from April 24 to July 11, 2025 and is now closed. Staff hosted community drop-ins at multiple locations across Cambridge in June 2025 and public engagement workshops in April 2025. Survey results and analysis are available in the Phase One Update Report. A Council Recommendation Report was presented on December 15, 2025.