Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 recognizes that residential development may require different applications of the rules based on whether the development is in an existing or new community. The Developing Area (new communities) consists of those districts that have yet to complete their initial residential development when the 1P2007 City of Calgary bylaw was adopted. Both low density and medium density residential districts now have provisions for different land use districts for the Developing and Developed areas as per the map below.
Multi-Residential districts account for nearly one-third of Calgary’s housing units. Consequently, the market for this type of home has grown, to provide a wide diversity of styles, ranging from townhouses, to multi-story apartment buildings. Multi-residential developments increase the density of residential districts, promote access to public transit, create more vibrant communities and consume less land, as the city grows. Increased density makes new urban infrastructure more cost effective.
Residential Districts Definitions for Developing Areas
In Developed Areas, contextual development rules help ensure that new multi-residential developments are sensitive to their surroundings while still allowing for redevelopment and evolution of the community. These districts also allow for single detached, and attached homes, providing a range of development options for lots that may be viable for multi-residential development.
Multi-Residential – Low Profile Districts (M-1)
The purpose of the Multi-Residential Low Profile district is to provide smaller less intrusive buildings that are compatible with lower density development projects. Height is restricted to 14 metres.
Multi-Residential – Medium Profile Districts (M-2)
The purpose of this class of development is to provide medium-profile multi-residential buildings. The density of developments in M-2 districts is regulated by Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Buildings must have a maximum height of 16 metres.
Multi-Residential – At Grade Housing District (M-G)
The purpose of the M-G district is to provide for townhouse development that is low profile and low density. One requirement of the M-G district is that all units must have direct access to grade, and will typically be restricted to 12 metres in height.
Residential Districts Definitions for Developed Areas
Multi-Residential – Contextual Low-Profile District (M-C1)
The purpose of the M-C1 district is to provide low profile multi-residential buildings that are sensitive to the scale, height and setbacks of existing development in the area. Buildings typically have a maximum height of 14 metres.
Multi-Residential – Contextual Medium-Profile District (M-C2)
The purpose of the M-C2 district is to provide for medium profile multi-residential buildings that are sensitive to the scale, height and setbacks of existing structures. While the rules do provide for a variety of building forms, it is expected that the majority of buildings in these areas will be apartments with a maximum height of 14 metres.
Multi-Residential – Contextual Grade-Oriented District (M-CG)
The purpose of the M-CG district is to provide for a mix of multi-residential buildings up to 12 metres in height, and lower density homes in the developed area. Multi-residential developments must provide at lease some units with direct access to grade. New buildings are subject to the contextual scale, height and setbacks of existing development.
Residential Districts used City-Wide
Multi-Residential – High Density Low Rise Districts (M-H1)
Provides for buildings in a high-density low-rise up to 26 meters high. The density of developments in the M-H1 district is regulated by Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and includes opportunities for commercial use.
Multi-Residential – High Density Medium Rise Districts (M-H2)
Provides for high density buildings up to 50 metres high. The district can be applied to sites where this larger scale of development already exists or where it is supported by Council policy. The density of developments in the M-H2 district is regulated by FAR and includes opportunity for commercial uses.
Multi-Residential – High Density High-Rise District (M-H3)
Provides for residential high-rise buildings greater than 50 metres high. The district is governed by Council policy, or where existing buildings exist. The M-H3 district is regulated by Floor Area Ratio and includes opportunities for commercial use.
Multi-Residential – Low Profile Support Commercial District (M-X1)
Provides for low-profile multi-residential buildings that are compatible with lower density development, which include commercial uses in both the Developing and Developed Areas. Buildings cannot exceed a maximum height of 14 metres.
Multi-Residential – Medium Profile Support Commercial District (M-X2)
Provides for medium profile, multi-residential buildings that include limited commercial uses in the Developing and Developed areas. A range of commercial uses includes office, retail, personal service convenience store and take-out food services is included. Buildings cannot exceed 16 metres in height.
See also Low Density Residential Districts in the City of Calgary
The information provide herein is believed to be true and accurate at time of writing and is not to be construed as the definitive guide for determining residential medium district policy. Please consult an authority on the topic for current regulations or confirmation of these details. Thank you to the City of Calgary for providing the necessary information to conduct this review.
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