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LAND USE BY-LAW
DOWNTOWN HALIFAX
THIS COPY IS
A REPRINT OF THE
DOWNTOWN HALIFAX
LAND USE BY-LAW
WITH AMENDMENTS TO
FEBRUARY 2, 2026
DOWNTOWN HALIFAX
LAND USE BY-LAW
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that this is a true copy of the
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law which was passed by a majority
vote of the Council of the Halifax Regional Municipality at a duly
called meeting held on the 16th day of June, 2009, and reviewed by
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations on the 5th day of August,
2009, and is in effect as of the 24th day of October, 2009, which includes
all amendments thereto which have been adopted by the Halifax
Regional Municipality and are in effect as of the 2nd day of February
2026.
GIVEN UNDER THE HAND of the Municipal Clerk and
under the Corporate Seal of the Halifax Regional Municipality this
_____ day of , 20___.
__________________________
Municipal Clerk
Table of Contents
Title
1
Definitions
1
Administration .............................................................................................................................. 10
Design Review Committee ........................................................................................................... 10
Composition of the Committee ........................................................................................ 10
Meetings ............................................................................................................................. 10
Chair and Vice-Chair ....................................................................................................... 11
Committee Role ................................................................................................................. 11
Remuneration of Committee Members .......................................................................... 11
Appeal of Committee Decision ........................................................................................ 12
Development Permit ......................................................................................................... 12
Development Permit: Application ................................................................................ 12
Site Plan Approval: Area of Application ..................................................................... 13
Site Plan Approval: Application .................................................................................. 13
Site Plan Approval: Exemptions .................................................................................. 14
Site Plan Approval: Non-Substantive Applications ................................................... 14
Site Plan Approval: Substantive Applications ............................................................ 14
Site Plan Approval: Variance of Requirements.......................................................... 14
Site Plan Approval: Notification .................................................................................. 14
Licenses, Permits, and Compliance With Other By-laws ............................................. 15
Maps and Schedules ......................................................................................................... 15
Interpretation ................................................................................................................................ 16
Application of Requirements ........................................................................................... 16
Zones, Precincts and Schedules ....................................................................................... 16
Interpretation of Zoning Boundaries .............................................................................. 16
Non-Conforming Buildings (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 10/12) ........................................... 17
Land Use Requirements ............................................................................................................... 18
Downtown Halifax Zone (DH-1) ..................................................................................... 18
Permitted Land Uses ............................................................................................ 18
(1a) ACCESSORY HEN USE (RC- Oct 05/21;E-Jan 08/22) ............................ 18
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Street Uses ................................................... 18
Residential Uses: Dwelling Unit Mix ................................................................ 19
Residential Uses: Precinct 2 - Landscaped Open Space Requirements ........ 20
Residential Uses: Precinct 3 - Landscaped Open Space Requirements ....... 20
Residential Uses: Storm Surge Protection ....................................................... 21
Institutional, Cultural & Open Space Zone (ICO) ........................................................ 21
Permitted Land Uses ............................................................................................ 21
Waterfront View Corridors ................................................................................. 22
Waterfront View Corridors: Abutting Uses ....................................................... 22
Temporary Construction Uses Permitted (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12) .......... 22
Cannabis-Related Uses (RC-Sep 18/18;E-Nov 3/18) ......................................... 23
SHORT-TERM RENTALS (RC-Feb 21/23;E-Sep 1/23) .................................. 23
Built Form Requirements ............................................................................................................ 25
Lot Requirements ............................................................................................................. 25
Number of Buildings on a Lot ......................................................................................... 25
Registered Heritage Properties ....................................................................................... 25
Heritage Resources: Development Abutting a Registered Heritage Property or Old
South Suburb Heritage Building (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) .................................. 25
Building Height: Maximum Pre-bonus Heights and Maximum Post-Bonus Heights
25
Landscaping for Flat Rooftops ........................................................................................ 26
Land Uses at Grade .......................................................................................................... 26
General Requirements: View Planes and Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines (RC-
Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21) ..................................................................................................... 26
View Planes (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21) ....................................................................... 27
Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21) ............................. 27
Wind Impact ..................................................................................................................... 28
Accessory Buildings .......................................................................................................... 28
Prohibited External Cladding Materials ........................................................................ 28
Drive-Thrus (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 10/12) ..................................................................... 29
Streetwalls
30
Streetwall: Streetline Setbacks ..................................................................................... 30
Streetwall: Height .......................................................................................................... 30
Streetwall: Width ........................................................................................................... 30
Streetwall: Stepbacks .................................................................................................... 30
Streetwalls: Variance through Site Plan Approval .................................................... 30
Building Setbacks and Stepbacks ............................................................................................... 30
Low-Rise Buildings ........................................................................................................... 30
Mid-Rise Buildings ........................................................................................................... 31
Mid-Rise Buildings: Central Blocks ............................................................................ 31
High-Rise Buildings .......................................................................................................... 31
Permitted Encroachments ............................................................................................... 32
Building Setbacks and Stepbacks: Variance through Site Plan Approval............... 32
Precincts:
Additional Requirements ..................................................................................... 33
Precinct 1: Southern Waterfront (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21) ............ 33
Precinct 2: Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District (RC-Jan 14/20; E
Aug 15/20) 33
Precinct 3: Spring Garden Road Area (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21).... 34
Precinct 4: Lower Central Downtown (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21) .... 34
Precinct 5: Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District .................................. 34
Post-Bonus Height Provisions ..................................................................................................... 35
Buildings Higher than the Pre-Bonus Height Requirements ....................................... 35
Bonus Exception for Registered Heritage Buildings ..................................................... 35
Public Benefit Categories ................................................................................................. 36
Public Benefit Agreement ................................................................................................ 37
Signs
38
Permit Requirements ....................................................................................................... 38
Temporary Sign By-law ................................................................................................... 38
Encroachment License ..................................................................................................... 38
Permitted Signs ................................................................................................................. 38
Prohibited Signs ................................................................................................................ 38
Signs on Registered Heritage Properties and Properties in a Heritage Conservation
District ............................................................................................................................... 39
Signs on Buildings ............................................................................................................. 39
Illuminated Signs .............................................................................................................. 39
Fascia Signs ....................................................................................................................... 40
Window Signs .................................................................................................................... 40
Canopies and Awning Signs............................................................................................. 40
Projecting Signs ................................................................................................................ 40
Parking
41
Accessory Surface Parking Lots: General Requirements ............................................. 41
Commercial Surface Parking Lots .................................................................................. 41
Commercial Parking Garages: General Requirements ................................................ 42
Commercial Parking Garage: Design ............................................................................. 42
Bicycle Parking: Required Number of Spaces ............................................................ 43
Bicycle Parking: Class A Requirements ...................................................................... 43
Bicycle Parking: Class B Requirements ...................................................................... 44
Schedule S-2: Wind Assessment Performance Standards ........................................................ 45
General .............................................................................................................................. 45
Qualitative Assessment..................................................................................................... 45
Quantitative Assessment .................................................................................................. 45
Determination ................................................................................................................... 45
Map 1:
Zoning (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) ................. 47
Map 2:
Downtown Precincts (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun
13/24)
48
Map 3:
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Streets (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-
May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) ............................................................................................................... 49
Map 4:
Maximum Pre-Bonus Heights (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-
Jun 13/24)
50
Map 5:
Maximum Post-Bonus Heights (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-
Jun 13/24)
51
Map 6:
Streetwall Setbacks (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
52
Map 7:
Streetwall Heights (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
53
Map 8:
Central Blocks (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) .... 54
Map 9:
Prominent Visual Terminus Sites (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May
23/24;E-Jun 13/24) ........................................................................................................................ 55
Map 10:
Archaeological Resources (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun
13/24)
56
Map 11:
Old South Suburb Heritage Resources (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) ............ 57
Map 12:
Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District Pre-Bonus Floor Area
Ratio (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) ............................................................................................ 58
Map 13:
Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District Post-Bonus Floor Area
Ratio (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) ............................................................................................ 59
Map 14:
Halifax Citadel View Planes (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21) .............................. 60
Map 15A:
Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21) ............... 61
Map 15B:
Halifax Citadel Cavalier Building Coordinates 1 (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
62
Map 15C:
Halifax Citadel Cavalier Building Coordinates 2 (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
63
Sketch A
(RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) ............................................................................... 64
Sketch B
(RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) ............................................................................... 65
Appendix B: Publically Sponsored Convention Centre (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov
27/21)
66
Appendix C: Building Height Limits Pursuant to Clause 7A (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-
Nov 27/21)
66
Schedule S-1 - Design Manual (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21) ................... Separate Document
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 1
Title
1
This By-law shall be cited as the Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law.
Definitions
2
In this By-law;
(a)
Accessory means naturally and normally incidental, subordinate, and exclusively devoted
to.
(b)
Accessory Building means a detached subordinate building, not used for human habitation
except where backyard suites are permitted (RC-Sep 1/20;E-Nov 7/20), located on the
same lot as the main building, structure, or use to which it is accessory, the use of which is
naturally or customarily incidental and complementary to the main use of the land, building
or structure.
(ba) ACCESSORY HEN USE means the keeping of hens as an accessory use to a permitted
residential use for the purposes of personal or household food supply, and not
commercial purposes (RC- Oct 05/21; E-Jan 08/22).
(c)
Accessory Surface Parking Lot means on-site, surface parking, which is not contained
within a building and which is (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) provided in support of the
main use of the land.
(d)
Adult Entertainment Use means premises providing services or entertainment intended
to appeal to sexual appetites, such as adult cabarets, adult theatres, and massage
parlours, but excludes the standalone retailing of adult material (RC-Feb 15/22;E-Mar
12/22)
(e)
Adult Cabaret means any premises or part thereof, whether public, semi-public, or private,
wherein is provided the opportunity to feel, handle, touch, paint, be in the presence of, or
be entertained by the nude body of another person, or to observe, view or photograph any
such activity.
(f)
Adult Bookstore (Deleted: RC-Feb 15/22;E-Mar 12/22)
(fa)
Adult Theatre means a use where the main activity is the showing of motion pictures
depicting explicit sexual activity, graphic nudity, or graphic violence and which are
either unrated or have been classified as A (Adult) by the Nova Scotia Film
Classification Section of the Alcohol and Gaming Division of Service Nova Scotia and
Municipal Relations. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(g)
Alcohol related establishment means a permanent use (not subject to a temporary permit)
that is licensed to serve alcohol without a meal pursuant to the Nova Scotia Liquor Control
Act.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 2
(h)
Alter means to make any change in the size, shape, structure or materials of a building or
any part thereof.
(i)
Archaeological Resources means the areas of land shown on Map 10 Archaeological
Resources attached to this By-law.
(j)
Attached Building means a building otherwise complete in itself, which depends for
structural support or complete enclosure upon a division wall or walls shared in common
with an adjacent building or buildings.
(k)
Average grade means the average finished elevation around the perimeter of the building
(RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12).
k.5)
Backyard Suite means a self-contained subordinate dwelling unit that is located within
an accessory building or structure. (RC-Sep 1/20;E-Nov 7/20)
(l)
Basement means a level of a building that has more than one-half of its floor-to-ceiling
height below the average grade.
(m)
Bicycle Parking, Class A means a facility which secures the entire bicycle and protects it
from inclement weather, and includes any key secured areas such as lockers, bicycle rooms,
and bicycle cages.
(n)
Bicycle Parking, Class B means bicycle racks, including wall mounted varieties, which
permit the locking of a bicycle by the frame and the front wheel and support the bicycle in
a stable position with two points of contact.
(o)
Bicycle Parking, Enhanced means any of the following: bicycle parking in excess of the
required minimums in terms of quantity or class; the provision of sheltered bicycle parking;
the provision of showers, at the rate of one for every six bicycle spaces, and clothes lockers,
at the rate of one for every bicycle space.
(p)
Billboard means any freestanding sign and supporting structure, maintained or used for
display of advertising matter, or any advertising sign displayed in conjunction with mural
artwork occupying an equal or greater surface area on a building, wall or fence.
(q)
Building includes any structure placed on, over, or under the land and every part of the same
and any external chimney, staircase, porch, or other structure used in connection with such
buildings.
(qa)
Building face means that portion of a building facade which is separated from other portions
of the same facade by recesses or offsets a minimum of 0.5m in depth.
(r)
Building height means the vertical distance between the average grade and a horizontal
plane extended across the top of the building, except as otherwise specified on Map 4,
Maximum Pre-Bonus Heights and Map 5, Maximum Post-Bonus Heights.
(s)
Building width means the total horizontal distance between the outermost edges of the
building wall or walls facing a street or public open space.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 3
(sa) Cannabis lounge means premises where the primary purpose of the facility is the
consumption of cannabis, cannabis products or any of its derivatives such as oils or
edible products. A cannabis lounge may or may not include cannabis retail sales. (RC-
Sep 18/18;E-Nov 3/18)
(sb) Cannabis production facility means premises used or occupied by a person or
organization licensed by the Government of Canada for the production of cannabis or
cannabis products,
(i)
including
(A)
where cannabis or any of its derivatives, such as resin or oils, is
grown,
cultivated,
harvested,
manufactured,
processed,
packaged, or labelled, and
(B)
associated activities permitted by the federal license, such as
research and development, storage, and destruction, and
(ii)
excluding
(A)
industrial hemp, and
(B)
premises used for personal production permitted by federal
legislation.
(RC-Sep 18/18;E-Nov 3/18)
(sc)
Cannabis retail sales means premises used for the retail sale of cannabis, cannabis
products or any of its derivatives such as oils or edible products to the general public.
(RC-Sep 18/18;E-Nov 3/18)
(t)
Central Blocks means the blocks identified on Map 8.
(u)
Commercial Parking Garage means a building whose primary use is the provision of
parking to the general public for a fee.
(v)
Commercial Recreation Use means a building or part of a building in which a recreational
activity is performed and for which a membership or instruction fee is charged, and without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall include weight-lifting or fitness centres,
boxing or racquet sport clubs, martial arts schools and dance studios.
(w)
Commercial Surface Parking Lot means an area of land used for the provision of parking to
the general public for a fee.
(x)
Commercial use means the use of a building for the purpose of buying and selling goods
and supplying services.
(y)
Community Facility means a building or site owned by a government agency or non-profit
organization or religious institution or philanthropic institution and used as a meeting place
for entertainment or education or social activities by the general public on a regular or
occasional basis and includes a church hall or a public hall.
(z)
Corner lot means a lot situated at the corner of two streets, unless such streets form an angle
of greater than 135 degrees in which case such a lot shall be an interior lot.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 4
(aa)
Cultural use means the presentation of art, motion pictures (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13),
artistic performances, musical performances, lectures, or other exhibits.
(ab)
Depth means a specified distance along a horizontal plane towards the interior of a building
or a lot from a streetline or lot line.
(aba) Drive-thru means a built form established to provide or dispense products or services,
through an attendant or a window or an automated machine, to persons remaining in
vehicles that are in a designated stacking aisle. (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 10/12)
(abb) Development means the erection, construction, alteration, placement, location,
replacement, or relocation of, or addition to, a structure and a change or alteration in
the use made of land or structures (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21).
(ac)
Dwelling Unit means 1 or more rooms used or designed to be used by one or more persons
as a place of abode which contains not more than one kitchen and includes but is not limited
to living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.
(ad)
Facia Sign means a sign which is attached directly to or painted on a building wall, and
which does not extend therefrom nor extend above the roof line.
(ae)
Flanking lot means a lot situated at the intersection of three or more streets.
(af)
Flat roof means a roof that is sloping no greater than 1:10 (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12).
(afa) Floor Area means the horizontal area of all floors in all buildings, measured from the
interior faces of any exterior or fire walls and including interior staircases, and
excluding the following:
(i)
unenclosed space outside any exterior walls or located on a rooftop, such as
balconies and patios;
(ii)
any floor area below the lowest ground floor of a building;
(iii)
elevator shafts;
(iv)
accessory structures;
(v)
rooftop greenhouses;
(vi)
any space open to a floor below; and
(vii)
any floor maintaining its existing structures within an Old South Suburb
heritage building as of [Aug 15/20].
(RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
(ag)
Floor area ratio (FAR) means the floor area of all main buildings on a lot divided by
the area of the lot. (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20).
(ah)
Front Yard means a yard extending across the full width of a lot between the street line and
the nearest wall of any main building or structure on the lot.
(ai)
Front lot line means the lot line abutting a street.
(aj)
Gross Floor Area means the aggregate of the area of all floors in a building, whether at,
above or below grade, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls, or from the
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 5
centre line of the common wall separating two buildings, but does not include area below
grade used for private garage, parking, loading, or building support uses.
(ak)
Ground Sign means a sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces, placed in the
ground.
(aka) HEN means adult female chicken (RC- Oct 05/21;E-Jan 08/22).
(al)
High-rise Building means a building or that portion of a building that is greater than 33.5
metres in height.
(am)
Housing Affordability means all types of housing whereby the provincial government
provides some form of subsidy or rent assistance, including public, non-profit and co-
operative housing, as well as rent supplements for people living in private market housing.
(an)
Institutional use means any educational or religious use, museum, public library, fire or
police station, public works, hospital, nursing home, community facility, recreational,
cultural or open space use.
(ao)
Interior lot means a lot abutting only one street.
(ap)
Interior lot line means any lot line that is not coincident with a streetline.
(aq)
Landscaped Area means any combination of trees, shrubs, flowers, grass or other
horticultural elements, decorative stonework, pavers, screening or other landscape
architectural elements, all of which are designed to enhance the visual amenity of a property
or to provide an amenity for common use by the occupants of a building.
(ar)
Landscaped Open Space means any outdoor landscaped area or playground for common
use by the occupants of a building, but shall not include space for vehicular access, car
parking, areas for the maneuvering of vehicles, or areas covered by any building.
(as)
Lot means a parcel of land described in a deed or as shown on a registered plan of
subdivision.
(at)
Lot area means the total area within the boundaries of a lot.
(au)
Lot coverage means the percentage of the lot that is covered by buildings, including
accessory buildings.
(av)
Lot line means a boundary of a lot.
(aw)
Low-rise Building means a building or that portion of a building that is less than 18.5 metres
in height.
(ax)
Lot width means the width of a lot measured in a straight line between the intersecting points
of the side lot lines, or side lot line and flanking lot line for flanking lots, and the streetline.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 6
(ay)
Marine related use means a use that is dependant upon access to the Harbour and includes,
without restricting the generality of the foregoing, marinas, tugboat facilities, and boat
building and repair facilities.
(az)
Massage Parlour includes any premises or part thereof, by whatever name designated,
where a massage, body rub, alcohol rub, bath or similar activity is performed, offered,
advertised or solicited by persons in pursuance of a trade, calling, business, or occupation
or which is equipped or arranged so as to provide such activity, but does not include any
premises or part thereof where treatment is routinely offered or performed for the purpose
of medical or therapeutic treatment and is performed or offered by or under the supervision
or direction of a physician, licensed naturopath, chiropractor, osteopath, massage therapist,
physiotherapist, or nurse licensed or registered under the laws of the Province of Nova
Scotia.
(aza) Mezzanine Space means a mezzanine as defined under the National Building Code of
Canada 2010, or any successor Building Code that is adopted by the Building Code
Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 46 or the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, N.S. Reg.
322/2009, as amended. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(ba)
Mid-rise Building means a building or that portion of a building that is no less than 18.5
metres in height and no more than 33.5 metres in height.
(baa) Movie Theatre means a use where motion pictures are viewed by the public, but
excludes an adult theatre. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(bca) Multi-district Recreation Facility means a building or part of a building that is a
minimum of 6500 square metres of gross floor area, which is used for community
recreation activities, for which a membership or instruction fee may be charged,
and that includes a gymnasium, an exercise room, a swimming pool, meeting
rooms, and community gathering areas. (RC-Jun 25/14;E-Oct 18/14)
(bcb) Old South Suburb Heritage Building means a building identified on Map 11 as an Old
South Suburb heritage building which existed on [Aug 15/20] in the Old South Suburb
Heritage Conservation District, Precinct 2. (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
(bcc) Old South Suburb Heritage Property means an entire property which contains an Old
South Suburb Heritage Building. (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20
(bcd) Old South Suburb Integrated Development means new construction that occurs within
an Old South Suburb Heritage Property. (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
(bb)
Multiple Unit Dwelling means a building containing three (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12) or
more dwelling units.
(bc)
Nude means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with
less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of a female breast with less than a full
opaque covering over any portion thereof below the top of the areola of the breast.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 7
(bd)
Open Space Use means the use of land for public and private parks and playgrounds, athletic
fields, tennis courts, lawn bowling greens, outdoor skating rinks, picnic areas, cemeteries,
day camps, historic sites or monuments, and similar uses to the foregoing, together with the
necessary accessory buildings and structures, but does not include commercial camping
grounds, golf courses nor a track for the racing of animals or motorized vehicles.
(be)
Parking lot means a parking area for three or more motor vehicles.
(bf)
Personal service use means a use providing services for the personal needs of individuals
and includes uses providing grooming, tailors, depots for collecting dry cleaning and
laundry, and other similar uses.
(bg)
Playground means an area of outdoor landscaped open space equipped with play equipment
such as slides, swings or climbing structures or other recreational equipment.
(bh)
Projecting Sign means a sign which projects from and is supported by or which extends
beyond a wall of a building or is attached to the underside of the building or canopy
(RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12).
(bi)
Ramparts (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
(bia) Halifax Citadel Ramparts Sight Lines means the rampart sight lines pursuant to
Section 8(14A) and 8(16A), and as depicted on Maps 15A, 15B, and 15C of this By-law.
(RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
(bj)
Rear lot line means a lot line that is furthest from and opposite a streetline and that solely
applies to an interior lot.
(bk)
Rear Yard means a yard extending across the full width of the lot between the rear wall of
a building and the rear lot line and its depth shall be the distance or the mean of the distance
between the rear wall of the building and the rear lot line.
(bl)
Recreation use means the use of land, buildings or structures for active or passive
recreational purposes and may include indoor recreation facilities, sports fields, sports
courts, playgrounds, multi-use trails, picnic areas, scenic view points and similar uses to the
foregoing, together with the necessary accessory buildings and structures, but does not
include commercial recreation uses.
(bm)
Registered heritage building means a building on a registered heritage property pursuant to
the Heritage Property Act of Nova Scotia.
(bn)
Registered heritage property means a municipal heritage property or a provincial heritage
property pursuant to the Heritage Property Act of Nova Scotia.
(bo)
Required front yard means the minimum depth required by this By-law of a front yard on a
lot between the front lot line and the nearest main wall of any building or structure on the
lot.
(bp)
Residential use means the use of a building or a portion of a building for human habitation.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 8
(bq)
Retail use means the use of (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) a building or a portion of a
building for the sale or rental of (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) articles of merchandise
or commerce (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) directly to the public.
(bq.5) Secondary Suite means a self-contained subordinate dwelling unit that is located within
a residential main building. (RC-Sep 1/20;E-Nov 7/20)
(br)
Setback means a specified distance between a lot line and the nearest wall of a building.
(bs)
Sex-Aid Shop includes any establishment or place for the purpose of retail trade where 10%
or more of the value of the total stock in trade or 20% or more of the area used for display
of materials in any such establishment or place is comprised of articles relating to or
portrayed as relating to sexual activities.
(bsa) Short-term Bedroom Rental means a short-term rental where individual bedrooms
within a dwelling unit are rented to separate parties or groups with or without meals.
(RC-Feb 21/23;E-Sep 1/23)
(bsb) Short-term Rental means a dwelling unit, or part thereof, that is used mainly for the
reception of the traveling or vacationing public and is provided as temporary
accommodation for compensation for a period of 28 days or less. (RC-Feb 21/23;E-Sep
1/23)
(bt)
Side yard means a yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard of a lot between the
side lot line and the nearest wall of any building.
(bu)
Sign means any structure, device, light or natural object including the ground itself, or any
part thereof, or any device attached thereto, or painted or represented thereon, which shall
be used to identify, advertise, or attract attention to any object, product, place, person,
activity, institution, organization, firm, group, commodity, profession, enterprise, industry,
or business, or which shall display or include any letter, word, model, number, flag, insignia,
device or representation used as an announcement, direction or advertisement, and which is
intended to be seen from off the premises or from a parking lot, except any "sign" regulated
under HRM By-law S-800, as amended from time to time.
(bv)
Sign Area means the area or portion of an advertising structure, including holes or vacant
spaces, upon which the advertising message is displayed, including those portions used for
decoration, outlines or borders.
(bw)
Storey means that portion of a building between any floor and floor or any floor and ceiling,
provided that any portion of a building partly below grade shall not be deemed to be a story
unless its ceiling is at least 2 metres above grade.
(bx)
Street means any public street, road, highway or travelled way or portion thereof.
(by)
Streetline means a lot line that separates a street from a lot.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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(bz)
Streetline grade means the elevation of a streetline at a point that is perpendicular to the
horizontal midpoint of the streetwall. Separate streetline grades shall be determined for each
streetwall segment that is greater than 38 metres in width or part thereof.
(ca)
Streetwall means the wall of a building or portion of a wall facing a streetline that is below
the height of a specified stepback or angular plane, which does not include minor recesses
for elements such as doorways or intrusions such as bay windows.
(cb)
Streetwall height means the vertical distance between the top of the streetwall and the
streetline grade, extending across the width of the streetwall.
(cc)
Streetwall setback means the distance between the streetwall and the streetline.
(cd)
Stepback means a specified horizontal recess from the top of a streetwall, which shall be
unobstructed from the streetwall to the sky except as otherwise specified.
(ce)
Structure means anything that is erected, built or constructed of parts joined together or any
such erection fixed to or supported by the soil or by any other structure, and includes
buildings, walls signs, and fences exceeding 2 metres in height.
(cea) Surveyor means a land surveyor who is a registered member in good standing of the
Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21).
(cf)
Through lot means a lot that abuts two streets, but is not a corner lot.
(cg)
Transportation use means uses associated with transportation and includes ferry terminals,
bus stations, and train stations.
(ch)
Use means the purpose for which a building, structure, or premises or part thereof is used
or occupied, or intended to be or designed to be used or occupied. "Used" shall include
"arranged to be used", "designed to be used", and "intended to be used".
(ci)
View Plane (Repealed: RC - Oct 26/21; E - Nov 27/21)
(cia)
View Plane means a view cast in a perspective projection that is tied to a geographic
location (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
(cj)
Viewing triangle means the triangular shaped area which is that part of and within a corner
lot measured from the intersection of the projected curb line of two intersecting streets 6
metres along each curb line and within a straight line joining the two points within which
visibility from any street or driveway shall be unobstructed above a height of 1 metre.
(ck)
Yard means an open area, uncovered by buildings, except for permitted encroachments.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Administration
3(1)
This By-law shall be administered by the Development Officer.
Design Review Committee
4(1)
There is hereby created the Design Review Committee.
Composition of the Committee
(2)
The Committee shall consist of not more than 12 members, who shall be appointed by
Council in accordance with the following:
(a)
residents of the Municipality who have applied to Council to act as members;
(b)
with the exception noted in clause (c) (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12), only those
applicants with professional expertise in the fields of architecture, landscape
architecture, urban design, city planning, structural engineering or a similar field
shall be eligible as members of the Committee;
(c)
where possible, the Committee shall be comprised of 4 architects, 2 landscape
architects, 1 city planner or urban designer, 1 structural engineer, 1 professional at
large from the above referenced professions, and 3 residents at large;
(d)
where possible, at least one member with professional expertise in architecture
should be an accredited professional in sustainable building design and
construction.;
(e)
with the exception of the resident at large members (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12),
members of the Committee must hold a professional degree in their respective fields;
(f)
members of the Committee shall be appointed by Council for a period of two years
with the exception of the original appointments by Council where five of the
members shall be appointed for a period of one year;
(g)
a member of the Committee shall be eligible for re-appointment;
(h)
a member of the Committee who is absent from three consecutive meetings of the
Committee without cause shall be deemed to have resigned from the Committee;
and
(i)
should a vacancy occur on the Committee, for any reasons other than the expiration
of the term of a member, Council shall, within 30 days of notification of a vacancy,
appoint a person to fill the vacancy, and the person so appointed shall hold office
for the remainder of the term of the member in whose place he or she was appointed.
Meetings
(3)
The Committee shall meet once each month, which may be in the evening, or hold additional
meetings at the request of the majority of the Committee members.
(4)
A quorum of the Committee is four (4) members.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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(5)
Where the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent from a meeting the Committee shall elect an
Acting Chair for that meeting.
(6)
The procedure of the Committee shall be governed, where not inconsistent with the Halifax
Regional Municipality Charter or this By-law, by Administrative Order No. 1 Respecting
the Procedures of the Council.
(7)
Meetings of the Committee are open to the public.
Chair and Vice-Chair
(8)
The Committee shall, at it's first meeting and annually thereafter, elect from the members,
a Chair and a Vice-Chair for the ensuing year.
(9)
The Chair shall represent the Committee at Council or a committee of Council.
(10)
The Chair shall act as spokesperson for the Committee.
(11)
The duties of the Chair, in whole or in part, may be shared with or delegated to the Vice-
Chair in order to carry out the role and responsibilities of the Committee.
Committee Role
(12)
The Committee shall review:
(a)
site plan approval applications as per subsections (13) and (14) of section 5 of this
By-law; and
(b)
wind impact assessments as per Schedule S-2 of this By-law.
(13)
The Committee shall:
(a)
approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application for substantive site plan
approval consistent with the requirements of the Design Manual;
(b)
seek and consider the advice of the Heritage Advisory Committee on site plan
applications on registered heritage properties or abutting registered heritage
properties, and on applications within heritage conservation districts;
(c)
advise the Development Officer on matters pertaining to bonus zoning in relation to
substantive site plan approvals; and
(d)
advise Council on potential amendments to regulation and policy to carry out the
role and responsibilities of the Committee or to further the intent of this By-law as
may be required from time to time.
Remuneration of Committee Members
(14)
Each member of the Committee may receive an honorarium at a rate set by Council for each
application for which he/she has actively participated in the decision to either approve or
refuse. Each member of the Committee may also be reimbursed for any necessary expenses
incurred while engaged in official duties, provided such expenses are approved by the Chief
Administrative Officer in advance.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Appeal of Committee Decision
(15)
A decision by the Committee to approve, approve with conditions, or deny a substantive site
plan approval may be appealed to Council in accordance with the Halifax Regional
Municipality Charter.
Development Permit
5(1)
No person shall undertake a development without first obtaining a development permit.
(2)
No person shall erect, construct, alter, or reconstruct any building or locate or carry on any
industry, business, trade, or calling or use any land or building without complying with the
provisions of this By-law.
(3)
A development permit shall expire 12 months from the date issued if the development has
not commenced.
(3A) A short-term rental of an entire dwelling unit in an operator's primary residence is
exempt from the requirement to obtain a development permit. (RC-Feb 21/23;E-Sep
1/23)
(3B)
Provided the rental is not a short-term bedroom rental, a rental of 3 or fewer bedrooms
in a dwelling unit shall not require a development permit. (RC-Feb 21/23;E-Sep 1/23)
(4)
An accessory hen use is exempt from the requirement to obtain a development permit
(RC- Oct 05/21;E-Jan 08/22).
Development Permit:
Application
(4)
An application for a development permit shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn to scale
showing the following:
(a)
the items required to be shown in the application for a Building Permit under the
Building By-law;
(b)
dimensions of the site and the location of all proposed buildings;
(c)
identification, location and gradients of all parking areas including the location and
width of driveways, entrances and exits to parking areas, maneuvering areas for
vehicles, service areas, visitors parking and loading areas;
(d)
the location and details of proposed landscaped open space;
(e)
a wind impact assessment, where required, pursuant to section 8 (18);
(f)
elevations prepared by a surveyor licensed in the Province of Nova Scotia
confirming compliance with View Plane and Halifax Citadel Ramparts Sight
Lines (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21) height limitations, where applicable; and
(g)
any additional information related to the site, buildings, or adjoining properties as
may be required by the Development Officer to determine if the proposal conforms
to the provisions of this By-law.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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(5)
Where a proposed development requires a relaxation of the requirements of this By-law, the
applicant shall provide a written proposal explaining the rationale for the request based on
the applicable criteria contained in the Design Manual.
Site Plan Approval:
Area of Application
(6)
Unless (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12) otherwise specified, all development within the
Downtown Halifax Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy plan area boundary, as shown
on Map 1, shall be subject to site plan approval by the Development Officer.
(7)
The Development Officer shall approve a permit where the proposed development meets
the requirements of this By-law and the Design Review Committee has determined that the
development meets the criteria of the Design Manual attached as Schedule S-1 of this By-
law.
(7A)
Prior to submitting a substantive application for site plan approval (RC-Dec 13/11;E-
Mar 3/12), the applicant shall undertake public consultation concerning the project using
the following three methods, in a format acceptable to the Development Officer (RC-
Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12):
(a)
open house;
(b)
public kiosk; and
(c)
website/online forum.
(7B)
Notwithstanding subsection (7A), for the purposes of the development of the
publically-sponsored convention centre together with retail, hotel, residential or office,
and underground parking space pursuant to subsection 15A of Section 7, prior public
consultation that has occurred satisfies the public consultation that is required prior
to submitting a substantive site plan approval application, where such application is
made within six months from April 29, 2014. (RC-Apr 29/14;E-May 10/14)
Site Plan Approval:
Application
(8)
All applications for site plan approval shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn to an
appropriate scale showing the information required in sub-section (1).
(9)
All applications for site plan approval shall be accompanied by detailed architectural plans
indicating compliance with the precinct specific design requirements of the Design Manual
and;
(a)
streetwall height and setbacks pursuant to section 3.1 of the Design Manual;
(b)
streetwall material quality and detail pursuant to section 3.2 of the Design Manual;
(c)
building articulation pursuant to section 3.3 of the Design Manual;
(d)
the siting of building utilities, vehicle access and parking, lighting and signage
pursuant to section 3.5 of the Design Manual; and
(e)
any other information the Development Officer may require to determine
compliance with the Design Manual.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Site Plan Approval:
Exemptions
(10)
Notwithstanding subsection (6) (4) (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13), the following
developments shall be exempt from site plan approval:
(a)
a change in size of windows and doors that do not face streetlines;
(b)
building repairs;
(c)
window and door replacement in existing openings; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(d)
installation, replacement (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) or repair of minor building
features.; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(e)
change of use or tenancy; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(f)
interior renovations; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(g)
commemorative structures on public lands; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(h)
commemorative plaques on public lands; and (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(i)
commemorative monuments on public lands. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Site Plan Approval:
Non-Substantive Applications
(11)
The following developments are non-substantive site plan approval applications:
(a)
accessory buildings and structures including backyard suites (RC-Sep 1/20;E-
Nov 7/20);
(b)
development that does not materially change the external appearance of a building
facing streetlines;
(c)
new window and door openings or alterations to existing window and door openings
abutting streetlines;
(d)
alteration of external cladding material that does not affect the external appearance
of a building facing streetlines;
(e)
signs;
(f)
decks, patios, and similar unenclosed features; and
(g)
steps, stairs and other entryways.
(12)
A non-substantive site plan application may be approved by the Development Officer.
Site Plan Approval:
Substantive Applications
(13)
Any application that is not listed in sub-sections (10) or (11) is a substantive site plan
approval application and shall be referred to the Design Review Committee.
Site Plan Approval:
Variance of Requirements
(14)
Where specified in this By-law, the Design Review Committee may consider applications
to relax the requirements of the By-law subject to the criteria of the Design Manual.
Site Plan Approval:
Notification
(15)
The area of notification for non-substantive site plan approval shall be 30 metres from the
property boundary of the lot subject to approval.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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(16)
The area of notification for a substantive site plan approval shall be the Downtown Halifax
Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy plan area boundary plus 30 metres.
Licenses, Permits, and Compliance With Other By-laws
(17)
Nothing in this By-law shall exempt any person from complying with the requirements of
any other By-law of HRM or from obtaining any license, permission, permit, authority, or
approval required by any other By-law of HRM or any regulation of the Province of Nova
Scotia or the Government of Canada.
(18)
Where the provisions of this By-law conflict with those of any other By-law of HRM or
regulation of the Province of Nova Scotia or the Government of Canada, the more restrictive
provision shall prevail.
(19)
Where excavation is required for a development on any area identified on Map 10 -
Archaeological Resources, a development permit may be issued and the application may be
referred to the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Heritage Division
for any action it deems necessary with respect to the preservation of archaeological
resources in accordance with provincial requirements.
Maps and Schedules
(20)
The following maps and schedules form an official part of this By-law:
Map 1
Zoning (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22)
Map 2
Precincts
Map 3
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Streets
Map 4
Maximum Pre-Bonus Heights
Map 5
Maximum Post Bonus Heights
Map 6
Streetwall Setbacks
Map 7
Streetwall Heights
Map 8
Central Blocks
Map 9
Prominent Visual Terminus Sites
Map 10
Archaeological Resources
Map 11
Old South Suburb Heritage Resources
Map 12
Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District
Pre-Bonus Floor Area Ratio
Map 13
Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District
Post-Bonus Floor Area Ratio
Schedule S-1
Design Manual
Schedule S-2
Wind Assessment Performance Standards
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Interpretation
Application of Requirements
6(1)
Where a development is comprised of more than one use, unless otherwise specified, the
requirements within this By-law for each use shall apply.
Zones, Precincts and Schedules
(2)
For the purpose of this By-law and the map entitled Map 1, Zoning (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug
22/22), the following zones and schedules are hereby established:
Downtown Halifax Zone
DH-1
Institutional, Cultural & Open Space Zone ICO
Schedule W (Deleted: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
(3)
In addition to subsection (2) there shall be precincts as shown on Map 2.
Interpretation of Zoning Boundaries
(4)
The boundary of a zone shown on Map 1, and between the Precincts shown on Map 2, shall
be determined as follows:
(a)
where a zone or precinct boundary is indicated as following a street, the boundary
shall be the streetline of the street unless otherwise indicated;
(b)
where a zone or precinct boundary is indicated as approximately following lot lines,
the boundary shall follow lot lines, unless said lot lines are the subject of a
subdivision approval after the date of adoption of this By-law, in which case the
zone or precinct boundary shall remain as it is shown on the map;
(c)
where a zone or precinct boundary follows the shoreline, the boundary shall be the
ordinary high water mark;
(d)
where a part of the Harbour is in-filled beyond the limits of a zone or precinct
boundary or a building is constructed over water, said land or buildings shall be
deemed to be included within and subject to the requirements of that abutting zone
and precinct; and
(e)
Upon the closing of a street or portion of a street to public use, the land comprising
such former street or portion of such street shall be zoned as follows:
(i)
where the zones of the abutting lands are the same, the land comprising the
former street shall have the same zoning as the abutting lands;
(ii)
where the zones of the abutting lands are different, the center line of the
former street shall be the boundary line and the lands on either side of the
boundary line shall have the same zoning as the abutting lands; and
(iii)
where none of the above apply, the zone boundary shall be scaled from Map
1 and Map 2.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Non-Conforming Buildings (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 10/12)
(5)
Where an existing building is deemed to be non-conforming under this By-law, it shall
be allowed to be extended, enlarged, or altered as long as the extension, enlargement
or alteration complies with this By-law, or a variance is granted by the Design Review
Committee.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Land Use Requirements
Downtown Halifax Zone (DH-1)
Permitted Land Uses
7(1)
The following uses shall be permitted in the DH-1 Zone:
Commercial uses, excluding adult entertainment uses;
Cultural uses;
Institutional uses;
Marine-related uses;
Open Space uses;
Residential uses;
Transportation uses; and
Uses accessory to the foregoing.
(1a) ACCESSORY HEN USE (RC- Oct 05/21;E-Jan 08/22)
An accessory hen use is permitted in conjunction with a residential use in all zones subject to
the following provisions:
(a)
The maximum number of hens permitted on a lot shall be:
i.
a maximum of 10 hens on lots less than 4,000 square metres in size;
ii.
a maximum of 15 hens on lots 4,000 square metres and over but less than 6,000
square metres in size;
iii.
a maximum of 20 hens on lots 6,000 square metres and over but less than 10,000
square metres in size;
iv
a maximum of 25 hens on lots 10,000 square metres or greater in size;
(b)
Hens shall be contained within an accessory building or a fenced area that:
i.
is located in a rear yard;
ii.
is setback the minimum distance that is required for a main building, on the
subject lot, from a wetland or watercourse;
iii.
subject to (1.5)(b)(iv), meets the requirements for accessory buildings under
this by-law; and
iv.
is setback a minimum of 1 metre from any side or rear lot line.
(c)
The following are not permitted:
i.
On-site slaughtering or euthanizing of hens; and
ii.
The sale of eggs, meat or hens
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Street Uses
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), only those uses listed below shall be permitted on the
ground floor of a building in the DH-1 Zone immediately abutting the streetline of
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Streets, as identified on Map 3:
(a)
The following commercial uses:
Banks and related uses;
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Licenced alcohol establishments;
Personal service uses;
Eating establishments; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Movie theatres; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Commercial recreation uses; and (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Retail uses;
(b)
Cultural uses; and
(c)
Uses accessory to the foregoing.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsection (2), pedestrian entrances and lobbies associated with any use
permitted pursuant to subsection (1) may face and have access onto Pedestrian-Oriented
Commercial Streets.
(3a) Notwithstanding subsection (2),
(a)
for any new multi-unit dwelling that begins construction before April 1, 2028,
commercial uses located within the ground floor of a building shall occupy a
minimum of 20% of the ground floor abutting the street line and
(b)
the remaining ground floor of a building abutting the streetline shall be a
permitted use listed in Subsection 7(1).
(c)
For the purpose of calculating the 20% in Subsection 3(a), the following shall
not be counted:
(i)
lobbies,
(ii)
elevators,
(iii)
mechanical areas,
(iv)
vestibules,
(v)
garages, and
(vi)
ramps to access internal motor vehicle spaces. (RC-Dec 11/25;E-
Feb 2/26)
Residential Uses:
Dwelling Unit Mix
(4)
Repealed (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(4a)
One third of the total number of dwelling units, rounded up to the nearest full number,
in a building erected, altered or used as a multiple unit dwelling shall be required to
include two or more bedrooms. (RC- Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(4b) Notwithstanding subsection (4a), requirements for dwelling unit mix shall not apply
for a residential multi-unit dwelling use that begins construction before April 1, 2028.
(RC-Dec 11/25;E-Feb 2/26)
(5)
Residential uses shall have direct access to the exterior ground level separate from any non-
residential use.
5.5
SECONDARY SUITES AND BACKYARD SUITES (RC-Sep 1/20;E-Nov 7/20)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 20
(a)
SECONDARY SUITES
Secondary suites shall be permitted accessory to a single unit dwelling or a
townhouse dwelling subject to the following provisions: (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun
13/24)
(i)
No more than one total secondary suite shall be permitted on a lot; (RC-
May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
(ii)
The floor area of a secondary suite shall not exceed 80.0 square metres;
(iii)
A duplex dwelling or semi-detached dwelling that contains a secondary
suite shall not be considered a multiple unit dwelling; and
(vi)
A secondary suite shall be permitted accessory to a non-conforming
structure for residential use, except where no residential uses are
permitted in the zone. (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
(b)
BACKYARD SUITES
Backyard suites shall be permitted accessory to a single unit dwelling, a two
unit dwelling, a multiple unit dwelling containing up to 4 units, (RC-May
23/24;E-Jun 13/24) or a townhouse dwelling subject to the following provisions:
(i)
No more than one backyard suite shall be permitted on a lot; (RC-May
23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
(ii)
A backyard suite is not considered a separate main building or main
dwelling;
(iii)
The backyard suite shall meet the accessory buildings requirements as
set out in Section 8(19);
(iv)
The gross floor area of a backyard suite shall not exceed 93.0 square
metres (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24);
(v)
A backyard suite shall be permitted accessory to a non-conforming
structure for residential use, except where no residential uses are
permitted in the zone (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24);
(vi)
A backyard suite must be located on the same lot as the main dwelling
unit; and
(vii)
A backyard suite shall have unobstructed access that
(A)
connects the backyard suite to a street;
(B)
is located on the same lot on which the backyard suite is located;
and
(C)
has a minimum width of 1.1 metres.
(RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
(viii)
A non-conforming accessory building may be converted to a backyard
suite if the gross floor area of the backyard suite does not exceed 93
square metres. (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) (RC-Dec 11/25;E-Feb
2/26)
Residential Uses:
Precinct 2 - Landscaped Open Space Requirements
(RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12) (6-11) Deleted (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
Residential Uses:
Precinct 3 - Landscaped Open Space Requirements
(RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12) (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
(11A) Where any building is erected, altered, or used primarily for residential purposes in
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
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Precinct 3: Spring Garden Road Area, the lot on which such building is located shall
contain landscaped open space (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21).
(11B) For the purpose of subsection (11A), primarily means more than 50% of the gross floor
area is devoted to residential uses, including enclosed space serving residents of the
building and areas devoted to personal services, such as laundry and waste disposal
and common area.
(11C) A minimum of 5 square metres of landscaped open space shall be provided for each
dwelling unit in a building.
(11D) The full amount of the landscaped open space requirement may be transferred to the
building rooftop, provided that:
(a)
any rooftop landscaped open space is a minimum of 56 square metres in area;
(b)
the rooftop landscaped open space is fully accessible for the common use of the
occupants of the building; and
(c)
the rooftop landscaped open space is located on a portion of the roof that is not
sloping.
(11E) The requirements of subsection (11B) may be varied by site plan approval where the
relaxation of the requirement is consistent with the Design Manual.
Residential Uses:
Storm Surge Protection
(12)
No residential (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) portion of a building on a lot within Schedule
W, shall be erected, constructed or reconstructed at an elevation (RC-Mar 26/13;E-
Apr 13/13) less than 3.8 metres of the Canadian Geodetic Vertical Datum (CGVD) 28
standard. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(13)
Subsection (12) does not apply to parking garages, accessory structures or entrances to
residential uses.
(14)
Notwithstanding subsection (12), any existing residential use situated less than the required
elevation may expand provided that such expansion does not further reduce the existing
elevation.
(15)
Every application for a development permit for a building or structure to be erected pursuant
to subsections (12) and (14) shall be accompanied by plans drawn to an appropriate scale
showing the required elevations, contours and lot grading information to determine that the
proposed building or structure will meet the requirements of this section.
Institutional, Cultural & Open Space Zone (ICO)
Permitted Land Uses
(16)
The following uses shall be permitted in the ICO Zone:
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 22
Institutional uses;
Cultural uses;
Open Space uses;
Eating establishments or retail uses accessory to permitted uses; and
Uses accessory to the foregoing.
(17)
Where eating establishments or retail uses accessory to permitted uses are permitted they
shall have no separate entrance from the exterior of the building.
Waterfront View Corridors
(18)
To preserve waterfront view corridors, every structure shall be setback a minimum of 7.62
metres from the mean centre line of the prolongation of George Street, Prince Street,
Sackville Street, Salter Street, Bishop Street and Morris Streets from their intersection with
Lower Water Street and extending eastward to the ordinary high water mark of Halifax
Harbour or the eastern boundary of any water lot, whichever is greater.
(19)
Every application for a development permit for a building or structure to be erected abutting
the waterfront view corridors of subsection (18) shall furnish such plans and data as the
Development Officer shall require to determine that the proposed building or structure will
meet the required setbacks.
(20)
Deleted
(21)
Deleted
Waterfront View Corridors: Abutting Uses
(22)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (16), only those uses listed below shall be permitted
on the ground floor of a building abutting a waterfront view corridor, as identified in
subsection (18):
Cultural uses;
Banks and related uses;
Licenced alcohol establishments;
Personal service uses;
Eating establishments;
Retail uses; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Movie theatres; (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Commercial recreation uses; and (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
Uses accessory to the foregoing.
(23)
Notwithstanding subsection (22), pedestrian entrances and lobbies associated with a hotel
may face and have access onto the waterfront view corridor, as identified in subsection (18).
Temporary Construction Uses Permitted (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 3/12)
(24)
Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the use of the land or the use or erection of a
temporary building or structure which is necessary and accessory to construction in
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 23
progress, such as a work camp or construction camp, mobile home, sales or rental
office, tool or maintenance shed or scaffold, including a shipping container which
serves as one of the foregoing, except as a mobile home, sales or rental offices, provided
that a development permit has been issued.
(25)
A rock crusher may be used at the site of a demolition of a structure or building, or at
the site of development permitted pursuant to this By-law, provided a development
permit has been issued for such use.
(26)
Incidental to a development, a temporary rock crusher may be permitted.
(27) A development permit issued for the use of a temporary rock crusher accessory to
demolition of a structure or building pursuant to this By-law or a development
pursuant to this By-law shall be valid for any period specified not exceeding sixty (60)
days. A development permit issued under this subsection may be renewed for a period
not to exceed thirty (30) days at a time, if a Development Officer determines that an
extension of the period is necessary. No rock crusher shall be located or used within
three (3) metres of any property boundary.
(28)
A development permit issued for the use of a temporary rock crusher accessory to the
construction of primary or secondary services pursuant to the Regional Subdivision
By-law shall be valid for any period which does not exceed the construction time
schedule specified in the subdivision agreement. No rock crusher for which a permit
has been issued under this subsection shall be located or used within sixty (60) metres
of any building used for residential or institutional purposes; with the exception of fire
stations, police stations, public works facilities, cemeteries, historic sites and
monuments, and recreational trails where no rock crusher shall be located or used
within three (3) metres of any property boundary.
(29)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, a temporary rock crusher
accessory to construction in progress shall not be used to process material for export
to another site nor to process material imported to the site.
(30)
A temporary rock crusher may be used as accessory to demolition in progress to
process demolished material for export to another site subject to disposal in
accordance with the requirements of this By-law and the C&D Materials Recycling
and Disposal License By-law.
Cannabis-Related Uses (RC-Sep 18/18;E-Nov 3/18)
(31) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-law, cannabis retail sales and
cannabis lounges are only permitted if such facilities are operated by the Nova Scotia
Liquor Corporation (NSLC).
SHORT-TERM RENTALS (RC-Feb 21/23;E-Sep 1/23)
(32)
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 24
a)
Short-term Rentals accessory to a residential use shall be permitted in all zones
provided that the dwelling unit is the primary residence of the short-term rental
operator.
b)
Short-term Bedroom Rentals accessory to a residential use shall be permitted
in all zones, subject to the following additional provisions:
i)
The short-term bedroom rental shall be wholly contained within the
dwelling unit which is the primary residence of the operator of the
rental;
ii)
Not more than three (3) bedrooms, or the maximum number of
bedrooms specified in the zone, may be rented as a short-term bedroom
rental at the same time;
iii)
The operator of the short-term bedroom rental resides on site while any
bedrooms are rented;
iv)
No window display and not more than one (1) business sign shall be
permitted and no such sign shall exceed four (4) square feet (0.4 m2) in
area; and
v)
One off-street parking space in addition to that required for the dwelling
shall be provided for each bedroom to be rented.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 25
Built Form Requirements
Lot Requirements
8(1)
Every lot shall have frontage on a street.
Number of Buildings on a Lot
(2)
Every building hereafter erected shall be located on a lot as herein defined and in no case
shall there be more than one main building on one lot or one building on more than one lot,
except that this provision shall not apply to development in Schedule W or abutting lots that are
developed concurrently over a continuous foundation, footing, or underground parking
structure. (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20).
Registered Heritage Properties
(3)
In addition to the requirements of this By-law and the Heritage By-law, development on a
Registered Heritage Property shall be subject to the Development in Heritage Contexts
section of the Design Manual.
(4)
In addition to the requirements of this By-law, development on a non-registered Heritage
Property in a Heritage Conservation District shall be subject to sections 4.5 and 4.6 of the
Development in Heritage Contexts section of the Design Manual.
Heritage Resources:
Development Abutting a Registered Heritage Property
or Old South Suburb Heritage Building (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
(5)
In addition to the requirements of this By-law, development on a lot abutting a Registered
Heritage Property or an Old South Suburb heritage property shall meet (RC-Jan 14/20;
E Aug 15/20) the requirements of the Design Manual.
Building Height: Maximum Pre-bonus Heights and Maximum Post-Bonus
Heights
(6)
No building shall be erected, constructed, altered, reconstructed, or located so that it exceeds
the Maximum Pre-Bonus Heights specified on Map 4.
(7)
Notwithstanding subsection (6), the Maximum Pre-Bonus Heights specified on Map 4, may
be exceeded to the Maximum Post-Bonus Height specified on Map 5, pursuant to Section
12.
(8)
The height requirements in subsections (6) and (7) of section 8, and subsection (15C)
of section 7 shall not apply to a church spire, lightning rod, elevator enclosure, an
elevator enclosure above a structure required for elevator access to rooftop amenity
space, flag pole, antenna, heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment or enclosure
of such equipment, skylight, chimney, landscape vegetation, clock tower, solar
collector, roof top cupola, parapet, cornices, eaves, penthouses or other similar
features, provided that the total of all such features, shall occupy in the aggregate less
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 26
than 30 % of the area of the roof of the building on which they are located. (RC-Jun
25/14;E-Oct 18/14)
(9)
The height requirements in subsections (6) and (7) may be exceeded on those properties
identified as Prominent Visual Terminus Sites - Map 9, as provided for in the Design
Manual.
(10)
Features referenced in subsection (8) shall be setback no less than 3 metres from the outer
most edge of the roof on which they are located. No setback is required for clock towers,
parapets, cornices and similar architectural features.
(11)
The requirements of subsections (8) and (9) may be varied by site plan approval where the
relaxation is consistent with the criteria of the Design Manual.
Landscaping for Flat Rooftops
(12)
All buildings erected or altered, with a flat roof shall provide a fully landscaped area on
those portions of the flat roof not required for architectural features or mechanical
equipment. These landscaped areas need not be fully accessible except where they are
provided pursuant to the requirements of subsections (10) and (11D) (RC-Mar 26/13;Apr
13/13) of section 7.
Land Uses at Grade
(13)
The ground floor of a building, excluding a parking garage, that has access at the streetline
or Transportation Reserve shall have a floor-to-floor height of no less than 4.5 metres.
(13A) Notwithstanding subsection (13), in areas where residential uses are allowed on the
ground floor, mezzanine spaces are permitted within the minimum floor-to-floor
height for those portions of the ground floor being occupied by residential uses. (RC-
Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(13B) The requirement of subsection (13) may be varied by site plan approval where the
relaxation is consistent with the criteria of the Design Manual. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr
13/13)
General Requirements: View Planes and Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines
(RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21)
(14A) (1)
A development shall not protrude into a view plane, or a Halifax l Rampart
Sight Line.
(2)
An application for a development that could potentially protrude into, abut, or
be subject to:
(a)
a View Plane, as shown on Map 14; or
(b)
a Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Line, as shown on Map 15A, shall
include plans, certified by a surveyor, to demonstrate that the
development will not protrude into a required View Plane, or a Halifax
Citadel Rampart Sight Line.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 27
View Planes (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21)
(15A) (1) The Halifax Citadel view planes are set out and shown on Map 14.
(2) Subject to Subsection 8(15A)(3), a structure shall not be erected, constructed,
altered, reconstructed, or located so that it protrudes into a View Plane. Under no
circumstance shall the maximum required building height, as shown on Map 15A, be
exceeded.
(3) Where a structure that lawfully existed on the coming into force date of this By-
law protrudes into a required View Plane, as shown on Map 14, a new structure may
be erected, constructed, altered, reconstructed, or located so that it protrudes into the
required View Plane if the new structure does not increase the existing protrusion
when viewed as follows:
(c) for view planes 1, 3, and 5 from viewing position A;
(d) for view plane 6 from viewing position B;
(e) for view planes 2, 4, 7, 8, and 10 from viewing position C; and
(f) for view plane 9 from viewing position D.
Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov27/21)
(16A) (1) Coordinates describing the following are shown on Maps 15A, 15B, and 15C:
(a)
the locations and elevations of the Halifax Citadel ramparts;
(b)
the locations and elevations of 12 viewing positions in the
Parade Square of the Halifax Citadel; and
(c)
the location, elevation, and massing of the Cavalier Building.
(2)
Subject to Subsection 8(16A)(4), the Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines shall
be projected in a 360-degree view above the ramparts from each viewing position.
(3)
Subject to Subsection 8(16A)(4), a structure shall not be erected, constructed,
altered, reconstructed, or located outside of the Parade Square of the Halifax Citadel
so that it protrudes into any rampart sight line, from any of the 12 viewing positions
in the Parade Square of the Halifax Citadel.
(4)
A new structure that would protrude into a required Halifax Citadel Rampart
Sight Line may only be permitted to be erected, constructed, altered, reconstructed,
or located outside of the Parade Square of the Halifax Citadel, if:
(a)
there is an existing protrusion by the Cavalier Building into a
Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Line from its respective viewing
position;
(b)
the entire structure is blocked from view by the Cavalier Building
from the viewing position; and
(c)
it cannot be seen from any other viewing position.
(5)
No structure shall protrude into a required Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 28
Line, unless permitted under Subsection 8(16A)(4).
(6)
When considering whether a structure protrudes into a required Halifax
Citadel Rampart Sight Line from the 12 viewing positions, the only structure located
inside of the Parade Square of the Halifax Citadel that shall be considered is the
Cavalier Building.
Wind Impact
(18)
Any building or building addition resulting in a height exceeding 20 metres shall only be
permitted following consideration of its wind impact pursuant to the performance standards
in Schedule S-2.
Accessory Buildings
(19)
Accessory buildings shall be permitted in all zones subject to the following requirements:
(a)
a maximum of 7.7 (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) metres in height and a maximum
of 93.0 (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) square metres in floor area;
(b)
no accessory building or portion thereof shall be permitted between a streetline and
a streetwall where such streetwall is setback less than 9.5 metres from a streetline;
(c)
no accessory building or portion thereof shall be located within a required setback;
(d)
an accessory building shall not require any setback from an interior lot line if such
building is located entirely within the rear yard of the lot on which such building is
located; and
(e)
Notwithstanding anything else in this by-law, an enclosed or internal staircase
or elevator leading to a dwelling unit within an accessory structure is exempted
from the maximum gross floor area requirements for backyard suites. (RC-
May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24) (RC-Dec 11/25;E-Feb 2/26)
Prohibited External Cladding Materials
(20)
The following external cladding materials shall be prohibited:
(a)
vinyl;
(b)
plastic;
(c)
plywood;
(d)
concrete block;
(e)
exterior insulation and finish systems where stucco is applied to rigid insulation;
(f)
metal siding utilizing exposed fasteners, except where a converted shipping
container is used for a permitted residential use; (RC-Dec 11/25;E-Feb 2/26)
(g)
darkly tinted or mirrored glass; and
(h)
vinyl windows on registered heritage properties or properties located within a
heritage conservation district.
(21) The requirements of subsection (20) may be varied by site plan approval where the
relaxation is consistent with the criteria of the Design Manual.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 29
Drive-Thrus (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 10/12)
(22)
Drive-thrus shall be prohibited.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 30
Streetwalls
Streetwall: Streetline Setbacks
9(1)
Streetwalls shall have a streetline setback as specified on Map 6.
Streetwall: Height
(2)
The maximum streetwall height shall be as specified on Map 7.
(3)
The minimum streetwall height shall be 11 metres high, or the height of the building where
the building height is less than 11 metres.
(4)
Where there is more than one streetwall of differing heights the lowest of the streetwalls
shall be the permitted streetwall height.
Streetwall: Width
(5)
Outside of Precinct 2, Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District, (RC-Jan
14/20; E Aug 15/20) a streetwall shall extend the full width of a lot abutting the streetline.
(6)
On lots other than on Central Blocks, the streetwall width may be reduced to no less than
80 % of the width of a lot abutting a streetline, provided the streetwall is contiguous.
Streetwall: Stepbacks
(7)
Subject to Section 11(2.3), (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) the following minimum
stepbacks above the streetwall shall apply to buildings with streetwall setback requirements
of 0 to 1.5 metres or 0 to 4.0 metres as identified on Map 6:
(a)
a minimum of 3 metres for that portion of a building that is a maximum of 33.5
metres in height; or
(b)
a minimum of 4.5 metres for that portion of a building that is greater than 33.5 metres
in height.
Streetwalls: Variance through Site Plan Approval
(8)
The requirements of subsections (1) through (7) may be varied by site plan approval where
the relaxation is consistent with the criteria of the Design Manual.
Building Setbacks and Stepbacks
Low-Rise Buildings
10(1) No setback is required from an interior lot line for a low-rise building or the low-rise portion
of a building.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 31
(2)
With the exception of required streetwall setbacks, a low-rise building or the low-rise
portion of a building is permitted to cover 100% of the lot upon which it is situated.
(3)
On lots located outside of Central Blocks, as identified on Map 8, a low-rise building or the
low-rise portion of a building may be setback from interior lot lines no more than 20% of
the lot width.
Mid-Rise Buildings
(4)
Subject to Section 11(2.4), (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20) above a height of 18.5 metres,
or the height of the streetwall, the mid-rise portion of a building shall be setback from
interior lot lines no less than 10% of the lot width or 5.5 metres, whichever is less. Where a
lot has more than one streetline, the greater lot width shall apply.
(5)
The mid-rise portion of a building shall not project beyond the vertical plane of the exterior
walls of the low-rise portion of the building.
Mid-Rise Buildings:
Central Blocks
(6)
Notwithstanding subsection (4), no setback is required from an interior lot line for the mid-
rise portion of any building on Central Blocks as identified on Map 8.
High-Rise Buildings
(7)
Any portion of a high-rise building above a height of 33.5 metres shall be setback 11.5
metres from interior lot lines.
(8)
Any portion of a high-rise building above a height of 33.5 metres shall be separated a
minimum of 17 metres between the high-rise portion of other buildings on the same lot or
the high-rise portion of the same building (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) on the same
lot,. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(9)
Notwithstanding subsection (8), any (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) portion of a high-rise
building above a height of 33.5 metres shall be separated (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) a
minimum of 23 metres between the high-rise portion of other buildings on the same lot or
the high-rise portion of the same building on the same lot, where both of the high-rise
portions (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) are used for residential purposes.
(10)
Any portion of a building above a height of 33.5 metres shall be a maximum width of 38
metres and a maximum depth of 38 metres.
(11)
Notwithstanding subsection (10) any portion of a building above a height of 33.5 metres
located in the Central Blocks, as identified on Map 8, shall be a maximum width of 38
metres and a maximum depth of 27.5 metres.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 32
Permitted Encroachments
(12)
Eaves, gutters, down spouts, cornices and other similar features shall be permitted
encroachments into a required setback, stepback or separation distance to a maximum of
0.6 metres.
(13)
Balconies shall be permitted encroachments into a setback, stepback or separation distance,
at or above the level of the second storey of a building, provided that the protrusion of the
balcony is no greater than 2 metres from the building face and the aggregate length of such
balconies does not exceed 50% of the horizontal width of that building face.
Building Setbacks and Stepbacks:
Variance through Site Plan Approval
(14)
The requirements of subsections (1) through (13) may be varied by site plan approval where
the relaxation is consistent with the criteria of the Design Manual.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 33
Precincts:
Additional Requirements
Precinct 1: Southern Waterfront (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Precinct 2: Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District (RC-Jan 14/20; E
Aug 15/20)
(2.1) Within the Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District (Precinct 2),
development shall be subject to the requirements of this By-law, the Heritage Design
Guidelines section of the Design Manual.
(2.2) (a)
Subject to Subsection 2.2(b), a new construction on an Old South Suburb
Heritage Property or on a lot abutting an Old South Suburb Heritage
Property shall have minimum front and flanking yards, which are the lesser
of the following:
(i)
3.0 metre greater than the greatest setback of the Old South Suburb
Heritage Building(s), as measured from its front wall, located either on
the same lot or on an abutting lot, and measured from the same street;
or
(ii)
6.0 metres from the front or flanking lot line on the same street (Sketch
A).
(b)
The minimum front or flanking yards for a new construction, specified under
Subsection 2.2(a), may be reduced to 1.0 metre greater than the greatest
setback from the front or flanking lot line of Old South Suburb Heritage
Buildings located on the same lot or on an abutting lot, if the new construction
is not proposed to exceed a height of 4.5 metres within 3.0 metres distance,
measured parallel to the street, from the side wall of an Old South Suburb
Heritage Building and for a depth of 6.0 metres measured from the front or
flanking lot line (Sketch B).
(c)
New construction on a lot that is neither an Old South Suburb Heritage
Property, nor a lot abutting an Old South Suburb Heritage Property, shall have
minimum front and flanking yards as specified on Map 6.
(2.3) If, within the Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District (Precinct 2):
(a)
an Old South Suburb Integrated Development is situated within 12 metres of
the front property line and within 6 metres of an Old South Suburb Heritage
Building, or
(b)
a property abuts an Old South Suburb Heritage Property and has a lot frontage
of 30 metres or less;
then a minimum streetwall stepback of 12 metres shall apply from the front lot
line for that portion of a building above the streetwall facing the same street as
the Old South Suburb heritage building on the same or abutting lot.
(2.4)
The following setbacks for mid-rise buildings shall apply within the Old South Suburb
Heritage Conservation District, Precinct 2:
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 34
(a)
above a streetwall height of 18.5 metres, the mid-rise portion of a building shall
have a setback from interior lot lines of no less than 3 metres.
(b)
within the property identified as PID #00092924 (Waverley Inn at 1264-66
Barrington Street), no setback shall be required from the south side lot line for
the mid-rise portion of any building.
These requirements may be varied by site plan approval where the relaxation
of the requirement is consistent with the Design Manual.
(2.5) Subject to subsection 2.6, in the Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District,
Precinct 2 no building shall be erected, constructed, altered, reconstructed, or located
so that it exceeds the FAR specified on Map 12.
(2.6)
In the Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District, Precinct 2, the maximum
pre-bonus FAR specified on Map 12, may be exceeded to the maximum post bonus
FAR specified on Map 13, in accordance with sections 12(6.1) to 12(6.6)
Precinct 3: Spring Garden Road Area (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Precinct 4: Lower Central Downtown (Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Precinct 5: Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District
(7)
Within the Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District Precinct, development shall be
subject to the requirements of this By-law, the Development in Heritage Contexts section
of the Design Manual, and HRM By-law H-500, A By-law Respecting the Establishment of
a Heritage Conservation District on Barrington Street. Where this By-law is in conflict with
By-law H-500, the requirements of By-law H-500 shall prevail.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 35
Post-Bonus Height Provisions
Buildings Higher than the Pre-Bonus Height Requirements
12(1) A building that exceeds the Maximum Pre-Bonus Height as shown on Map 4 shall be
required to provide a public benefit on the lot equal to a value of not less than $4.00 per 0.1
square metre of gross floor area for all or part of any storey above the Pre-Bonus Heights.
Where it is not feasible to provide the public benefit on the lot being developed, the
developer shall provide the benefit off-site as may be agreed between the Municipality and
the developer.
(2)
The developer shall submit cost estimates, in a format acceptable to the Development
Officer, which provide detailed costs of the public benefit.
(3)
The rate of $4.00 per 0.1 square metre in subsection (1) shall be adjusted annually in
accordance with the Statistics Canada, Province of Nova Scotia Consumer Price Index, on
the anniversary of adoption date of this By-law.
(4)
The public benefit shall be completed at the time of the issuance of an Occupancy Permit
pursuant to the Building By-law (HRM By-law B-201) or such other time as may be
provided under the public benefit agreement.
(5)
The provisions of subsection (1) do not apply to additional height provided for the
Prominent Visual Terminus Sites identified on Map 9, unoccupied architectural features,
and permitted height encroachments pursuant to subsection (9) of subsection 8.
Bonus Exception for Registered Heritage Buildings
(6)
Development which proposes the demolition of a Registered Heritage Building is not
eligible for bonus height and cannot exceed the Maximum Pre-Bonus Height shown on Map
4.
Post Bonus FAR Provisions for Properties within Precinct 2, Old South Suburb Heritage
Conservation District (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
Post Bonus FAR Provisions for Properties within Precinct 2, Old South Suburb Heritage
Conservation District
(6.1) (a)
In the Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District, the public benefit
value shall be calculated by multiplying Factor #1 by Factor #2 and then
multiplying the product by Factor #3, where:
(i)
Factor #1 is the new floor area in square metres that exceeds the
maximum pre-bonus FAR value, as shown on Schedule 56;
(ii)
Factor #2 is 0.20; and
(iii)
Factor #3 is a bonus rate, in dollars per square metre, in the amount of
$258.
(b)
The amount of the public benefit shall be no less than the amount resulting
from the calculation in Subsection 6.1(a).
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 36
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection 12(7), the public benefit the developer shall
provide under Clause 6.1(b) shall be in the form of one or a combination of the
following:
(i)
conservation of an Old South Suburb Heritage Property or registered
municipal heritage property as shown on Map 11; or
(ii)
cash-in-lieu, as may be agreed between the Municipality and the
applicant.
(RC-Jan 25/22;E-Feb 26/22)
(6.2)
Development which proposes the demolition of an Old South Suburb Heritage
Building is not eligible for bonus FAR and cannot exceed the Maximum Pre-Bonus
FAR shown on Map 12.
(6.3) The applicant shall submit cost estimates, in a format acceptable to the Development
Officer, which provide detailed costs of the public benefit.
(6.4) The public benefit shall be completed at the time of the issuance of the development
permit or such other time as may be provided under the public benefit agreement.
(6.5)
Development of properties:
(a)
south of Cornwallis Park that are identified on Map 13 as Landmark
Development Area; and
(b)
that exceed the pre-bonus FAR identified on Map 12;
shall require a development agreement in accordance with Policy 18B of the
Downtown Halifax Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy.
Public Benefit Categories
(7)
Subject to meeting all applicable requirements of this By-law, development pursuant to
subsection (1) shall be permitted where the developer provides one or a combination of the
following public benefits:
(a)
where the development includes a registered heritage property which is to be
maintained, the preservation or enhancement of the heritage resource;
(b)
the provision of publicly accessible amenity or open space, where a deficiency in
such spaces exists;
(c)
the provision of residential units at a subsidized cost to contribute to housing
affordability in the Downtown Halifax Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy plan
area;
(d)
the provision of 3 and 4 bedroom units with direct access to outdoor amenity space;
(e)
the provision of rental commercial space made available at a subsidized cost for arts
or cultural uses;
(f)
the provision of public art;
(g)
the provision of public parking facilities, where a deficiency in such facilities exists;
(h)
investment in public transit or active transportation infrastructure;
(i)
the provision of exemplary sustainable building practices.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 37
(j)
the undergrounding of overhead electrical and communication distribution
systems. (RC-Dec 13/11;E-Mar 10/12)
(8)
The developer shall provide a written proposal which provides a description of the details
and extent of the Public Benefit to be provided.
Public Benefit Agreement
(9)
Prior to the issuance of a development permit by the Development Officer, the developer
shall enter into an agreement with the Municipality which shall:
(a)
identify the particular parcel of land to be developed, where the public benefit is to
be provided off-site of the development;
(b)
include design drawings, provided by the developer for the required public benefit
and where necessary, include detailed construction drawings, site plans,
specifications, and cost estimates of the proposed work; and
(c)
identify the required process and conditions for supervision and acceptance of the
proposed public benefit before the work is accepted by the Municipality as the public
benefit for the development.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 38
Signs
Permit Requirements
13(1) No person shall erect a sign without first obtaining a development permit.
(2)
Except as provided for in subsection (5), an owner shall have at all times a valid permit for
every sign(s) on any premise.
Temporary Sign By-law
(3)
This By-law shall not apply to any sign regulated under HRM By-law S-800, A By-law
Respecting Requirements for the Licensing of Temporary Signs.
Encroachment License
(4)
In addition to the provisions of this section, if a sign or advertising structure is intended to
project or extend over any portion of any street, no permit for such sign or advertising
structure shall be granted until the applicant obtains approval under the Encroachment By-
law permitting such applicant to maintain such sign or advertising structure so projecting or
extending over a portion of a street.
Permitted Signs
(5)
The following signs shall be permitted and do not require a development permit:
(a)
name and street number of residential and non-residential buildings;
(b)
"No Trespassing" signs and other such signs regulating the use of a property,
provided said signs do not exceed 0.2 square metres in area;
(c)
non-illuminated real estate sign less than 2 square metres in area pertaining to the
sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which the sign is displayed. A sign so erected
shall be removed within 14 days after the referenced sale, rental or lease;
(d)
signs regulating traffic within the lot or giving direction or identifying the function
of part or all of a building, provided that such signs do not exceed 0.5 square metres
in area;
(e)
signs erected by a governmental body or public authority;
(f)
memorial signs or tablets and signs denoting the date or erection of a building as
well as signs identifying historic sites; and
(g)
non-illuminated signs which are incidental to construction and are located on the
same lot, provided that such sign shall not exceed 2 square metres in area. A sign so
erected shall be removed within 14 days after conclusion of the activity.
Prohibited Signs
(6)
Notwithstanding any other Section of this By-law, the following signs shall not be permitted
or erected in any zone:
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 39
(a)
signs which create a hazard to public safety;
(b)
signs located within the viewing triangle of a street or driveway or which obstruct
the vision of drivers whether by virtue of their location, appearance or illumination
or which obscure or obstruct any traffic control sign or device of any public
authority;
(c)
signs which obstruct access to or from a fire escape, door, window, or other required
fire exit;
(d)
signs which resemble traffic control signs of any public authority, whether by shape,
colour, message or location which would interfere with or confuse traffic along a
public road;
(e)
signs which advertise a product which is no longer sold or a business which is no
longer in operation;
(f)
signs that are unrelated to the product, service or business that is upon a lot;
(g)
signs on public property or public rights-of-way unless erected by a public authority
or specifically permitted by the Municipality;
(h)
signs located on or affixed to the roof of any structure;
(i)
signs which project above a roof line;
(j)
signs which project above a streetwall stepback;
(k)
ground signs or billboards;
(l)
signs affixed to natural objects (trees, stones); and
(m)
signs which use fluorescent colours for either background or individual characters.
Signs on Registered Heritage Properties and Properties in a Heritage
Conservation District
(7)
Signs on Registered Heritage Properties and Properties in a Heritage Conservation District
shall meet the requirements of the Design Manual.
(8)
The following types of signs are prohibited on registered heritage properties and properties
in a heritage conservation district:
(a)
internally-illuminated fascia signs or internally-illuminated (RC-Dec 13/11;E-
Mar 3/12) awning signs;
(b)
stretch skin plastics for awning or canopy signs; and
(c)
textile banners, with or without frames.
Signs on Buildings
(9)
No sign that encroaches into a street shall be less than 3.1 metres above the surface of a
sidewalk.
(10)
No part of a sign shall be closer than 3.1 metres horizontal from a curb face or the nearest
edge of a vehicular passageway or traffic lane.
Illuminated Signs
(11)
Where signs are illuminated, they shall be illuminated in such a manner not to cause a glare
or hazard to motorists, pedestrians or neighbouring premises.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 40
Fascia Signs
(12)
Fascia signs shall not extend beyond the extremities of a wall on which they are affixed.
(13)
The maximum combined size of fascia signs on the wall of a building shall be no greater
than 10% of the total area of said wall.
Window Signs
(14)
The aggregate area of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window, or glass area
of a door, to which they are affixed.
Canopies and Awning Signs
(15)
Signs on awnings shall not cover more than 25% of the area of the awning and the length
of the text shall not exceed 80% of the length of the front valance.
Projecting Signs
(16)
Projecting signs shall;
(a)
be separated a minimum distance of 2.5 metres from other projecting signs on the
same property;
(b)
have a minimum setback of 1.2 metres from an interior lot line; and
(c)
have a maximum area of 1.9 square metres.
(17)
Only one projecting sign is permitted per business premise.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 41
Parking
Accessory Surface Parking Lots: General Requirements
14(1) Accessory Surface Parking Lots shall be prohibited in the following areas as depicted on
Map 2:
Precinct 3: Spring Garden Road Area;
Precinct 4: Lower Central Downtown;
Precinct 5: Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District;
Precinct 6: Upper Central Downtown; and
Precinct 7: Historic Properties.
(2)
The following requirements shall apply to accessory surface parking lots:
(a)
accessory surface parking lots shall not have a parking surface area greater than the
equivalent of 20 parking stalls plus area for ingress or egress of motor vehicles to a
street or highway by means of driveways, aisles or for maneuvering;
(b)
accessory surface parking lots shall be located in the rear or side yard no closer to
the streetline than 50% of the lot depth;
(c)
all accessory surface parking lots and access to accessory surface parking lots shall
be hard surfaced with asphalt, concrete or pavers, and delineated by concrete
curbing. All parking spaces and driving aisles shall be delineated with painted lines;
(d)
all accessory surface parking lots visible from the street shall have a landscaped
vegetated strip of at least 1.5 metres in depth adjacent to any street, exclusive of
driveway accesses, and a further strip of at least 1 metre in depth along other lot
lines. Landscaping may consist of grassed areas or planters, with one shrub planted
for every 2 metres of length along side and rear lot lines, and one tree, staked, with
a minimum base caliper of 50mm for every 4.5 metres abutting a street line;
(e)
individual parking spaces shall be 2.7 metres by 6.1 metres except in the case of curb
parking parallel to an internal driveway, in which case the length of the parking stall
shall be increased to 6.7 metres;
(f)
there shall be a minimum aisle width between parking stalls of 7.3 metres for two-
way traffic or 4.3 metres for one-way traffic;
(g)
parking or storage of motor vehicles is not permitted in areas used for ingress or
egress of motor vehicles to a street or highway, or in areas used for driveways, aisles
or maneuvering areas;
(h)
parking spaces shall not be immediately adjacent to doors or passageways from
buildings; and
(i)
parking areas and driving aisles in a front yard are not permitted. A driveway in
the front yard is permitted only to provide access to parking areas located in a side
or rear yard.
(3)
The design of accessory surface parking lots shall meet the requirements of the Design
Manual.
Commercial Surface Parking Lots
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 42
(4)
Commercial surface parking lots are prohibited in all zones.
Commercial Parking Garages: General Requirements
(5)
Commercial parking garages shall be permitted in all precincts.
(6)
The following requirements shall apply to commercial parking garages:
(a)
individual parking spaces shall be 2.7 metres by 6.1 metres except in the case of curb
parking parallel to an internal driveway, in which case the length of the parking stall
shall be increased to 6.7 metres;
(b)
parking or storage of motor vehicles is not permitted in areas used for ingress or
egress of motor vehicles to a street or highway, or in areas used for driveways, aisles
or maneuvering areas; and
(c)
parking stalls shall not be adjacent to doors or passageways from buildings.
Commercial Parking Garage: Design
(7)
Commercial parking garages shall provide a streetwall as specified on the Streetwall Height
Map 7, and in no case shall the streetwall height be less than 11 metres high where the
building height is less than the required streetwall height, but greater than 11 metres high.
For those buildings less than 11 metres high the streetwall height shall be the full height of
the building.
(8)
Rooftop parking and mechanical equipment shall be visually obscured from the street
through the use of architectural features.
(9)
At-grade uses abutting a street shall be limited to:
(a)
on Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Streets those uses in subsections (2) and (3) of
section 7; and
(b)
on all other streets those uses permitted in the zone applicable to the lot.
(10)
Streetwalls greater than 15 metres in width measured parallel to the streetline shall have the
appearance of two or more buildings by altering the appearance of the facade or roof in
increments of 6 metres to 12 metres.
(11)
75 % of the surface area of the face of the ground floor of the building shall be comprised
of windows. For the purpose of calculating this requirement those openings in the building
wall used for access of vehicles shall be excluded.
(12)
Commercial use storage, delivery bays and garbage receptacles shall be contained within
the building.
(13)
Commercial parking garage mechanical equipment, meters and similar utilities shall be
located on top of, or within, the building.
(14)
The design of commercial parking garages shall meet the criteria of the Design Manual.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 43
Bicycle Parking: Required Number of Spaces
(15)
The minimum and maximum number of required bicycle parking spaces shall be as follows:
e Parking Requirement
Multiple Unit Dwelling (four or more
dwelling units)
0.5 spaces per dwelling unit
80% Class A, 20% Class B
Hotels, Inns
1 space for every 20 rooms
80% Class A, 20% Class B
Minimum 2 Class B spaces
General Retail, Trade and Service, Food
Store, Shopping Centre, Restaurants
1 space per 300 sq. m. GFA
20% Class A, 80% Class B
Minimum 2 Class B spaces
General Office, Banks, Medical Clinics,
Institutional Uses, Government Buildings
1 space per 500 sq. m. GFA
50% Class A, 50% Class B
Minimum 2 Class B spaces
Auditoriums, Theatres, Stadiums, Halls
1 space for every 20 seats
20% Class A, 80% Class B
Minimum 2 Class B spaces
Maximum requirement of 50 spaces
Schools, Colleges, Universities
1 space for every 250 sq. m. GFA
20% Class A, 80% Class B
Recreation Facilities, Community Centres,
Libraries
1 space per 200 sq. m. GFA
20% Class A, 80% Class B
Minimum 2 Class B spaces
Commercial Parking Garages
5% of motor vehicle parking provided
Minimum 2 Class B spaces
Maximum of 50 spaces
Any Uses Not Specified Above
1 space per 500 sq. m. GFA
50% Class A, 50% Class B
(16)
Bicycle parking shall not be required for the following land uses: single, two and three unit
dwellings, townhouses, self storage facilities, car washes, cemeteries, and funeral homes.
Bicycle Parking: Class A Requirements
(17)
Class A bicycle parking spaces shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
class A bicycle parking shall be located a maximum of 200 metres from an entrance.
(b)
parking spaces shall have a minimum door opening of 0.6 metres, be no less than
0.6 metres long and 1.2 metres in height, with an aisle width of not less than 1.5
metres; and
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 44
(c)
bicycle rooms and cages for the storage of multiple bicycles shall contain racks so
that individual bicycles are supported.
Bicycle Parking: Class B Requirements
(18)
Class B bicycle parking shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
covered parking spaces, in which bicycles are protected from precipitation, shall be
located a maximum of 30 metres from an entrance;
(b)
uncovered parking shall be located a maximum of 15 metres from an entrance;
(c)
parking spaces shall be located at ground level and visible to passers-by or building
security personnel;
(d)
where parking spaces are not visible to passers-by, directional signage shall be
provided;
(e)
all bicycle parking spaces shall be located on hard surfaces in areas that are visible
and well illuminated.
(f)
parking spaces shall have a minimum overhead clearance of 2 metres;
(g)
access to and exit from parking spaces shall be provided with an aisle of not less
than 1.2 metres in width, to be provided and maintained beside or between each row
of bicycle parking;
(h)
parking spaces shall be located a minimum of 0.6 metres from any wall or other
obstruction; and
(i)
parking spaces shall be a minimum of 0.6 metres wide and 2 metres long.
(19)
In cases of 100% lot coverage, or where it is otherwise impractical to provide on-site
parking, Class B bicycle parking may be installed within the street right-of-way, in
accordance with the provisions of the Streets By-law (S-300), provided it is a maximum of
100 metres from the location such parking is to serve.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 45
Schedule S-2: Wind Assessment Performance Standards
General
(1)
A new building that is proposed to be greater than 20 metres in height or an addition to a
building that will result in the building being greater than 20 metres in height shall be subject
to either a qualitative or (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13) a quantitative wind impact
assessment.
(2)
The wind impact assessment shall address:
(a)
Existing conditions, accounting for buildings and other physical features on the lot
and any surrounding buildings and features that may influence the development or
that may be influenced by the development.
(b)
The impact of the development on the following areas (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr
13/13):
(i)
the public realm, including parks, plazas, and other open spaces, sidewalks
and other pedestrian traveled ways, building entrances; and
(ii)
private amenity spaces such as rooftop gardens.
(c)
The expected level of comfort for various activities associated with the above-noted
areas with regard to factors such as sitting, standing, and walking.
(d)
The methodology and standards used in the assessment.
Qualitative Assessment
(3)
Repealed (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(4)
For development that is minor in scope, such as a small addition in building height or a
development where wind impact is not expected to be detrimental or may be improved upon
in the opinion of the qualified professional, the wind impact assessment may be limited
to a qualitative assessment. (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(4A)
A qualitative assessment shall include an analysis and description of expected wind
impacts without the use of quantitative scale model simulation analysis. (RC-Mar
26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
(5)
The qualitative assessment shall be in the form of a report and shall be subject to the
acceptance of the Development Officer or Design Review Committee.
Quantitative Assessment
(6)
Where a quantitative wind assessment is required, such analysis shall be based upon scale
model simulation analysis.
Determination
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 46
(7)
Where the impact of the development upon the areas (RC-Mar 26/13;E-Apr 13/13)
identified in S-2(2)(b) can be mitigated, with consideration of the criteria of the Design
Manual regarding overall building design, the development shall be approved by the
Development Officer or Design Review Committee.
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 47
Map 1:
Zoning (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-
Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 48
Map 2:
Downtown Precincts (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-
May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 49
Map 3:
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Streets (RC-Jul
12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 50
Map 4:
Maximum Pre-Bonus Heights (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug
22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 51
Map 5:
Maximum Post-Bonus Heights (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug
22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 52
Map 6:
Streetwall Setbacks (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-
May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 53
Map 7:
Streetwall Heights (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-
May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 54
Map 8:
Central Blocks (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22) (RC-May
23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 55
Map 9:
Prominent Visual Terminus Sites (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug
22/22) (RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 56
Map 10: Archaeological Resources (RC-Jul 12/22;E-Aug 22/22)
(RC-May 23/24;E-Jun 13/24)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 57
Map 11: Old South Suburb Heritage Resources (RC-Jan 14/20;
E Aug 15/20)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 58
Map 12: Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District Pre-
Bonus Floor Area Ratio (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 59
Map 13: Old South Suburb Heritage Conservation District Post-
Bonus Floor Area Ratio (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 60
Map 14: Halifax Citadel View Planes (RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov
27/21)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 61
Map 15A: Halifax Citadel Rampart Sight Lines (RC-Oct 26/21;E-
Nov 27/21)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 62
Map 15B: Halifax Citadel Cavalier Building Coordinates 1 (RC-
Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 63
Map 15C: Halifax Citadel Cavalier Building Coordinates 2 (RC-
Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 64
Sketch A (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 65
Sketch B (RC-Jan 14/20; E Aug 15/20)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 66
Appendix B:
Publically Sponsored Convention Centre
(Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Appendix C:
Building Height Limits Pursuant to Clause 7A
(Repealed: RC-Oct 26/21;E-Nov 27/21)
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 67
DOWNTOWN HALIFAX
LAND USE BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
Amendment
Number
Policies/Maps
Case No.
Council
Adoption
Effective Date
1
Amend Section 2(k), (af), (bb),
and (bh); Section 4(2)(b), (e);
Section 5(6), (7A); Section
7(6), (8), (10); Section 13(8);
Schedule S-1 (Design Manual)
Subsection 4.6.3, 4.6.4; Map 7
(Streetwall Heights); Delete
Section 7(9); Add Section
7(10)(c); Section 7(11), (24),
(25), (26), (27), (28), (29),
(30).
Case No. 16466 (First
annual review)
RC - December 13,
2011
E - March 3, 2012
2
Add Section 2(aba); Section
6(5); Section 8(21); and
Section 12(7)(j).
Case No. 16466 (First
annual review)
RC - December 13,
2011
E - March 10, 2012
3
Add Section 2(bca); Section
7(15C) - Publically-Sponsored
Convention Centre; Section
8(8) - Building Height; Insert
Appendix C - Building Height
Limits Pursuant to Clause 7A
Case No. 16655
RC - March 20, 2012
E - May 26, 2012
4
Amend Section 2(c), (d), (aa),
(bq), Section 5(10), Section
7(2)(a), 7(12), 7(22), Section
8(12), Section 10(8), and
10(9); Add Section 2(fa), (aza),
(baa), Section 7(4a), Section
8(13A), and 8(13B); Repealed
Section 7(4); Amend Schedule
S-1 (Design Manual) - Section
3.6; Amend Schedule S-2
(Wind Assessment
Performance Standards) -
Section (1), (2), (3), (4), and
(7).
Case No. 16773
(Second Annual
Review)
RC - March 26, 2013
E - April 13, 2013
5
Amend Map 4 - Maximum
Pre-Bonus Heights; Amend
Map 5 - Maximum Post-Bonus
Heights.
Case No. 17000
RC - May 28, 2013
E - August 17, 2013
6
Add Section 5 (7B); Amend
Section 7 (15A); Replace
Appendix B; Add to Schedule
S-1 (Design Manual) 2.11:
Publically-Sponsored
Convention Centre - Re: Nova
Centre
Case No. 18708
RC - April 29, 2014
E - May 10, 2014
7
Replace/Readopt Section 2,
7(15C), Subsection 8;
Schedule S-1: Design Manual.
RP+5
RC-June 25, 2014
E-October 18, 2014
8
Amend Map 1 - Presbyterian
Church of St. David, 1537
Brunswick St from ICO to
DH-1 Zone; Mat 6 - Streetwall
Setbacks for 1537 Brunswick
St.
Case 19516
RC-April 28, 2015
E-May 16, 2015
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 68
9
Amend several sections to add
Cannabis related uses Nov
3/18
Case 21331
RC - September 18,
2018
E- November 3, 2018
10
Amend Section 2(bi) -
Ramparts Definition, 2(ci) -
View Plane Definition, Section
8(17) - Rampart Requirements
Regional Centre Plan -
Package A
RC - September 18,
2019
E - November 30,
2019
11
Amend Section 2 (afa), (ag),
(bcb), (bcc), (bcd). Delete
section 7(6) to 7(11) in
Residential Uses: Precinct 2
Landscaped Open Space
Requirements. Amend Built
Form Requirements Subsection
8(2), 8(5), 9(5), 9(7), 10(4).
Add Precinct 2: Old South
Suburb Heritage Conservation
District. Add Post Bonus FAR
Provisions. Amend
Downtown Halifax Design
Manual
Case H00446
RC - January 14,
2020
E- August 15, 2020
12
Amend Section 2, Definitions
- (b) Accessory Building
Section 5, Development
Permit, Subsection 11(a); Add
Section 2, Definitions - (k.5)
Backyard Suite and (bq.5)
Secondary Suite; Section 7,
Subsection 5.5 - Secondary
and Backyard Suites
Case 21126 -
Secondary / Backyard
Suites
RC - September 1,
2020
E - November 7, 2020
13
Amend all schedules & maps
to remove areas located within
the Regional Centre Plan Area
shown on Map 1, except those
areas within the boundaries of
the Old South Suburb Heritage
CD and Barrington St HCD;
Subsection 6(2) Zone,
Precinct, and Schedules under
Interpretation / Repeal Section
7, Subsections 7(11A), (11B),
(11C), (11D), (11E) -
Residential Uses: Precincts 3
and 9, 7(15A), (15B)
Publically-Sponsored
Convention Centre, 7(15C)
Sackville and South Park
multi-District Recreation
Facility; Section 11,
Subsections 11(1), (2) Precinct
1: Southern Waterfront, 11(3),
(4) Precinct 3: Spring Garden
Road Area, 11(5), (6) Precinct
4: Lower Central Downtown
14
Amended Sections 2, Section
5 and Section 7 to include
information on Accessory
HEN Use
Case 22227 -
Accessory Hen Use
RC - October 5, 2021 E - January 8, 2022
15
Added Subsection 12 (6.1),
clause (c)
Case H00520 - Bonus
Zoning Provisions -
Heritage Buildings
Downtown
RC - January 25,
2022
E - February 26, 2022
Downtown Halifax Land Use By-law
Page 69
16
Amended definitions too
Adult Entertainment - 2(b);
Deleted definition - 2(f) Adult
Bookstore Use
Adopted Map 1 Zoning
Case 23938 - Adult
Entertainment
RC - February 15,
2022
E - March 12, 2022
17
Amended Table of contents
text for Map 1: Zoning; Maps
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 to add a
portion of PID: 00002626;
Section 5(2)(20), 6(2).
Case 24260 -
Housekeeping
Amendments
RC - July 12, 2022
E - August 22, 2022
18
Added Part 2, Definitions,
(bsa), (bsb); Part 5,
Development Permit,
Subsection (3A), (3B); Part 7,
DH-1 Zone, Section (32)
Case 24526 - Short
Term Renals
RC - February 21,
2023
E - September 1, 2023
19
Amended Section 7, clause
5.5(a)(i)(vi),
5.5(b)(i)(iv)(v)(vii); Section 8,
subsection 19(a); Maps 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Added Section 7, clause
5.5(b)(viii); Section 8,
subsection 19(e)
MINORREV 2023-
01065 (Housing
Accelerator Fund
(HAF))
RC - May 23, 2024
E - June 13, 2024
20
Amended: Subsection 8(19),
(20)(f)
Added: Section 7(3a), (4b)
MINORREV -2025-
02922
RC-December 11,
2025
E-February 2, 2026