Neighbourhood Infill Zoning Recommendations

Client: City of Ottawa

Date: March 2022 - October 2023

The RJH Team was contracted by the City of Ottawa to provide architectural and and planning consultant services towards the development of their new Neighbourhood Zoning. This involved consultation with City staff members on goals, opportunities and ideas for Neighbourhood Zoning, the preparation of zoning diagrams, site plans, floor plans, 3D models of gentle density infill options and other concepts that culminated in a Final Report. GIS and mapping work included analysis of areas in the City with greatest redevelopment potential within low-rise neighbourhoods based on key criteria: access to public transit based on proximity, access to amenities, age of development, existing zoning, and lot width and depth as well as considering other physical geographic barriers to development. The RJH Team also facilitated 8 working Group meetings alongside City Staff to gather industry stakeholder and community association feedback on Neighbourhood Zoning principles. The RJH team prepared presentation material, led discussions with Working Group participants, and summarized feedback.

Form-Based Zoning & Streetscapes

Despite the insignificant architectural impact of these two examples on the streetscape, there is a significant difference in yield; 9 dwelling units at 194du/ha compared to 4 dwelling units at 86du/ha. Being informed by Form-Based Zoning principles, both buildings are the same shape, size and setback.

Agent-Based & Predictive Development Analysis

Agent-Based Analysis studies patterns that result from individuals’ behavior (i.e. developers) as they react to new rules (Zoning By-Laws) and other parameters, such as growth-related capital investments. Predictive Development Analysis relies on using the results of Agent-Based Analysis to predict growth and development typologies, and documents development outcomes most likely to occur under a defined scenario of municipal regulations and investments, illustrated in 3D models and mapped using GIS.