Open
Source verified September 18, 2026
Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program
Planning fee relief for affordable housing
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program provides 100% exemptions and 25% reductions on specified planning fees for eligible non-profit affordable housing projects in Hamilton. Eligible applicants include Not-for-Profit Corporations and Not-for-Profit Co-operatives creating new non-profit affordable housing, subject to affordability requirements and project viability review.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Creating new non-profit affordable housing.
- Development or phase of a development for which a building permit is currently being contemplated.
Documents Needed
- Affordable Housing Planning Fee Exemption Application form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-Profit Corporations
- Not-for-Profit Co-operatives
Eligible expenses
- Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment Application, Minor Variance Application, Formal Consultation, Formal Consultation Site Plan, Cash in Lieu of Parking Administration Fee, Record of Site Condition Administration Fee, Tree Protection Plan Review, General Vegetation Inventory Review, and Permit to Demolish a Residential Rental Property: 100% fee exemption.
- Site Plan Control: 100% fee exemption, including the Clearing of Conditions fee and the applicable per unit Residential charge to a maximum of 50 units.
- Plan of Subdivision: 25% reduction.
- Plan of Condominium and Part Lot Control: 25% fee reduction.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Any other fees as per Conditions of Site Plan Approval remain in effect unless explicitly listed as exempt.
- All other fees as per the fee schedule remain in effect.
Eligible geographic areas
- Hamilton, Ontario
How to apply
- Review the Planning Fee Exemption Eligibility Criteria and email planningapps@hamilton.ca to request the Application Form.
- Submit the completed Affordable Housing Planning Fee Exemption Application form and all required materials by email to planningapps@hamilton.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- The applicant can expect a response within 30 business days of submitting a complete application.
- To obtain the benefit of the fee exemption, the applicant must provide confirmation of the approved Fee Exemption to the Planning Division when submitting a Planning Act application.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program Program
What is the Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program?
The Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program provides 100% exemptions and 25% reductions on specified planning fees for eligible non-profit affordable housing projects in Hamilton. Eligible applicants include Not-for-Profit Corporations and Not-for-Profit Co-operatives creating new non-profit affordable housing, subject to affordability requirements and project viability review.
How much funding can be received?
Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program program?
To be eligible for the Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a Not-for-Profit Corporation or Not-for-Profit Co-operative.
The project must create new non-profit affordable housing on land owned or leased by the applicant, with at least 20 years remaining on the lease if leased.
Monthly Occupancy Costs must meet the affordable housing definition, household income per unit cannot exceed four times annualized Monthly Occupancy Costs, and the Project must be viable.
What expenses are eligible under Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program?
Creating new non-profit affordable housing.
Development or phase of a development for which a building permit is currently being contemplated.
Who can I contact for more information about the Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program?
You can contact City of Hamilton or by phone at 905-546-2424 ext. 1355.
Where is the Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program available?
The Planning Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program program is available the province of Ontario.