F1 (By-law 26-007) zone, Cambridge: Floodplain 1 Overlay
Part 13: s.13.1.1(a) (purpose, p.95); s.13.2.1 (pp.95-96); s.4.19(h) (p.56) of the City of Cambridge Zoning By-law 26-007.
An overlay on existing homes and buildings in a one-zone floodplain or a floodway. The underlying zone still applies, but only minor additions and alterations to existing buildings are allowed, no new dwelling units or ARUs can be created, and a new accessory building must be non-habitable, serve an existing home, measure more than 15 m² and no more than 46.5 m², and have no feasible site outside the floodplain.
Is a property in the F1 zone? Enter its address and the lookup returns the zone and these standards, including any site-specific exception.
Check an addressWhat the F1 zone permits
- Uses of the underlying zone shown after the (F1) prefix, subject to s.13.2.1 (see other_provisions)
Standards
| Requirement | By-law |
|---|---|
| Minimum lot area (interior lot) | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
| Minimum lot width (interior lot) | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
| Minimum front yard | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
| Minimum interior side yard | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
| Minimum exterior side yard | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
| Minimum rear yard | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
| Maximum building height | See noteOverlay zone: no dimensional standards of its own; the standards of the underlying zone (the symbol after the overlay prefix) apply, with the restrictions in other_provisions. |
Other provisions in this section
- s.13.2.1 (p.95): applies where the zone symbol is preceded by (F1); the underlying zone's provisions also apply, plus Grand River Conservation Authority permit requirements (s.1.2.2).
- Minor additions and alterations to buildings legally existing on the effective date only, s.13.2.1(a) (p.95): no new dwelling units; no new floor space (including basements) below the existing first floor elevation; additions and alterations including mechanical and electrical services generally floodproofed to the Regulatory Flood elevation; GRCA permits obtained.
- Non-habitable accessory buildings for an existing residential use, s.13.2.1(b) (p.96): only where there is no feasible site outside the Regulatory Floodplain, the site is not frequently flooded, the building is more than 15 m² and at most 46.5 m² (or an addition brings the total to at most 46.5 m²), it is anchored so it cannot block culverts, it is floodproofed as far as practical, it cannot be converted to habitable space, and GRCA permits are obtained.
- s.13.2.1(c) (p.96): Not permitted: institutional uses (private or public hospital, long-term care home, retirement home, institutional special care facility, child care centre, place of worship, elementary, secondary and private school); essential emergency services (fire, police, ambulance stations); uses for the disposal, manufacture, treatment or storage of hazardous substances.
- No ARU is permitted under a Floodplain Overlay Zone (s.4.19(h), p.56).
Source: Part 13: s.13.1.1(a) (purpose, p.95); s.13.2.1 (pp.95-96); s.4.19(h) (p.56), By-law 26-007 (City of Cambridge), checked 2026-10-13. General provisions elsewhere in the by-law (parking, driveways, accessory buildings) also apply, and a numbered exception on the parcel can change any value here. Treat this as a pre-check, not a sign-off.