The Zoning By-law

2020 Zoning By-law Update

Council passed By-law 20-24 on August 10th, 2020, authorizing various amendments to Zoning By-law 13-21, as amended. These amendments have been consolidated into the Zoning By-law document.

On This Page:

• What is the Zoning By-law?
• Comprehensive Zoning By-law 13-21
• Zoning By-law Amendment Process
• What is the Planning Advisory Committee?
• Suggested Links
• For more information

What is the Zoning By-law?

While the Official Plan is the backbone of Land Use Planning, the Zoning By-law is the tool which implements the Official Plan and specifies rules for land use. The Zoning By-law can be considered the current rules and regulations the municipality uses to monitor a specific property’s use. To use land or to build on it, it must be permitted by the Zoning By-law. The Zoning By-law includes maps and text. It provides designations (“zones”) which outline:

• Permitted Uses in the Zone, which lists how the lands can be used and provides definitions related to these uses.
• Zone Requirements, which outlines minimum lot size, frontage and setbacks* from front, rear and side lot lines and prescribes maximum heights permitted and the extent to which lot can be developed. *Setbacks are the required distance from front, rear and side lot lines and vary according to type of structure and from zone to zone. Please consult with the Planning & Development Department regarding specific setback inquiries.
• General Provisions and Definitions, which outline numerous other requirements for matters such as parking area regulations, driveway setback to lot lines, driveway widths, home based business rules, etc.

What zoning rules and regulations apply to my property?
Please contact the Township’s Planning & Development Department to confirm the zoning on your property and discuss your specific construction project, as the setbacks may vary, e.g. depending on whether you are constructing a residential addition or a deck.

Comprehensive Zoning By-law 13-21

Please click on the links below to view Comprehensive Zoning By-law which was adopted by Council on May 13, 2013, and recently amended by By-law 20-24.

• Comprehensive Zoning By-law 13-21
• Schedule A1
• Schedule A2
• Schedule A3
• Schedule B – Airport Height Provisions
• Addison Enlargement
• Bellamys Mill Enlargement
• Frankville Enlargement
• Greenbush Enlargement
• Jasper Enlargement
• Lehighs Corner Enlargement
• Lyn Enlargement
• Newbliss Enlargement
• New Dublin Enlargement
• Pleasant Lane Enlargement
• Rocksprings Enlargement
• Spring Valley Enlargement
• Tincap Enlargement
• Toledo Enlargement

Zoning By-law Amendment Process

The steps in the zoning by-law amendment process are highlighted in a hand-out that is received along with the application. The basic process is as follows.

• The application is submitted by the applicant and reviewed by the Planner. Further information may be requested if required for the application to be complete.
• The Planner prepared a Notice of Public Meeting that is circulated in accordance with the Planning Act and related regulations. The notice is published in a local newspaper a minimum of 20 days before the public meeting is held before Council. The Township also chooses to circulate a Notice of the public meeting to area property owners within 120 m (400 feet) of the subject property for added notice.
• The Public Meeting is held before Council where written and verbal comments on the proposed rezoning are received.
• Following the public meeting, the Planner prepares a report on the proposed amendment to the Planning Advisory Committee for consideration at their meeting. The Planning Advisory Committee considers the rezoning and at this point makes a recommendation on the application to Council, either recommending that the rezoning be approved by Council or denied.
  • Assuming the Planning Advisory Committee recommends approval of the rezoning by Council, the necessary by-law amendment documents are prepared by the Planner and presented to Council at their meeting for approval. Assuming the by-law is approved by Council, a Notice of Passing, as required under the Planning Act is circulated to prescribed agencies and to anyone who requested notice, noting the last day for appeal to the amendment is 20 days from the date of mailing of this notice. If no appeal is received then the Zoning by-law amendment is deemed to come into effect. If an appeal is received the matter is forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) where the LPAT schedules a hearing to deal with the matter and make their determination on it.
  • Assuming the Planning Advisory Committee recommends denial of the rezoning by Council, the matter is formally considered by Council for their determination.

If a rezoning request is denied by Council, notice is issued and the applicant has the opportunity to appeal the matter to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) where the LPAT schedules a hearing to make a determination on the matter. Further questions regarding the processing a Zoning By-law Amendment application should be directed to the Planning & Development Department.

What is the Planning Advisory Committee?

For more information on the Planning Advisory Committee’s role in the Planning Process Click here to access the Planning Advisory Committee page.

Suggested Links

For more information on Zoning By-laws in general, visit the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Citizen’s Guide to Zoning By-laws at https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning.

For information regarding appeals, check out the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal’s website at https://olt.gov.on.ca/tribunals/lpat/about-lpat/.

For more information

For more information regarding the Zoning By-law, including inquiries regarding your property, please contact the Township using the contact information listed in the banner located at the top of each webpage.