What is a Zoning By-Law Amendment?
When you submit a building permit or planning application, your project will be compared with the requirements set out in the Zoning By-law. Our Zoning By-law sets out several regulations, such as Zoning By-law designations, what uses are permitted in such designations, minimum property sizes, yard setbacks, maximum building height, etc.
If your project does not meet all zoning requirements, you may apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment to seek major relief from the Zoning By-law. Once the process is finalized, Council has the approval authority on whether to approve or refuse the application for Zoning By-law amendment with recommendation from staff and the Planning Advisory Committee.
Occasionally, the Planning Department will receive an application for development and determine that a Zoning By-law amendment may be required.
Note: a Minor Variance is a separate planning application intended to provide minor relief from the Zoning By-law, and must meet the four tests prescribed in the Planning Act. Please contact the Planning department to discuss if the proposed development would be best suited as an application for minor variance.
How Can I Apply?
Contact our Planning Department for a pre-consultation (strongly recommended) prior to applying for Zoning By-law amendment, and to obtain the current application form for Zoning By-law amendment. The Planner will provide you with further information on application requirements, associated fees, timeline, process, etc.
Staff will, when possible, advise you whether they will be able to recommend approval of the application to the Planning Advisory Committee who will make a recommendation to Council regarding the application. Council has the approval authority for Zoning By-law amendments, though the application is made with the Planning department.
Notices in the Mail
If you received notice in the mail about a Zoning By-law amendment application and public meeting, it is because your property is within 120 metres of the subject property. For more information about the application, or to provide your comments, please contact the Planning Department.