Zoning By-law

A zoning by-law is a regulatory Council approved document which establishes the permitted uses and development standards for specific areas or 'zones.'

A zoning by-law is a precise and inflexible document, which must be in conformity with the Township's Official Plan. The Official Plan provides general land use policy document of the municipality.

Zoning By-laws provide municipalities with a way to among other things:

• regulate land uses;
• protect areas by preventing incompatible uses;
• establish appropriate standards and requirements for development.

A zone usually contains a list of uses permitted in that zone and associated standards and provisions related to:

• minimum lot size
• setbacks from lot lines
• building height and building size

The zoning by-law also contains general provisions that relate to all areas. General provisions contain standards for common land use matters such as legal non-conforming uses, accessory buildings, and setbacks from natural or man-made hazards for such matters as 

• Parking 
• Landscape buffers
• Fencing and swimming pools

As a regulatory document, the zoning by-law also contains definitions for many of the terms used in the document.

Assessment Roll Number/Parcel Fabric Map (current to 2013)

Zoning By-law Amendments

If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not allowed by the zoning by-law, you may have to apply for a zoning change - also known as a zoning by-law amendment. Council can consider a change only if the new use is allowed by the Official Plan. Contact Tracey Atkinson.