A Zoning By-law Amendment changes the rules for how you can use or develop your property. Zoning by-laws often establish precise development standards such as lot area and frontage, lot coverage, setbacks, building height, density, parking, and landscaped open spaces. You must apply for an amendment to request changes to these rules.
When a zoning by-law amendment is needed
If you want to use, change, or develop your property in a way that doesn’t follow the Zoning By-law, you may need a site-specific Zoning By-law Amendment. This may be required if you want to:
- Add a use that isn’t currently allowed
- Change the zoning of your property
- Make major changes that don’t follow the Zoning By-law’s rules
Sometimes, your proposal may also not align with the Official Plan. In these cases, you’ll need to apply for both a Zoning By-law Amendment and an Official Plan Amendment. You can apply for both amendments at the same time, and the City will review them together.
How to apply for a zoning by-law amendment
Step 1: Pre-Consultation
It is recommended that you attend a pre-consultation meeting before applying. Visit the pre-consultation webpage or contact a City Planner for details.
Step 2: Submit your application
Apply online through your City Dashboard Account and include:
- Completed application form (available through your dashboard account)
- A valid pre-consultation form or checklist.
- Site Plan with zoning chart/site statistics (see the application form for detailed drawing requirements)
- Digital .DWG file(s) of the Site Plan in accordance with Schedule B
- Planning Justification Report, prepared by a Registered Professional Planner
- Floor plans and building elevations
- Deed/PIN register
- Supporting studies, plans, information, and materials listed in the pre-consultation checklist.
- All required fees:
- Other forms and documentation listed on the application form (Appendices A and C)
How to post public notice signs about your application
It is the responsibility of the applicant to post a Public Notice Sign(s) about the Zoning By-law amendment being proposed. The sign must be installed following the City’s Public Notice Sign Policy, the Planning Act and any other City standards.
Zoning by-law application process
Zoning By-Law Amendment Application
Time to Process (to decision): 90 Days
120 Days joint applied with an Official Plan Amendment
| Step | City's Role | Applicants Role | Target Timeline |
|---|
| Pre-Consultation | City Staff, any required agencies and an applicant will review a preliminary development proposal, discuss the nature of the proposal, any development and planning issues, the need for additional information, and the planning approvals process. The City will provide the applicant a pre-consultation form/checklist identifying what approvals, studies, information, materials, and fees are required to proceed with a formal application. | Applicant completes the pre-consultation process | 3 weeks |
|---|
| Application Submission | -- | Applicant submits:- formal application
- studies and plans
| -- |
|---|
| - | Reviews files (i.e., names, unlocked status) | -- | 2 days |
| - | -- | Applicant pays required fees | 1 day |
| - | Planner assigned to file | -- | 1 day |
| Review for Completeness | Planner reviews material and issues notice of complete/incomplete application. | -- | 1 week |
|---|
| Circulation (When Complete) | Planner circulates to internal departments and external agencies. Comments are consolidated and provided to the Applicant. | -- | 2 weeks |
|---|
| Open House | Held to inform and receive comments from area residents. | Applicant or agent attends to present and answer questions. | Occurs 2 weeks after notice is given to residents. |
|---|
| Public Meeting | Held to inform and receive comments from area residents and Council. | Applicant or their agent attends to present and answer questions. | Occurs 30 days after notice is given in accordance with Council’s schedule. |
|---|
| - | Recommendation report is on Council’s agenda. Council will make a decision on the application. | -- | -- |
| Final Approval | By-law to adopt Official Plan Amendment proceeds to Council, if directed. | -- | Occurs in accordance with Council’s schedule—typically the next Council meeting. |
|---|
| - | Notice of Passing/Refusal given by the Planner. | -- | 1 Week |
| - | If there are no appeals, a Declaration Notice is given by the Planner. | -- | 20 days after Notice of Passing |
Resources
