New Zoning By-Law

Please note that all information contained on this webpage is subject to change.

Please Note

The new Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-078, as amended is subject to appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board. Therefore, former Zoning By-law 1985-80, as amended remains in force and effect. The documents and information found on this page are for reference only.

Please contact the Planning Division with any questions, or to obtain information from Zoning By-law 1985-80, as amended (currently in force and effect).

What is a Zoning By-law?

A comprehensive zoning by-law is a municipality’s method of legally managing the development of the land within the City planning area by stating: 1) how land can be used, and 2) the required standards.  These standards include lot size and dimensions, setbacks from property lines, building location, building type and parking requirements.

The ‘Citizen’s Guide to Land-use Planning’ is a Provincial government publication and provides a comprehensive and clear summary of the key aspects of land-use planning. Section 3 of the Guide deals specifically with zoning by-laws. Explore the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH) website for lots of information on planning, local governments, and housing.

Citizen’s Guide to Land-use Planning
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page338.aspx

Why is the Zoning By-law being updated?

The City’s existing Zoning By-law was approved in 1985.  Since that time the City has grown and the way development happens has changed.  As well, there have been changes to the relevant policies and standards that guide development. The new comprehensive zoning by-law is being developed in consideration of:

• The City of Owen Sound Official Plan, adopted in 2006.  The Official Plan is Council’s contract with the Community and describes the vision for the type of community where we want to live and how it will grow and develop. 
• Existing provincial planning policies including the Provincial Policy Statement and Niagara Escarpment Plan;  
• Existing regulations and amendments to the current Zoning By-law;
• Other master plan documents previously approved by City Council;
• Updated mapping; and 
• Public input.  

The format of the new zoning by-law is intended to be clear, readable and understandable to support the administration and use of the by-law by City staff and citizens.

Why should citizens get involved?

The new Zoning By-law is relevant to all citizens of Owen Sound because it affects all properties within the City’s planning area, including residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and green spaces. If you are proposing to buy or sell land in the City you may wish to know what uses are allowed on that property. You may also wish to understand what uses are permitted in your neighbourhood. If you are thinking of building any type of structure on your property, it must comply with zoning, whether it is a garden shed or a new factory. As in any public process, it is important to communicate any concerns with City staff, the consultants, and even Councillors to help ensure that all input regarding the Zoning By-law is taken into consideration. Citizens can get involved by attending public engagement sessions, reviewing drafts of the By-law, writing letters to the Planning Division, and staying up-to-date with new developments in the By-law process.

Understanding Hazard Zone Mapping

Both the PPS and City’s Official Plan direct development away from hazardous areas.  The second DRAFT of the Zoning By-law includes updates to the Hazard Zone mapping.  The existing By-law 1985-80, as amended, includes three different Hazard Zones (ZH-1, ZH-2, and ZH-3) as well as an additional required setback of 12m from each of these zones.  The new DRAFT Zoning By-law proposes an updated single Hazard Zone with no additional 12m setback.   

The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority has worked hard to provide revised mapping of the Hazard Zone areas based on specific criteria relating to watercourses, steep slopes, and the Lake Huron shoreline as directed by the PPS.  These criteria are based on provincial policy, including the PPS and Technical Guidelines created by the Ministry of Natural Resources in support of the PPS. 

The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority has provided a summary description of how the hazard zone boundaries have been mapped for different landforms in the City. 

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) also has a publication to assist in explaining the Natural Hazards Policies of the PPS.  This publication is entitled “Understanding Natural Hazards” and is available in two parts on the MNR website.

 

 

About the Consultants

The City is working with the professionals at MHBC Planning Ltd. to complete the review and preparation of the new comprehensive Zoning By-law. With 35 years of experience in urban and rural planning across Ontario, MHBC works to provide realistic advice for today's complex and challenging planning issues. MHBC specializes in providing planning services to small and mid-sized municipalities. Recently MHBC has completed Zoning By-law reviews for the City of Kawartha Lake and the Township of Guelph/Eramosa. MHBC works with municipalities to maximize the opportunities for public involvement in the review and development of a Zoning By-law. The MHBC project team involved with the City's comprehensive Zoning By-law review is lead by three Registered Professional Planners (Bernie Hermsen, David Aston and Lana Phillips), and supported by a qualified group of planners, technicians and landscape architects. More information on the expertise, services and projects completed by MHBC Planning Ltd. is available on their website: www.mhbcplan.com.

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