Zoning By-Law

A zoning bylaw controls the use of land in the City. It outlines the legal requirements a landowner must meet to develop or do construction on their property:

• How land may be used
• Where buildings and other structures can be located
• The types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used
• The lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building height and setbacks from the street

The City's Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw (1985-80) has had many amendments since the Bylaw was approved. Now that the City has finalized and approved its 2006 Official Plan, the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw has been under review to ensure that the two documents work together, and that the Zoning Bylaw accurately and effectively implements the goals, objectives and policies of the Official Plan

A zoning bylaw implements the official plan, provides a legally enforceable way to manage existing land use and future development, and protects from conflicting and possibly dangerous land uses in the community.

The City Zoning Bylaw divides the City into different land use zones with detailed maps. The bylaw specifies the permitted uses and the required standards in each zone.

If a person wants to use or develop property in a way that is not allowed by the Zoning Bylaw, a Zoning Bylaw Amendment (rezoning) is required. Council may only consider the change if the new use is allowed by the Official Plan. If only a minor adjustment is required, an application for Minor Variance is appropriate.

At this time, Owen Sound's Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw is not available online.

To determine what the zoning is for a particular property and the provisions associated with that zone, please contact the Owen Sound Planning Division.