What

WHAT IS CONTAINED IN A ZONING BY-LAW?

A Zoning By-law consists of text and mapping.

The text describes specifically the types and location of land uses, buildings and structures that are permitted within the Municipality. It establishes a number of different categories or 'zones', and specifies that types of uses and structures that are permitted in each.

The mapping shows the location of the various zones across the Municipality. By looking at the mapping, a property owner can determine the zoning that applies to their individual lot(s).

Comprehensive Zoning By-law 60-2009 is made up of the following components:

Part 1.0 Interpretation and Administration- This section addresses where and how the by-law is to be applied

Part 2.0 Establishment of Zones - This section identifies the zones that the by-law uses to regulate land use. It also introduces the concept of 'holding provisions' which apply to some lands within the Municipality.

Part 3.0 Definitions - It is necessary to define words in a Zoning By-law because it is a legal document. The definitions in this section make the intentions of the by-law clear which makes it easier to ensure that the By-law is applied consistently.

Part 4.0 General Provisions - This section contains a number of regulations that apply to all or selected types of uses, buildings or structures, regardless of what are of the Municipality, or zone they may be in.

Part 5.0 Parking and Loading- This section provides the parking and loading requirements for a variety of uses and also identifies regulations relating to driveway width, parking space sizes and location of parking facilties on a lot.

Part 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 Permitted Uses and Zone Standards for All Zones- These Sections include tables which list the uses that are permitted in each zone, as well as regulations  that control the placment, bulk, and height of buildings and structures on a lot.

Part 9.0 Exceptions - This section contains a list of regulations that are specific to one property or a specified group of properties in the Municipality. Exceptions are identified by a "-" and a number following the zone symbol (i.e. R1-123).

Part 10.0 Temporary Uses - Sometimes Council may approve a use for a specified period of time using a Temporary Use By-law. These permissions are listed in this section of the by-law.

Part 11.0 Enactment- This section contains the signatures of the Mayor and Clerk who signed the by-law when it was approved by Council in accordance with the Plannign Act.

Why

WHY IS A ZONING BY-LAW NECESSARY?

The purpose of a Zoning By-law is implement the policies of the Municipality of Meaford Official Plan.

The Official Plan contains general policies that affect the use of land throughout the Municipality, excluding the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area and Land Forces Central Area Training Centre. The policies of the Official Plan specify where certain land uses are permitted and, in some circumstances, specify what regulations should apply to the development of certain lands.

The Official Plan is a general document that is not intended to regulate every aspect of the built-form on a lot. In the Province of Ontario, this is the role of the Zoning By-law.

In addition to implementation of the Official Plan, a Zoning By-law serves the practical purpose of protecting the community from the impacts of conflicting land uses. It also provides a degree of certainty or assurance to landowners about the types of uses they can expect may occur on and around their lands.

Where

DOES THE BY-LAW APPLY TO THE ENTIRE MUNICIPALITY?

The Zoning By-law does not apply to lands within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area (except for identified Minor Urban Centres such as Woodford) or to the Land Forces Central Area Training Centre.

The by-law applies to all other lands within the Municipality of Meaford.

Amending the By-law

Where a use is proposed that does not meet the permissions or exact standards of the Zoning By-law, a Zoning By-law Amendment may be considered.

An amendment to the by-law may only be considered if the proposed use is permitted by the Municipal Official Plan.

Should you wish to pursue a Zoning Amendment, Staff strongly encourage you to contact the deparmtent to schedule a preconsultation meeting prior to submitting your amendment application.

Amendments

The following recent amendments have occured since the last consolidation of the Zoning By-law.

Proposed Corrections to Maps - Public Meeting September 12, 2011
Public Meeting Notice - September 12th, 2011 - Zoning Corrections (157.85 kB)
Proposed Corrections - September 12, 2011 (713.17 kB)

  Notice of Public Meeting (98.55 kB) December 12th, 2011

 Proposed Corrections - December 12th, 2011 (271.93 kB)