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2016 Comprehensive Zoning By-law |
The Town has completed the review and update of the new Comprehensive Zoning By-law which was approved by Council in November, 2016. |
What is a Zoning By-law? |
Zoning by-laws regulate how land and buildings are used, the location, size and height of buildings and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development. The Town of Bracebridge's Zoning By-law establishes and regulates the use of land by implementing the policies of the Town of Bracebridge Official Plan. It provides the municipality with a legally enforceable means of regulating land use and scale and intensity of development. Zoning also serves to protect areas by preventing incompatible uses, and establishing appropriate standards for development. Zoning by-laws contain specific, legal regulations - for example, what uses are permitted, how high buildings can be constructed, the maximum number of residential units allowed and the amount of off-street parking required. |
How does zoning work? |
The Town is divided into "zones", where different land uses are permitted and the zones are based on the land use designations in the Town's Official Plan. Within these zones specific uses are permitted depending upon the type and location of the zone. These zones include specifications for development standards such as setbacks, lot coverage, service requirements, etc. In Bracebridge there are a number of primary types of zones in the urban area including:
In the rural and waterfront areas, primary types of zones include:
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What happens if my current zone does not allow for a use? |
Sometimes there are situations where the zone applied to a property does not meet the intent or the desires of a property owner. An application to amend the Zoning By-law can be made that is evaluated by municipal staff with a decision on the application made by Town Council. |
Zoning Changes |
A zoning change (also known as a Zoning By-law amendment or rezoning) may be required to use or develop a property in a way that is not allowed in the Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Council approval is required, but a change can only be considered if the new use is allowed under the Town's Official Plan. The various steps for a Zoning By-law change/amendment are:
When considering a Zoning By-law amendment, Council evaluates the application based on specific criteria, including:
After hearing all comments and concerns, Council may decide to pass, change or reject the proposed by-law amendment. Subsequent to any decision, there is the right to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Resources:Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2016-088 |