Zoning

The zoning governs the use of land. Every property is placed into one or more zones which permit certain uses. The zoning also determines the minimum lot size and sets where you can build on a property through setbacks from the property lines. 

Zone maps

You can look up what your property is zoned by using the County GIS mapping system. You can also call, email or drop by the Township Office. It is best to make an appointment so staff can look up the information ahead of time. 

Zoning information is also displayed on the zone maps provided below. The GIS is a better tool for determining the zoning of a property as it offers a search tool to locate your property within the Township. It also offers measurement tools, aerial view and other great information. To use the zone maps provided below, you will need to know the location within the Township to navigate around the correct map. 

Please note that when reviewing the GIS and zone maps below, a property owner may have completed a zoning by-law amendment to change the zoning of the property. Although this information is reguarly consolidated on the GIS and zone maps, it always best to contact planning staff if you are unsure.

 Zoning By-law

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law was passed in October of 2010. The Zoning By-law text for each Zone identifies the permitted uses, lot size, setbacks and overall site requirements. An office consolidation of the Zoning Text including Zoning By-law Amendments (ZBAs) passed for new developments can be found below.

Council may amend, repeal or replace a By-law so please contact the Junior Planner to ensure you are viewing the latest version. Original By-laws and Zoning By-law Amendments can be accessed by using CivicWeb. You will need to know the By-law number to select the year or you can search in the top left corner of the page. 

TIP: You can do an advanced search by clicking the magnifying glass on the search bar in the top left corner of the CivicWeb page. To filter the results so that only By-laws appear, click By-laws under the "Select Location" heading. You can search by civic address, By-law number or By-law type (for example- Kennel). 

Zoning text

To use the Office Consolidation of Zoning By-law text, first look up your property's zone using the County GIS mapping system or zone maps provided above. The zoning is displayed by lettered codes. For example A is Agriculture, HR is Hamlet Residential, RR is Rural Residential, RU is Rural, etc.   

If your zone has both letters and a number like RR-1, this means that there are special exceptions for your Rural Residential (RR) property. RR-1 is found in the Rural Residential zone text. Look for the list of special exceptions to find RR-1.

Do not forget to check out the definitions, particularly for the permitted uses. The General Provisions are where you will find the rules for accessory buildings, outside display or storage as well as special setbacks between residential uses and other uses such as barns, commercial/industrial activities, gravel pits, landfill sites, salvage yards and watercourses. 

Section 1 By-law Interpretation and Administration

Section 2 Zone Classification and Interpretation

Section 3 Definitions

Section 4 General Provisions

Section 5 Rural (RU) Zone

Section 6 Agricultural (A) Zone

Section 7 Rural Residential (RR) Zone

Section 8 Hamlet Residential (HR) Zone

Section 9 Shoreline Residential (SR) Zone

Section 10 Estate Residential (ER) Zone

Section 11 Limited Service Residential (LSR) Zone

Section 12 General Commercial (GC) Zone

Section 13 Local Commercial (LC) Zone

Section 14 Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone

Section 15 General Industrial (MG) Zone

Section 16 Extractive Industrial (ME) Zone

Section 17 Waste Disposal Industrial (MD) Zone

Section 18 Community Facililty (CF) Zone

Section 19 Open Space (OS) Zone

Section 20 Future Development (FD) Zone

Section 21 Environmental Protection (EP) Zone

Section 22 Penalties and Adoption

Zoning changes

If your proposal does not fit within the permitted uses of a Zone or your property cannot meet the zoning requirements, you may apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA). In some cases, a Minor Variance / Minor Variance Guide (MV) is possible.

Both ZBA and MV are applications under the Planning Act. Neighbouring property owners will be notified and a Public Meeting or Public Hearing will be held. In the case of a ZBA, Council will pass a by-law if they support the application. Council sitting as the Committee of Adjustment makes the decision on an MV and may set conditions.  

Anyone objecting to the ZBA or MV application may appeal a decision of Council to the Ontario Municipal Board.

It is strongly recommended that you preconsult with the Township before making an application for a ZBA or MV.  Contact the Building & Planning Office to arrange an appointment to discuss your proposal.

Fees

These fees do not include the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) fees.

Pre-consultation for a Zoning By-law Amendment or Minor Variance application is free and required.

All planning application deposits are initial deposits towards legal and planning costs. The applicant is responsible for any and all legal, planning and administrative costs and will be invoiced accordingly throughout the application process.

To access the full planning fee schedule click here.