Zoning By-Law Update
Zoning By-Laws- What are they?
A zoning by-law controls the use of land in your community. It states exactly:
- 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, and
- the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street.
An official plan sets out the municipality’s general policies for future land use. Zoning by-laws put the plan into effect and provide for its day-to-day administration. They contain specific requirements that are legally enforceable. Construction or new development that doesn’t comply with a zoning by-law is not allowed, and the municipality will refuse to issue a building permit.
A zoning by-law divides the municipality into different land-use zones, with detailed maps. The by-law specifies the permitted uses (e.g. commercial or residential) and the required standards (e.g. building size and location) in each zone.
By-Law 32-2008 | Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Zoning By-Law
The Zoning By-law was passed on June 3rd, 2008 under Section 34 of The Planning Act. It implements the Official Plan for the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh which was adopted by the Council. The Zoning By-law comprises both text and zoning maps on which is delineated the various zones created in the By-law.
The purpose of this By-law is to provide the Corporation of the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh with regulations which will affect control over all forms of land use or other related matters within the Township.
Such regulations have been deemed necessary and in the public interest by local Council in order that possible conflicts between existing and proposed land uses can be minimized or reduced in the future.
It is the intention of the Council that this Zoning By-law will be effective until circumstances change to such a degree that a revision and updating of the By-law is required.
The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Council have determined that it is time to update the Zoning By-law, following the review of the ACW Official Plan in 2022.
Background
From 2020 through 2022, Council undertook a review of the ACW Official Plan. The updated Plan was informed by meetings with Council, open houses and consultation with agencies and members of the public, and public meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act. Amendments to the Plan included both policy (text) and designation (mapping) changes. The updated Official Plan was subsequently approved by Huron County Council in 2022. While a small portion of policy and designation amendments remain under appeal, the remainder of the Plan is in full force and effect.
To implement changes in the updated Official Plan, an update to the ACW Zoning By-law is necessary. Further, the Planning Act requires the Zoning By-law to be updated to conform to the policies in the updated Official Plan within one year. Council has approved funding for this project in the 2023 budget.
Nature of the Update
The nature of the update would include, but not be limited to:
- Applying a ‘Housing Friendly’ lens, including reviewing additional residential unit provisions and general residential provisions in accordance with update Official Plan policy;
- Updating zoning mapping to conform to the updated Official Plan designations; and
- Any other changes deemed to be desirable or a correction during the review process.
Proposed Timeline
Zoning By-law Update | Mapping Changes
Determine the area you live in and select the index number below to view a PDF map.
Important - These maps are dated July 13, 2023. Any changes relating to site specific requests will be updated after the Open House.
Rural Areas
I09 - I16 | J10 - J14
Urban Areas
Zoning By-law Update | Open Houses
- Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at St Helens Hall from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Kingsbridge Centre from 1:00-8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at the Municipal Office from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Zoning By-law Update | Progress Report
On October 10, 2023 Planner, Celina Whaling-Rae provided Council with a report updating them on the progress of this project.
Zoning By-law Update | Public Meeting
The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) has initiated a review of its Zoning By-law. Any changes approved would apply across the Township as a whole. Following the hosting of open houses, a public meeting in which the Zoning By-law Amendment may be considered will be held on Thursday, February 15th 2024 at 7:00pm in the Township Council Chambers, 82133 Council Line, RR5 Goderich.