Guelph-Eramosa will have a new comprehensive zoning bylaw come Sept. 2 if there are no appeals received by Sept. 1.
“A comprehensive zoning bylaw is a precise document used by the Township of Guelph/Eramosa … to regulate the use of land,” the new bylaw states. “It states which land uses are currently permitted in the township and provides other detailed information.”
On Aug. 8 the township council passed the new comprehensive zoning bylaw, a process that began in early 2015.
“The township’s zoning bylaw implements the objectives and policies of the Wellington County Official Plan,” the bylaw states. “The zoning bylaw acts as a legal tool under Ontario’s Planning Act for managing the use of land and future development in the township.
“Zoning bylaws also protect property owners from the development of conflicting land uses. Any use of land or the construction or use of any building or structure not specifically authorized by this bylaw is prohibited.”
The comprehensive zoning bylaw hasn’t had major updates since 1999.
During the revision process there were 26 reports to township committees and council, seven events and many discussions with agencies and the public.
“It’s been a long road,” said Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White. “Worthwhile, absolutely to try to get this stuff current.”
Any individual whose property will be impacted by the new comprehensive zoning bylaw was contacted by mail.
The comprehensive zoning bylaw review looked at 11 aspects of the current comprehensive zoning bylaw including: accessory apartments; agricultural zone diversification and rural home industry; garden suites; shipping containers; zone options for increasing conformity with the Official Plan; home occupations; commercial zones; parking regulations; prohibited uses of kennels and food carts; industrial zones; and the process of implementing the new comprehensive zoning bylaw.
In addition the township is upgrading its zoning bylaw mapping process moving from paper maps to digital maps.
“That’s got a couple of advantages,” said township planning consultant Dan Currie of MHBC Planning at the Aug. 8 meeting. “It’s more accurate but also probably more importantly for residents is it will be updated at a very regular basis … As we pass zoning bylaw amendments, shortly after that amendment is approved those changes can be made to the map.”
Throughout this process no properties were rezoned, Currie explained, however, the hazard and environmental protection zones were updated to match and conform to the Wellington County Official Plan.
“The majority of them were actual reductions of the hazard zone … on their property although some weren’t and … all of those folks have been informed,” he explained.
Through various public meetings and submissions the township heard about public concerns. Former planning associate Kelsey Lang indicated in the planning department report that all the questions have been answered.
Four commenters suggested the removal of the regulation prohibiting kennels. The topic was discussed three times in committee and council directed staff to permit the use in agricultural zones.
During the appeal timeframe any zoning bylaw amendment applications will have to conform to the old and new bylaw to ensure it’s covered regardless of the appeal outcome, Currie explained.
Barring an appeal prior to Sept. 1, the new comprehensive zoning bylaw for Guelph-Eramosa Township will be in effect on Sept. 2. The old bylaw will be repealed at that time.
Under the new planning act it’s suggested there be a two year moratorium on zoning bylaw amendments and minor variances, Currie said. However, council amended the bylaw to allow amendments and minor variances to proceed as normal after the new bylaw comes into effect.
The full comprehensive zoning bylaw can be viewed at http://get.on.ca/town-hall/committee/mayorandcouncil.aspx/meetings.aspx.
