We are reviewing the existing Zoning By-law to ensure it aligns with the Municipality of Grey Highlands Official Plan, reflects current zoning practices and works for you and your neighbours today and in the future.
What is a Zoning By-law? |
Every property within Grey Highlands is subject to policies in the Zoning By-law. A zoning by-law is a legal document passed under Section 34 of the Planning Act. It is considered “applicable law” under the Ontario Building Code Act and is intended to reduce conflict between incompatible land uses, as well as to be an implementation tool that gives effect to the Municipality’s Official Plan. A zoning by-law contains provisions to control:
The by-law consists of maps to show what zone each property is in and the permitted uses for each zone. |
Why is the Municipality updating the Zoning By-law? |
The Planning Act mandates that Municipalities update their Zoning By-laws within three years of updating their Official Plans to ensure alignment between the two documents. The Official Plan was last updated in 2017, and the Zoning By-law is overdue for an update for alignment purposes. The Zoning By-law determines what land uses are and are not permitted on all properties within a municipality. Over time, it is common for Zoning By-laws to prohibit land uses that are necessary to address the changing needs of society. Updating the Zoning By-law will result in a set of land use regulations that more effectively, efficiently, and fairly address the needs of our community.
For further information on the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, Citizen’s Guide to Land Use Planning, Grey County Official Plan, and Municipality of Grey Highlands Official Plan please visit: |
What will the Comprehensive Review include? |
The comprehensive Zoning By-law review will include: • General Zoning By-law discussion including why they exist and their purpose The comprehensive Zoning By-law review will not:
|
Where are we at? |
Phase 1 - We are here! • First draft Zoning By-law is prepared • Committee of the Whole meeting • Public consultation • Public Open Houses • Committee of the Whole meeting to review public input • Changes are made to First Draft as directed by Council
Phase 2 • Second draft Zoning By-law is prepared • Public consultation • Public Open Houses • Committee of the Whole meeting to review public input • Changes are made to Second Draft as directed by Council
Phase 3 • Final draft Zoning By-law is prepared • Mapping is updated • Exemptions are reviewed • Pubic consultation • Public Open Houses • Changes are made to Final draft Zoning By-law • Council approval and adoption of Zoning By-law |
How can you participate in this process? |
The Zoning By-law review project will include several open houses across the municipality. We are developing timelines for public engagement and creating a project website to keep the public informed and get valuable feedback into the Zoning By-law. The Municipality welcomes and encourages the public to participate in this process. Comments can be provided by written submission to: The Municipality of Grey Highlands Email: zonegh@greyhighlands.ca Dates for public open houses will be advertised in the coming weeks. |
How does the Zoning By-law Review affect me? |
The Zoning By-law defines permitted uses for all lands and regulations for all buildings and structures in Grey Highlands. Before changing the use of a property or constructing new buildings, you need to consults the Zoning by-law to see what is permitted. The new by-law will reflect current zoning practices and includes new use permissions for you and your neighbours today, and into he future. |
First draft Zoning By-law now available |
A first draft of the new Zoning By-law is now available. |
Parking Minimum Discussion Paper |
Questions have been raised on why parking is addressed the way it is within the draft zoning by-law. This paper was developed to provide background information and insights from the Manager of Planning on parking minimums and to try to answer any further questions that may arise on this topic. You can read the paper here: Parking Minimum Discussion Paper |
Stay up-to-date |
Subscribe below and you'll be notified of upcoming Open Houses, public consultation and more.
Your comments on the draft Zoning By-law are very valuable and welcomed. The Zoning By-law review is an ongoing exchange between the municipality and the community.
Ensure your comments and ideas are considered during the review process by submitting your feedback to: zonegh@greyhighlands.ca. |
Resources |
Zoning By-law Review Project Information Sheet |
Contact Us