Zoning By-laws

Zoning bylaws are a set of regulations governing land uses that implement the policies in the Official Plan. A zoning bylaw contains specific requirements that provide a way of managing land use and future development that is legally enforceable. It also protects property owners from conflicting land uses. Zoning bylaws cover such items as the use of land, where buildings and other structures may be located, the types of buildings that are permitted, and how they may be used, lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, landscape and buffer requirements, building heights, and setbacks from property lines. Zoning bylaws are regulated by Section 34 of the Ontario Planning Act.

Currently, the City of Quinte West is operating with four parent zoning by-laws, being By-law #77-3359 (Trenton Ward), By-law # 2076-80 (Sidney Ward), By-law  #78-694 (Murray Ward) and #79-816 (Frankford Ward), which govern land uses within the City's municipal boundaries by Ward. Each bylaw divides the municipality into different land use zones, with detailed maps. The map symbol on the zoning map is used to determine uses and standards for properties within that zone. Special exceptions or site-specific restrictions may apply. Therefore, it is recommended that zoning inquiries be directed to Planning & Development Services staff. 

Zoning By-law Amendments and Applications

Section 34 of the Planning Act gives City Council the authority to adopt Zoning bylaws in conformity with its Official Plan. Zoning amendments provide a way to change zoning regulations for individual properties. All applications for rezoning shall conform to the Official Plan and shall consider relevant provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines.

Depending on the complexity of the rezoning request, an applicant may be required to submit additional information and supporting studies, such as traffic impact studies, noise and/or vibration study or an environmental impact assessment. Prior to submission, a meeting with an Area Planner in Planning & Development Services is recommended. Applications may be returned if incomplete or if no pre-consultation has occurred.

Planning staff prepare a report to the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), which is appointed by Council to review the report, hold public meetings to meet legislative requirements, and make recommendations to Council. The recommendations are recorded in minutes, which are forwarded to Council for final approval. The decision of Council may be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board subject to meeting regulations of the Ontario Planning Act.

Oak Lake Zoning Amendment Application

Zoning By-law Amendment Application