In this past year as a first time Councillor, I found myself wanting with respect to zoning and planning. When I first took office there was so much to learn (and still is) … what to do first? If I had it to do over again I would have spent way more time getting clear on zoning and severance issues.
My apologies to those who know all this stuff already but I thought some of you may benefit from what follows. I put it together from a few sources.
“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
the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street.” (source, Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing website)
The value of a piece of property can be affected significantly by its zoning so when you are considering buying something make sure you are very clear on the zoning. Each “Zone” also has details of what is allowed. For instance it is not good enough just to know that something is zoned Commercial. You need to know what is considered under Commercial. In Trent Hills Zoning By Law 2010-105 there are tables detailing the zoning and the permitted uses within those zones. (www.trenthills.ca/en/services/zoning_bylaws.asp).
A single piece of property can have more than one zone on it. Mine for example has Rural Residential and Environmental Control (EC). This means that the Lower Trent Conservation Authority has control over what may be done within the EC zone on my property. This isn’t a hardship since the zone is down by the creek at the back of the property but it is important to realize that if I ever thought it would be great to have a business back in there with cabins along the creek for example it would be virtually impossible to get approval.
Property buyers please ask all the questions relating to any future plans you may have for your future property …before you buy.
When I started this Blog I thought I would be writing every week .. not so. I seem to be lucky to have alignment of inspiration, research, creative flow and time about once every 2 months!
