A Zoning By-law controls the use of land in a community and generally sets out:

• how land and buildings may be used,
• where buildings and other structures can be located, and
• lot sizes, and dimensions, parking requirements, and building heights.

The Official Plan sets out a municipality’s general policies for future land use. A Zoning By-law implements the Official Plan and provides for its day-to-day administration. A Zoning By-law contains specific requirements that are legally enforceable. Construction or new development that does not comply with a Zoning By-law is not allowed and a municipality will refuse to issue a building permit.

There are four general Zoning By-laws, each containing numerous amendments that apply to the City. Each By-law is composed of text and a series of maps.

The By-laws:

• divide the City into zones,
• specify uses allowed in each zone,
• establish building setbacks related to property lines, and
  include regulations on other matters such as building heights, building coverage, parking requirements, and setbacks from the street for buildings and structures.

Pickering Zoning By-laws can be changed. A Zoning By-law is not a static document; it changes regularly, usually in small ways. The Ontario Planning Act and Regulations establish a process, which allows a Council or an individual to request an amendment to the Zoning By-law at any time. The process is intended to achieve the following objectives:

• provide fair notice to all those who might have an interest in the proposed amendment,
• to allow people to provide input to Council on the proposed amendment, and
• provide an opportunity to challenge a Council decision at the Ontario Municipal Board.

People may have very different reasons for wanting to change the Zoning By-law. Generally speaking, however, the owner wants to establish a use on a property that is permissible by the current Official Plan, but is not permitted by the current zoning by-law.

For further information on the amendment process, click on Committee of Adjustment, or contact the Planning & Development Department at 905.420.4617.

For more information about land-use planning, visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website:

• MAH Citizens Guide to Land Use Planning