Zoning

Town of Bracebridge Zoning Map

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Zoning By-Law

The Zoning By-law is in place to implement the policies outlined in the Town's Official Plan which contains general policies that guide the use of land throughout the municipality. These policies specify where certain land uses are permitted and, in some instances, specify what regulations should apply to the development of certain lands. 

A Zoning By-law can: 

  • Prohibit the use of land or buildings for any use that is not specifically permitted by the By-law;
  • Prohibit the erection or sitting of buildings and structures on a lot except in locations permitted by 
    the By-law;
  • Regulate the type of construction and the height, bulk, location, size, floor area, spacing, and use 
    of buildings or structures;
  • Regulate the minimum frontage and depth of a parcel of land;
  • Regulate the proportion of a lot that any building or structure may occupy;
  • Regulate the minimum elevation of doors, windows or other openings in buildings or structures;
  • Require parking and loading facilities be provided and maintained for a purpose permitted by the 
    By-law; and,
  • Prohibit the use of lands and the erection of buildings or structures on land. 

Review the Zoning By-Law 2016-088 Review the Housekeeping By-law 2020-017

Zoning by-laws regulate how land and buildings are used, the location, size and height of buildings and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development.

The Town of Bracebridge's Zoning By-law establishes and regulates the use of land by implementing the policies of the Town of Bracebridge Official Plan.  It provides the municipality with a legally enforceable means of regulating land use and scale and intensity of development. Zoning also serves to protect areas by preventing incompatible uses, and establishing appropriate standards for development. Zoning by-laws contain specific, legal regulations - for example, what uses are permitted, how high buildings can be constructed, the maximum number of residential units allowed and the amount of off-street parking required.

The Town is divided into "zones", where different land uses are permitted and the zones are based on the land use designations in the Town's Official Plan. Within these zones specific uses are permitted depending upon the type and location of the zone.  These zones include specifications for development standards such as setbacks, lot coverage, service requirements, etc.

In Bracebridge there are a number of primary types of zones in the urban area including:

  • Residential
  • Commercial/Tourist Commercial
  • Industrial
  • Institutional
  • Open Space

In the rural and waterfront areas, primary types of zones include:

  • Rural
  • Rural Residential
  • Rural Industrial
  • Tourist Commercial
  • Seasonal Residential
  • Environmental Protection

Sometimes there are situations where the zone applied to a property does not meet the intent or the desires of a property owner.  An application to amend the Zoning By-law can be made that is evaluated by municipal staff with a decision on the application made by Town Council.

Zoning By-law Amendment (Rezoning)

A zoning change (also known as a Zoning By-law Amendment or Rezoning) may be required to use or develop a property in a way that is not permitted in the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Council approval is required, but a change can only be considered if the new use is allowed under the Town's Official Plan.

Prior to making an application to amend the Zoning By-law, staff strongly encourage a pre-consultation.

  • Submit a complete application, including all fees and background studies at the time the application is submitted.
  • Applications are circulated to Town departments as well as interested external agencies and departments for comment.
  • Applications are circulated to nearby property owners as required under the Planning Act.
  • A public meeting is held for nearby property owner to provide comments on the application and for the Town's Planning and Development Committee to learn more about the application.
  • Staff prepare a report and presentation for the Town's Planning and Development Committee that includes:
    • All agency comments;
    • Property characteristics and features;
    • Policies that apply to the property;
    • Staff's recommendation on the application.

When considering a Zoning By-law amendment, Council evaluates the application based on specific criteria, including:

  • Conformity with the Official Plan and compatibility with adjacent uses of land;
  • Suitability of the land for the proposed purpose, including the size and shape of the lot(s);
  • Adequacy of vehicular access, water supply, sewage disposal; and
  • The need to ensure protection from potential flooding.

After hearing all comments and concerns, Council may decide to pass, change or reject the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. Subsequent to any decision, there is the right to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.  

Rezoning Application Form

Resources

 

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