Municipality of Sioux Lookout

What is a Zoning By-Law?

A zoning by-law is a set of standards which implement the Official Plan policies. It is very specific on such items as the permitted uses of land, location of buildings and the density of buildings.

The Municipal Comprehensive By-Law No. 23-11 was passed by Council on April 20, 2011 and came into effect on the Minister's approval of the Official Plan on December 2, 2011.  It contains detailed provisions which development must adhere to in the waterfront, community and rural designations.

What is a Zoning By-Law Amendment?

When a proposal cannot meet the requirements of the by-law or a new use of land is being proposed, the by-law requires an amendment. If the proposal requires a change of use, this is referred to as a zoning by-law amendment or rezoning. In the case of a proposal which will not change the use but will not meet the other requirements of the by-law (e.g. yard setbacks, lot area) this is known as an exemption to the by-law.

In accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, applications can be received. The applications are circulated to certain agencies and neighbouring properties within the immediate area. A public meeting is held and Council makes a decision based on comments from the various agencies, neighbours, municipal staff and the Department of Development Services.

Zoning By-Law as a Condition of Consent:

Lot creation by way of severance is known as a “consent”. There are times when a new lot is felt appropriate but is not quite large enough or existing buildings are too close to a new lot line. A condition may be imposed that requires the lot or buildings to conform to the by-law by way of an amendment to the by-law. This condition must be completed before the lot can be created.

An application for an exemption to the by-law with respect to lot size, zoning, etc., can be processed/considered at the same time as the consent application. Processing both the consent application and zoning by-law amendment is known as a “concurrent application”.

Items Considered When Reviewing a Zoning By-Law Amendment:

A review of an application and the circulation to other agencies would include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

1. conformity with the Official Plan;
2. compatibility with surrounding land uses;
3. impact on neighbours;
4. affect on the natural environment including: floodplains, wetlands, mineral aggregates;
5. visual impact;
6. impact on roads;
7. past decisions on similar matters.

Submissions Requirements (after preconsultation):

1. Fee: $600.00
2. Completed application form
3. Concept Plan Showing:
   
   1. location of property;
   2. property boundaries;
   3. north arrow, scale;
   4. location of existing and proposed buildings;
   5. details of proposed buildings (size, height)
   6. location of buildings on abutting properties.

Length of Time for Approval:

This depends on the complexity of the proposal and receipt of comments but the process usually takes two (2) to four (4) months.

Submit to (after preconsultation):