Zoning By-laws
A Zoning By-law is a legislative instrument that controls the use of the land in a community. The By-law determines:
- how land may be used;
- where buildings and other structures can be located;
- the types of buildings permitted on a property and how they may be used;
- lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street, water and property lines.
The Official Plan sets out the policies for future land use. Zoning By-laws put the plan into effect and provide for its day-to-day administration. They contain specific requirements that are legally enforceable. Construction or new development that does not comply with a Zoning By-law is not allowed, and the Village of Merrickville-Wolford will not issue a building permit.
Before you apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment, you should talk to Village staff for advice and information. You must complete an application form which requires information identified by the province and the municipality.
Applications are also available at the Municipal Office.
Get In Touch
317 Brock Street West,
P.O. Box 340
Merrickville, Ontario, K0G 1N0
Phone: 613-269-4791
Fax: 613-269-3095
Clerk
Email:
Zoning By-law Amendment - Approval Process
Timeline: 3-5 Months
Pre-consultation Meeting
- Applicant meets with staff to discuss the proposed amendment.
- Staff will identify any studies or supporting documentation that may be required.
- Note that certain studies may be required to be peer reviewed.
- Early consultation with local departments and external agencies is strongly recommended.
Complete Application Submission
- Applicant will prepare and submit an application form, the required plans and documents, and the application fee.
Application Review
- Within 30 days of filing the application (including payment), the applicant will be advised in writing as to whether the submission is complete or incomplete.
Public Notice / Circulation
- Should the application be deemed complete, a Notice of Public Meeting will be sent at least 20 days before the scheduled meeting to property owners within 120 m of the subject lands.
- Application is circulated to internal departments/ external agencies.
Council Meeting
- Planner prepares a Planning Report reviewing the merits of the application.
- Public Meeting is scheduled before Village Council.
- Council holds a public meeting, receives comments, reviews planning report and proposed zoning by-law amendment.
Decision
- The Notice of Decision will be sent to the applicant and any person who made a written request for notice.
Appeal Rights
- The application is eligible for appeal no earlier than 20 days after the date the decision is signed.
- If no appeal is received, the By-law becomes effective on the date of passage.
- Note: Third-party appeals are no longer permitted. Only the applicant, local municipality, a public body, or specified person under the Planning Act may appeal the decision.
FAQs
If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not allowed by the Zoning By-law, you may apply for a zoning change, also known as a Zoning By-law amendment or a rezoning.
Council can consider a change only if the new use is allowed by the Official Plan. Otherwise you must also apply for an Official Plan Amendment.
