Currently, the City of Toronto has 43 different zoning bylaws inherited from the six pre-amalgamation municipalities. When stacked on top of each other, the volumes containing the current zoning bylaws stand 1.2 metres high and weigh 34.5 kilograms. A draft new City-wide zoning  bylaw is now available online.

The purpose of zoning bylaws is to regulate the use, size, height, density and location of buildings on properties. The City’s 43 current zoning bylaws are similar in content but they differ in their methods of approach. The new draft zoning bylaw proposes a common terminology, structure and set of defined zoning terms applicable across the City.

It also proposes to maintain current development standards (height, density, setbacks and use). Adopting a City-wide bylaw will make the system easier for residents, customers and staff to use. For example, design professionals can become familiar with one bylaw and apply that knowledge across the entire city. The draft new zoning bylaw introduces regulations for hazardous substances, such as propane, to increase separation distances from residential uses.

Zoning affects every property in the city. Harmonizing the previous bylaws into one bylaw allows for more efficient management of zoning-related matters and quicker responses to residents and City Council inquiries. The new zoning bylaw will also be accessible online, making it easy for anyone to search for zoning information about a property of interest.

Open Houses were held over this summer to give residents an opportunity to understand the approach taken in creating the new zoning bylaw. A report summarizing the comments received during the consultation period will be submitted to the Planning and Growth Management committee on November 4th, with recommendations of the committee being sent to City Council in early 2010.

For more information on the draft new zoning bylaw, please visit www.toronto.ca/zoning.