A zoning bylaw controls the use and development of all lands, buildings, and structures within the municipality. The zoning bylaw specifically lists permitted uses and required standards such as the location of structures, building types and setbacks, parking requirements and building heights, among other provisions. A zoning bylaw divides the municipality into different land use zones with detailed maps that specify the permitted uses and the required standards in each zone.
If a proposed use or structure on a property does not meet the requirements of the Zoning By-law, the owner may apply for a Zoning By-law amendment, also known as a 'rezoning'. A proposed zoning change must conform to the Official Plan, or an Official Plan amendment may also be required. The application form and a guide to the Zoning By-law amendment process are available on the County of Huron website. There is an application fee for rezoning applications.
One of the municipality's primary tools for implementing its Official Plan, is the zoning bylaw. North Huron’s Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw contains definitions, general provisions, zones/zoning maps and zone provisions. Zoning bylaws are legally enforceable documents. Also, we have provided Zoning Maps to indicate the zones within the Township of North Huron.
An accessible version of the Township of North Huron Zoning By-law (Consolidated) can be viewed here.
Update to North Huron Zoning By-law in 2023
The Township of North Huron is currently undergoing a review of the Zoning By-law to include both text and mapping updates. The current North Huron Zoning By-law is being updated to conform to the recently updated Township of North Huron Official Plan, and changes in provincial legislation. On October 2, 2023, the Township of North Huron Council approved the amendment. Currently, the amendment is within the 20-day appeal period and is now in effect.
The following is a timeline of the process to date, opportunities for public consultation were provided throughout the process:
February 2023 - Initiation of process
March 2023 - First draft of amendment with text and mapping changes to be presented
April 20-21, 2023 - In-person open house hosted in Blyth and Wingham
July 2023 - Second draft of amendment with text and mapping changes to be presented
September 18, 2023 - Statutory Public Meeting held and third draft amendment received
October 2, 2023 – final version of amendment with text and mapping changes presented and Council made decision to pass the amendment as per recommendations of County Planner.
October 2023 – appeal period on decision (currently on-going)
Summary of Changes:
A number of changes are included Zoning By-law Amendment as a result of the review. The proposed changes are informed by direction in the recently updated North Huron Official Plan. If approved, these changes would apply across the Township of North Huron. Key proposed changes include:
- Permitting additional residential units in both urban and agricultural settings;
- Permitting a wider range of residential buildings in urban areas;
- Updating zoning (mapping) for urban settlement, agricultural, natural environment, and flood hazard areas.
Your Rights:
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of North Huron before the Zoning By-law Amendment is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Township of North Huron to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
If a person or public body does not make an oral submission at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of North Huron before the Zoning By-law Amendment is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Board, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body.
Members of the public who provided written comment or submitted a formal request will receive a Notice of Passing following the decision outlining the appeal period.Copy of Approved Amendment
A copy of the approved amendment based on Council direction on October 2, 2023 is available for review at the following links. These attachments also include tracked changes of the text and mapping changes for information.
Approved Text Amendment
Approved Map (Zone) Amendment
Zoning by-law Amendments |
When you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not permitted by the Zoning By-law, you may have to apply for a zoning change, which is also known as a Zoning By-law Amendment or a rezoning. A change can only be considered if the new use is allowed by the Official Plan. Local municipalities have approval authority for Zoning By-law amendments. Additional resources |
DISCLAIMER
In any situation where the printed zoning maps or text document of the Township of North Huron differs from electronic versions contained in this website, the official printed publications take precedence. Users of this electronic information should verify it with the printed official information before acting on it. Official versions of all zoning maps and related information can be obtained from the Planning Department.
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