Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie is creating a new comprehensive zoning bylaw, which is designed to implement the vision and policies of Barrie’s adopted Official Plan currently awaiting approval by the province. The second draft of the new zoning bylaw is now posted for public review and feedback.
Draft 2.0 (when released) will help reconcile over 600 Special Provisions (SPs) currently in-effect. SPs are established through a stand-alone zoning by-law amendment – one that provides an area or an individual property with a set of specific permissions, regulations, or other interpretive clauses.
To reconcile these special provisions, owners of a property subject to a special provision must determine if the new draft Zoning By-law appropriately addresses the unique characteristics of their property or development.
More information regarding special provisions will be sent directly to all property owners affected.
City staff will host an open house and public meetings in fall 2023 for feedback on the second draft. Then, it’s expected that the final zoning bylaw will be shared for council’s consideration for adoption before the end of the year.
The draft is a working document that is subject to change. Residents, businesses, and industry stakeholders are invited to review the bylaw and provide feedback.
Changes include density increases, greater variety of housing types, parking districts, and the potential of allowing backyard chickens in the future, pending council approval.
Documents are available at buildingbarrie.ca/zoning.
