What is a Zoning By-Law Amendment?

When you submit a building permit or planning application, your project will be compared with the rules  set out in the Zoning By-law. Our Zoning By-law sets rules for properties within the Township. Some rules, for example, define properties by zones. Each zone then has its own rules, such as on the uses permitted, , property sizes, setbacks, building height, and so on.

A Zoning By-Law amendment changes the rules set by the Zoning By-Law for a piece of land. This changes to the rules or requirements change the By-Law for a piece of land. As the application changes the By-Law, it is not a minor change and so is different from a Minor Variance. If your project is not minor and needs requirements under the Zoning By-Law changed, you may apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment..

Occasionally, the Planning Department will receive a separate application and let you know immediately that a Zoning By-Law amendment is required first.

The process is the same in both cases, i.e. where needed for your project or where needed by another application. The Planning Department first presents their recommendation to a committee known as the Planning Advisory Committee. The Planning Advisory Committee then informs Council with their recommendation. Council then decides and does not have to agree with the recommendation. The decision by Council is final subject to appeal.

Pre-Consultation Meeting

Request an Appointment

 

The Township’s Planning Department is committed to working with the public and strongly encourages pre-consultation meetings with staff prior to making an application. In these meetings, staff from the Planning Department can provide details on process and may comment on if a recommending approval seems possible. 

Contact the Planning Department

Notices in the Mail

If you received notice in the mail about a Zoning By-law amendment application and public meeting, it is because your property is within 120 metres of the subject property. For more information about the application, or to provide your comments, please contact the Planning Department at planning@russell.ca.

For frequently asked questions on Zoning By-Law Amendments, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.