Zoning By-law
The Township of Wellesley Zoning By-law is a legal document, which is used to control the use and development of properties and buildings.
Zoning places properties into categories such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural.
Each of the zoning categories has a list of permitted uses and regulations that include things such as:
- Lot size
- Lot frontage
- Building size
- Building yard setbacks
- Building height
- Parking
How Do I Find the Zoning for My Property?
View theTownship of Wellesley GeoHUBand our Zoning By-law webmap to search by address.
View PDF versions of the Zoning By-law text and maps on ourBy-law page.
Zoning By-law amendments
You can make changes to the Zoning By-law by following the Zoning By-Law amendment process. Amendments are reviewed and considered by Council at a public meeting. A zoning amendment is typically required when a new or additional use is requested for a property and/or several lot regulations can't be complied with. More information about zoning amendments can be found on the Zoning By-law amendment application form.
What is the Zoning By-law Amendment Process?
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.
Before council passes a Zoning By-law, it must first give as much information as possible to the public. There must also be at least one public meeting before a bylaw is passed and everyone who attends the meeting must have a chance to speak. Notice of this meeting is given at least 20 days in advance, either through local newspapers or by mail and posted notice. The general planning process for a Zoning By-law amendment application is described in the following graphic:
How is a Zoning By-law Amendment evaluated?
When it considers a Zoning By-law amendment, Council evaluates it against criteria such as:
- conformity with the official plan and compatibility with adjacent uses of land
- suitability of the land for the proposed purpose, including the size and shape of the lot(s)
- adequacy of vehicular access, water supply, sewage disposal
When council considers a Zoning By-law, its decision shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) issued under the Planning Act and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This means that Council must ensure that the policies of the PPS and Growth Plan are applied as an essential part of the land use planning decision-making process. The PPS and Growth Plan contain policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning that must be followed like, for example:
- Promoting efficient development and land use patterns
- Ensuring an appropriate range and mix of housing types are accommodated in the community
- Accommodating a range of housing options through intensification of existing settlements areas and development of new residential areas
How can you get involved?
If you have concerns about a proposed Zoning By-law amendment that may affect you, you can:
- find out as much as possible about the proposed By-law and how it affects your property
- go to any information sessions and public meetings to give your opinions
- discuss the proposal with municipal staff and Council members
- make a written submission to Council
Minor variances
A minor variance can be considered when the changes to the Zoning By-law regulation are considered to be minor.
The Committee of Adjustment handles applications for the following:
- Minor variances from the provisions of a Zoning By-law; and
- Enlargement, extension or alteration of a legal non-conforming use of land, buildings or structures.
Complete minor variance application form to begin the process.
How to use the Zoning By-law
Use the following steps to find out what your property is zoned:
- Use the key map to find the detailed zoning map that your property is on.
- Locate your property on the detailed zoning map (Schedule A and Schedules B-L). Find your property and identify the zone that it is in by the letter and number code (i.e., A1, UR, UC, SC, DI, etc.).
- Find your zone section in the Zoning By-law.
- Review the zoning regulations that are contained in the zones that apply to your property (these will provide you with permitted uses, lot sizes, setbacks, etc.).
- Don't forget to look at the General Provisions (Section 4) section of the Zoning By-law as some of this section might also apply to your lands.
If you have any questions about the Zoning By-law please contact the Planning department.