FAQs

A Zoning By-law sets out the rules for how we develop and use land. The by-law tells us things like:

• What a property can be used for (e.g., commercial or residential);
• Minimum lot sizes;
• Where buildings can be placed (distance between edge of property and building);
• How tall, what size, and how many buildings can be built on a property (including rules for accessory structures like sheds and gazebos); and,
• How many parking spaces are needed, and where the parking parking spaces can be located.

The Planning Act requires that a municipality's zoning by-law conforms with its official plan. Wasaga Beach’s current zoning by-law, 2003-60, was approved in 2003 to implement the policies of the Town's 2003 Official Plan. Since then, the Wasaga Beach's context has changed considerably.

The Town is currently reviewing its Official Plan to develop a vision, goals, and policies for directing land use, future growth, and development. The new Official Plan will also consider planning policy changes introduced by the Province of Ontario and County of Simcoe, as well as other Town initiatives such as the Transportation Master Plan and Economic Development Strategy.

As such, it is necessary to create a new by-law that accounts for these changes and that can better implement the Town’s new Official Plan. The new zoning by-law will be easier to read and more accessible than it is today, to assist in understanding its regulations. 

Over the past several years, the Town of Wasaga Beach has been undertaking a separate review of its Official Plan. It is anticipated that a draft Official Plan will be released in early 2023. Bringing the Town’s zoning into conformity with this new Official Plan is a critical step. Once the new Official Plan is in place, we have a chance to take a closer look at the Town’s zoning. Zoning by-laws are one of the primary tools for implementing the Official Plan.

Through this Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review we will work to make sure that zoning is not more permissive than the Official Plan. Beyond land use permissions, we will also ensure that the zoning is aligned with other policies, such as building complete neighbourhoods, protecting people and property from natural hazards, and promoting different types of housing.

There will be several opportunities for the public and landowners to be involved in this project, including public open houses, online engagement, and stakeholder meetings. Additionally, this project webpage will be updated throughout the project with key documents for public review. Subscribe to this webpage to receive project updates!