A Zoning By-Law Amendment is required when a proposed use, building size, density, or site configuration does not meet the current zoning requirements for a property. Unlike minor variances, which address small deviations, zoning amendments involve broader changes to permitted uses or development standards.
These applications may be needed for:
Changing a property’s permitted land use
Increasing building height or density
Modifying setback, coverage, or parking requirements
Supporting redevelopment of underutilized properties
Enabling new residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects
Because zoning changes can have wider planning implications, municipalities require detailed review, public consultation, and strong planning justification before approval is granted.