Ontario Construction News staff writer
Richmond Hill has approved its first comprehensive zoning by-law to manage future development.
Richmond Hill, Ont. – The Richmond Hill Council has officially adopted the city’s first comprehensive zoning by-law (CZBL), which is an important move in directing growth and accommodating the city’s expected expansion.
This new by-law puts into action Richmond Hill’s Official Plan by outlining how land can be utilized, detailing where buildings can be placed, their height limits, parking requirements, and what activities are allowed on each property.
According to Ontario’s Planning Act, municipalities must establish a new zoning by-law within three years after updating an official plan. The update for Richmond Hill’s Official Plan has been in progress for several years now. City staff organized over 13 in-person and online engagement sessions along with public meetings to gather input for the CZBL.
The new by-law brings together more than 40 separate zoning laws that date back to the 1960s, updating development standards and streamlining procedures to better meet the evolving needs of the city.
Officials from the city believe that this CZBL will improve the development approval process, making it easier to build homes quickly, safeguard environmentally sensitive areas, and draw in new businesses and jobs.
Key aspects of the CZBL include:
Simplifying over 100 residential zones into 12 citywide zones. Providing a user-friendly, fully accessible online format. Modernizing standards for growth centres, neighbourhoods, green spaces, and corridors to better integrate land use and public transit. Advancing zoning for the Richmond Hill Centre to promote development in the city’s highest-intensification area. Protecting environmental lands such as the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt. Unlocking Housing Accelerator Fund support by fulfilling three of nine commitments to remove barriers and speed up housing development.
“Passing the CZBL is a significant milestone for Richmond Hill,” said a city spokesperson. “It ensures our planning policies are clear, accessible, and effective while supporting growth and preserving the natural and built environment for future generations.”
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