Ontario Construction News staff writer
Richmond Hill passes its first comprehensive zoning by-law to steer development
Richmond Hill, Ont. – The Richmond Hill Council has approved the city’s initial comprehensive zoning by-law (CZBL), which is a vital move in shaping development and aiding the city’s expected growth.
This new by-law carries out Richmond Hill’s Official Plan by dictating how land can be utilized, covering aspects such as building locations, height restrictions, parking requirements, and permitted activities 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, during which city staff held over 13 engagement sessions-both in-person and virtual-as well as public meetings with the Council to collect feedback for the CZBL.
The by-law brings together more than 40 zoning laws that date back to the 1960s, updating development standards and streamlining procedures to better fit the city’s evolving growth demands.
City officials believe that the CZBL will improve the development approval process, facilitating quicker home construction while protecting sensitive environmental areas and attracting new businesses and jobs.
Some main features 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 enhance land use integration with public transit. Advancing zoning for the Richmond Hill Centre to stimulate development in the city’s most densely populated area. Protecting environmental lands like the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt. Unlocking Housing Accelerator Fund support by meeting three of nine commitments aimed at removing obstacles and accelerating 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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