Background
The Town of Cobourg is currently undertaking a review of the municipality’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 85-2003 to reflect new policy and regulatory initiatives of the Province of Ontario (ie. Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Places To Grow Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe) and the Town’s newly adopted Official Plan Amendment – 5 year review, as well as address emerging issues and trends in sustainable community planning. In the Summer of 2011, Cobourg Municipal Council retained Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. to conduct the review which will occur in 2011-2012. A copy of the Zoning By-law Review Terms of Reference (RFP) and proposal by Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. are found under the following link: click here
What is a Zoning By-law?
A Zoning By-law is a regulatory document enacted under the Planning Act that controls the use of all lands, buildings and structures within the municipality, and sets out rules and regulations that are intended to shape the use and development of land. The Zoning By-law specifically spells out permitted uses, required setbacks, zone standards and other restrictions on how land may be used and developed, and includes mapping to delineate land use categories, or zones, to which the applicable regulations apply. A copy of the current Zoning By-law is found under the following link: www.cobourg.ca\planning-and-development .
Study Process
The initial phase of the Zoning By-law Review project will consist of reviewing all relevant background information and seeking input from stakeholders and the public. The information will be compiled into a Background Report together with a strategy which identifies future directions followed by a Public Open House in the 1st quarter of 2012.
The second phase of the process will involve a review of the public and stakeholder input from Phase 1, followed by the preparation of a Summary Report and draft Zoning By-law or Amendment. A second Public Open House will occur during this phase in mid-2012.
Finally, the third and final phase will consist of preparing a final draft Zoning By-law or Amendment and the convening of a Public Meeting of Council, and final enactment of the By-law.
Public Consultation
Consultation is an important part of the Zoning By-law Review project, and there are many opportunities for the public to participate, including informal consultations and Public Open Houses at key intervals in the process. The website will provide links to the project Terms of Reference, public notices, background documents and other important information on a regular basis. For current Notices, please go to the following link: Click Here
Additional Information/Comments/Notification
Throughout the Zoning By-law Review planning process, there will be publications of notices of open houses and meetings on the Town website and in the newspapers as required. Should you wish to receive direct notification by e-mail, or if you have any written comments or concerns, please make your request or submission, including your name, return mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number to:
Glenn J. McGlashon, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning & Development
55 King Street West
Cobourg, Ontario
K9A 2M2
E-Mail: zoningbylawreview@cobourg.ca
Phone: (905)372-1005
Fax: (905)372-1533
