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Zoning

What is a Zoning By-law? 

A Zoning By-law is an implementation tool for the Official Plan. Using a series of land use zones and labels, it generally spells out:

  • How land and buildings may be used
  • Where buildings and other structures may be located
  • What restrictions may be related to the development of a specific property

A Zoning By-law is a legally enforceable document intended to regulate land use and future development. Significant changes to land uses or zone regulations require a Zoning By-law Amendment and possibly an Official Plan Amendment. Small, technical adjustments to By-law provisions may be accommodated by a Minor Variance.

Current Comprehensive Zoning By-law 85-2003

The Town of Cobourg is currently undertaking a review of our Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 85-2003. Until an updated Zoning By-Law is approved, this document is in full force and effect.

Updates to the Zoning By-law will implement:

  • New policy and regulatory initiatives from the Province of Ontario
  • The newly adopted Official Plan Amendment #69 - 5 Year Review 2010 (under appeal)
  • Emerging issues and trends in sustainable community planning

Applying for a Zoning By-law Amendment

The application process for an Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law Amendment may take approximately 4-6 months to complete, depending on the nature and complexity of the application. For information on requirements for a complete application, time frames, and fee structure, please contact the Building and Planning Department at the number below.

Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review

In the Summer of 2011, Cobourg Municipal Council retained Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. to conduct the Zoning By-Law Review.

The initial phase of the Zoning By-law Review project included a review of all relevant background information as well as public and stakeholder consultation. The information gathered was used to develop a Background Report and strategy which identifies future directions. A public meeting took place to review the draft by-law on July 30, 2025.

The next phase of the process will involve a further refinement of the by-law, a public open house and final public meeting, expected to take place in the Fall of 2025.

Draft By-law

Draft Maps:  

Draft Key Map

Map 1  Map 2  Map 3  Map 4  Map 5  Map 6  Map 7  Map 8

There are currently no public meetings scheduled. Please check back for future reference. 

If you wish to receive direct notification by e-mail, or if you have written comments or concerns about the Zoning By-law review, please make your request or submission, including your name, return mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number to: 

Chris Challenger
Director, Development Services
E-Mail: cchallenger@cobourg.ca
Phone: 905-372-1005 x 4450 

planninginfo@cobourg.ca

Contact Us

Town of Cobourg
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON  K9A 2M2

Phone: 905-372-4301
Toll Free: 1-888-972-4301

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