On May 9, 2013, the City of Toronto passed a new city-wide zoning by-law, known as By-law 569-2013 (the “New By-law”). The objective of the New By-law was to harmonize 43 former by-laws from the pre-amalgamated City into one by-law.
The City set up a useful website to view the New By-law text, mapping, and other background information at www.toronto.ca/zoning. The interactive map on this site allows users to search individual properties to retrieve information about applicable by-law standards, including exceptions.
The New By-law provides an innovative approach for transitioning current applications. This transition protocol allows certain complete applications filed before the passing of the New By-law to be processed and approved under the former general zoning by-laws. These policies expire on May 9, 2016.
In addition to the transition protocol, certain sites are indicated as “holes” in the New By-law, which are shown in grey on the online mapping. On these sites, the former general by-laws continue to apply. The City intends to eventually bring these sites into the New By-law, after consultation with property owners.
A full explanation of the transition protocol is available on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/zoning/transition.htm
By: Isaiah Banach
