Zoning By-Law Consolidation

Who is Consulting?

City Staff submitted Report PP-2019-60 to Council and the City has hired Dillon Consulting Limited to consolidate and update the By-law.

Public Consultation

The City will receive community input from local organizations, developers, businesses, and the broader community.

A Public Information Centre was held on December 11^th, 2019 and this is what we heard.

A second Public Information Centre was held virtually April 14th, 2021.

Phase One: Initial Activities (Establishing Frameworks and Templates)

The first phase focuses on early decision-making that will ensure work is organized to fast-tract future phases. Tasks include:

• Data collection;
• Preparation and Implementation of an Engagement Plan;
• Launch ESRI StoryMap for online engagement;
• Develop a Zoning By-Law “Road Map”: AODA/Belleville Accessibility Guidelines Compliant Style Guide, Document Template and Table of Contents; and
• Design GIS framework, database structure and base mapping.

Phase Two: Preparation of the Draft Zoning By-Law

The second phase focuses on transitioning the current zoning from three separate By-Laws into a comprehensive single Zoning By-Law. The goal is to ensure that the provisions of the Zoning By-Law conforms to and effectively implements the updated Official Plan, but also improves clarity for the public and staff. Tasks include:

• Prepare a working list of harmonized definitions;
• Preparation of discussion papers on key issues;
• Public open house;
• Creation of a working version of the consolidated zoning by-law;
• Early update of consolidated zoning by-law following the statutory public meeting for the official plan update;
• Compile existing zones in relation to the official plan designations and policies to ensure conformity;
• GIS mapping updates;
• Assemble general provisions into a master list;
• Work on zoning issues by “urban structure” and based on the specific needs of neighbourhoods;
• Preparation of a Technical Brief reporting on the work consolidating, analysing, streamlining, and harmonizing the zoning by-law;
• Finalization of the Technical Brief based on City comments;
• Public Consultation;
• Compile all components of the zoning by-law into the document template to create a “master” document” draft zoning by-law;
• Generate updated map schedules.

Phase Three: Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Document and Statutory Process

The third phase is to prepare, refine, and build consensus on the Zoning By-Law. Tasks include:

• Staff review first draft of Comprehensive Zoning By-Law and provide feedback;
• Release draft Comprehensive Zoning By-Law and mapping to the public and stakeholders for comment;
• Statutory open house including interactive GIS event;
• Revisions and second draft of Zoning By-Law;
• Statutory public meeting;
• Final revisions to draft Zoning By-Law and release of final draft;
• Adoption of new Comprehensive Zoning By-Law by Council.