Zoning By-laws establish and regulate the use of land by implementing the policies of the city's Official Plan. They provide cities with a way to co-ordinate land uses, protect areas by preventing incompatible uses, and establish appropriate standards for development. Zoning By-laws contain specific, legal regulations - for example, what uses are permitted, how high buildings can be built, the maximum number of residential units allowed, and the amount of off-street parking required.

How does zoning work in London?
The City is divided into "zones", where different land uses are permitted. There are zones, for example, which permit single detached dwellings, apartment buildings, shopping centres, industrial uses, and parks. In the older or developed areas of London, most of the lands are zoned for specific uses or ranges of uses commonly found in an urban municipality. In undeveloped parts of the City, land is often in a zone which does not allow urban development, unless an amendment to the Zoning By-law is approved.

Is there one Zoning By-law for London?
All lands within the City of London as it existed on December 31, 1992 are regulated by By-law No. Z.-1. With annexation, the City is also responsible for administering "inherited" Zoning By-laws until new zones for these areas are established.

What is the role of the Official Plan?
All amendments to the Zoning By-law must conform with the Official Plan. If not, an amendment to the Official Plan is also necessary Other approvals must be obtained when a subdivision is also proposed.

Why change the Zoning By-law?
A common reason for amending the Zoning By-law is that the existing zone does not permit the full development potential of a property. Where minor changes to zoning regulations are proposed, a different process may be more appropriate - applying to the Committee of Adjustment for a Minor Variance.

Who approves amendments to the Zoning By-law?
The Planning Committee, a committee of City Council, considers zoning amendments. The public may attend and participate in these meetings. (See Accessing City Council) The decision to approve or reject an application is made by City Council after considering the recommendations of the Planning Committee and the Planning and Development Department. If a formal objection to City Council's decision is submitted, the ultimate decision will be made by the Ontario Municipal Board.

How is the Zoning By-law amended?
The process for amending the Zoning By-law is as follows:

Step 1	Consult with Planning Staff: Discuss preliminary plans and ideas with Planning Division staff to confirm whether a Zoning By-law amendment and/or other planning changes are necessary.
Step 2	Submit the application along with the required fee.
Step 3	Municipal Review: A letter explaining the requested amendment(s) is sent by the city to relevant municipal departments and public agencies for comment. A similar letter is sent to nearby property owners, with an extract advertised in the Saturday edition of The London Free Press.
Step 4	Report to the Planning Committee: The Planning and Development Department makes its recommendations regarding the amendment. Applications to amend the Official Plan and/or for approval of a plan of subdivision are usually considered in the same report.
Step 5	Notice of Public Meeting: A notice specifying the date, time and location of the public meeting is sent to nearby property owners and advertised in the newspaper.
Step 6	Planning Committee Public Meeting: Anyone may appear before the Committee to comment on the application. A recommendation is made to City Council at this meeting.
Step 7	City Council Meeting: City Council may adopt the Planning Committee's recommendation, amend it, refuse it, or refer it back for clarification or revision.
Step 8	Public Notification: A notice is sent to nearby property owners advising them of the passing ("adoption") of the Zoning By-law amendment.
Step 9	Approval: If no objections ("appeals") are submitted, the Zoning By-law amendment comes into effect.

How long does it take?
The process usually takes between four to six months from submission of the application to consideration by City Council.

If no objections are submitted, the Zoning By-law amendment comes into effect a month later. Complex applications, for example where there is also consideration of an amendment to the Official Plan, can take longer.

Important points to remember include:

• Consultation with a Planner in the Planning Division is encouraged before submitting an application. Staff are available to explain the process, indicate the feasibility of the requested change and problems which may be encountered.
• Applications will not be accepted if insufficient or inaccurate information is provided.

For more information, call the Planning Division at (519) 661-4980, visit us in our offices on the sixth floor of City Hall, send a fax to (519) 661-5397, or write to us at:

300 Dufferin Avenue
P O Box 5035
London, Ontario N6A 4L9