Zoning By-law Update

Date

July 5, 2023

Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update (ZBA-04-2023)

The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is updating its Zoning By-law to implement the changes from the recent Official Plan Review and to address other housekeeping matters.

Update, July 5, 2023: The revised Zoning By-law was approved by Council at their meeting on July 5, 2023 (meeting agenda). It will come into effect upon approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 59.

Public Meetings

Both a public open house and a statutory public meeting were held for residents and other interested parties to learn about the proposed changes and to provide their comments/feedback. More information about these meetings can be found below.

Purpose and Effect of the Application

In 2022, the Municipality of Middlesex Centre concluded a review and update to the Middlesex Centre Official Plan. The key drivers of the Official Plan Review (OPR) project included addressing matters of Provincial and County policy conformity, responding to changes in planning trends, accommodating population and employment growth to 2046, and addressing housekeeping matters. On May 18, 2022, Council adopted Official Plan Amendment No. 59 (OPA 59) and forwarded the Official Plan Amendment to the County of Middlesex for approval.

The Municipality is now undertaking an update to its Comprehensive Zoning By-law to implement the Official Plan and address other housekeeping matters. The Municipality’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law (2005-005) was first adopted in 2005. In accordance with Section 24(1) of the Planning Act, zoning by-laws must conform to the official plan and be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. Comprehensive Zoning By-laws are one of the primary implementation tools of the official plan, helping to realize its policies.

The following provides an overview of the themes addressed in the Draft Zoning By-law Amendment.

A new framework for on-farm diversified uses to support a vibrant agricultural economy;
A new zone category for the Hamlet Commercial areas in Middlesex Centre to reflect the unique character of these areas as contemplated in the updated Official Plan;
An updated Village Commercial zone to promote new uses and building types within the Villages in Middlesex Centre;
New permitted building types and permitted uses in residential zones to provide a wider range and mix of housing;
New definitions and general regulations to modernize the zoning by-law, including electric vehicle parking standards; and
General housekeeping amendments.

For full details, please consult the Draft Zoning By-law Amendment, which is available as an attachment at the bottom of this page.

The update to the Comprehensive Zoning By-law applies to lands throughout the Municipality of Middlesex Centre.

Public Open House - April 5, 2023

Public Open House

A virtual public open house was held April 5, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30pm. The open house introduced the proposed changes to the community via a brief presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period with the project team.

Thank-you to those who attended.

If you are unable to attend or if you wish to provide feedback from the meeting, the Municipality will be accepting comments on the draft Zoning By-law Amendment via email or post. Comments received by April 12, 2023, will be considered for inclusion in the draft presented at the Statutory Public Meeting.

The draft (redline) Zoning By-law Amendment and associated maps is attached at the bottom of this page.
The presentation from the April 5, 2023, meeting is attached at the bottom of this page.
You can view a recording of the open house on the municipal YouTube channel.

Statutory Public Meeting - April 19, 2023

Statutory Public Meeting of Council

A statutory public meeting for the Zoning By-law Update was held April 19, 2023, as part of the Middlesex Centre Council Meeting. The meeting introduced the proposed changes via a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity for questions and comments to be shared with the project team.

If you were unable to attend, you can find the presentation attached below.
You can also watch the presentation on the Middlesex Centre YouTube Channel (April 19, 2023, Council Meeting, at 1 hour 30 minute mark.

If you wish to provide written comments or questions on the Zoning By-law Update, please submit them to planning@middlesexcentre.ca by April 28, 2023. If you have previously provided comments on this matter there is no need to re-submit, as all comments and questions received will be considered as the project team revises the Zoning By-law Amendment to be brought forward to Council later this Spring.

Stay Informed about the Update

If you wish to be notified of the decision of Council of the Municipality of Middlesex Centre regarding the proposed update, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Municipality of Middlesex Centre via email or post).

For more information about this update, including information about appeal rights, please contact Marion Cabral, planner for this file for the Municipality of Middlesex Centre.

Other Information about the Update

Future Rights of Appeal

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make a written submission(s) to the Municipality of Middlesex Centre before the application is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Municipality of Middlesex Centre to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

If a person or public body does not make an oral submission(s) at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Municipality of Middlesex Centre before the application is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.