Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as a comprehensive review of the City's Zoning By-law and existing framework. Commissioner Prasad advised that a public meeting was held on May 9, 2023 to solicit public feedback and noted that Staff met with many stakeholders to further discuss. Commissioner Prasad thanked Staff for their work on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law project and introduced Giulio Cescato to provide a presentation.
Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, delivered a presentation on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law.
Don Given, Deputant, provided a presentation related to the Baha'i National Centre, requesting that this be treated under the existing zoning by-laws, versus the new Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Mr. Given requested that the continuation of the application be included and that the 7015 Leslie Street property be included in the current application. Mr. Cescato advised that there is no mechanism to add to an active application, noting that active applications will not be included in the proposed changes. Mr. Cescato noted that another application could be filed including the aforementioned property, prior to the adoption of the by-law by Council.
Nick Pileggi, Deputant, spoke on behalf of Weins Canada Inc. and White Owl Properties, which operate under Miller Waste and Miller Transit. Mr. Pileggi noted that he has met with Staff to resolve some issues but noted that others are ongoing. Mr. Pileggi detailed some of the key issues with the changes to permissions.
John McDermott, Deputant, requested further consultation with Staff related to the various properties he represents, and expressed concerns that he did not receive notice of the May 9th statutory public meeting as had been requested. Mr. McDermott noted issues with the use permissions and provisions of the by-law, particularly surrounding changes to existing uses.
Christiane Bergauer-Free, Deputant, stressed that by-laws need to be implemented with consideration for what may come to the City in future.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Requested clarification on what applies to areas such as MiX. Staff clarified that the exact provisions for the MiX area will be established through the next secondary plan, advising that historic by-laws will continue to apply with permissions being crafted through the Official Plan process.
- Inquired about the minor increase to height permissions in certain low rise residential areas. Geoff Day, Senior Planner II, explained that the Official Plan permits the height increases, noting that these were included to close the gap with several properties throughout the City.
- Asked for the range of heights on existing gas stations and commercial plazas which have been deemed mixed-use. Mr. Cescato advised that the range for residential and mixed-use would be 3-15 storeys for high rise and 3-6 storeys for mid-rise.
- Clarified that there would be no changes to short-term stays or rooming house permissions. Mr. Cescato confirmed that there are no changes to these areas.
- Asked about control and enforcement related to adult entertainment establishments, asking if there is any enforcement or control mechanisms related to explicit information on websites. Claudia Storto, City Solicitor, advised that this is not something that could be addressed through a Zoning By-law, noting that there are other legal aspects to consider.
- Requested clarification on the measurement of heights. Mr. Day clarified that the measurement of height is based on the section, noting that the height is typically taken from the established grade line to the highest line of the top plate, noting that within established residential zones the measurement is taken to the highest point of the structure or dwelling. Mr. Day further clarified that for accessory buildings, the height would be measured to the mid-point of the structure.
- Asked how the by-law would prevent the addition of oversized accessory buildings on residential lots. Mr. Cescato confirmed that accessory buildings covering entire properties would be prevented due to the requirements for soft landscaping.
- Inquired about the impact to recreational vehicle and commercial vehicle parking. Mr. Day confirmed that these items are no longer being included in the Comprehensive Zoning By-law update and will be addressed when the parking by-law is reviewed.
- Asked about the appeal process if the zoning by-law is appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Mr. Cescato noted that typically appeals are scoped to certain sections or are site-specific, allowing for the implementation of some part of the by-law not under appeal. Ms. Storto advised that the City of Toronto received over 800 appeals to their Comprehensive Zoning By-law which was subsequently walked back. Ms. Storto noted that the OLT would encourage parties to work through specific issues prior to a hearing but noted that it could be a multi-year process.