On the agenda for the March 6 council meeting there is a staff report presenting amendments to to the Township’s Countryside Zoning Bylaw 2022-053. As indicated approval is not being requested; feedback from public and others is still to be reviewed. The changes are identified as being “housekeeping” ones and most of them I can see that they are that such as amending definition of “accessory” for example; but there are some which I need some explanation to understand. From my read I can see that one of the themes is to provide more opportunities for economic activity in the countryside e.g. Increase the kind of uses which are deemed as acceptable in a zone and therefore eliminate need for a zoning bylaw. Specific example being addition of kennels to uses in rural and agriculture zones. e.g expand permitted accessory uses in the Greenbelt natural Heritage zone by adding bed and breakfast subject to special provisions.
Here are my changes which I need to understand better.
Removing references to “subject to an approved site plan” in several general provisions for dwellings, including farm help dwellings, replacement dwellings, and dwellings on privater roads. Where appropriate, the reference is proposed to be replaced with a provision for theOwner to enter into an agreement with the Municipality. I want to understand why the change is proposed. And how will this “agreement” be determined and be established in a fair way across the Township.
Expanding applicability of the provisions of Section 9.6 to all lands within the Greenbelt Area and replacing reference to an “approved site plan” for development and site alteration within 120 meters of a Natural Heritage Feature, with “an agreement with the Owner and
Municipality”. This will allow the Township to implement the requirements of the Greenbelt Plan. What can’t we implement now? I thought the ORMCP requires protection of the 120m buffer of natural heritage features; if correct what is being permitted with the agreement?
I welcome that the opportunity to add bed and breakfasts is being considered but what is the process for establishing the “special provisions.”
As always you can participate in the Council and make a deputation on this motion in person or virtually. For details on how to do please see Council agenda. Or you can send an email to clerks@king.ca by Monday noon with your comments, questions.
Debbie, thank you for your comments and highlighting some of the proposed amendments.
Like you, I question what is being proposed regarding the 120 m zone of influence, a fundamental principle in the ORMCP. Also the expansion of economic uses in Natural Core and Linkage areas is a concern for CCKT.
Thanks again for your regular posts.