What is a zoning bylaw amendment?
A zoning bylaw amendment changes the rules for a specific property or area in Wrenford. You might need one if you want to build a new type of business, split a lot, or change the height or size limits allowed on your land. All amendments must fit with the Official Plan and the The zoning bylaw.
How to apply
You can start the process by submitting an application to the Planning & Development department. You can drop your papers at the One-Stop Development Shop in Room 200, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, or email them to [email protected].
- Use the Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application Form.
- Pay the application fee of $2,500.00 under Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151.
- Pay a $125.00 completeness check fee if staff need to review your package before formal review.
Once we receive your application, staff will check it to make sure it is complete. We will send you a confirmation email and may ask for extra drawings, surveys, or reports if anything is missing.
Staff review and circulation
Planning staff will review your request against the Official Plan, the Zoning By-law, and other city policies. We will also send your application to other city departments, like Roads & Winter Maintenance and Fire Rescue, for their comments. This review usually takes 120 calendar days from the date your application is marked complete.
Public notice and consultation
If the application is complete, the City will send a public notice to all property owners within 120 metres of the site. We will also post the notice online in Public Notices. This gives neighbours and the community time to review the proposal and send in written comments.
There is a strict deadline for written comments: they must be received by 4:30 p.m. on a Friday before the Council meeting where the by-law will be discussed.
Public hearing and Council decision
A zoning bylaw amendment requires three readings by Council and a public hearing. Here is how it works:
- First reading: Council reviews the application. They can approve first reading, table it for more study, or deny it. If denied, the process stops.
- Public notice: If first reading passes, the City advertises the proposed amendment. A public hearing will be held at a Council meeting four weeks later at 6:00 p.m.
- Public hearing: You, the applicant, and members of the public can speak to the amendment. Each speaker is limited to five minutes. Follow the rules in By-laws for presenting to Council.
- Second and third reading: After hearing all comments, Council will vote on the final by-law. If it passes, it is signed and becomes law.
Timelines
Processing times depend on the complexity of your project and the feedback received:
- 3 to 4 months: If your proposal matches an adopted city plan, like a secondary plan or area structure plan.
- 5 to 12 months: If the proposal changes the land use district in a way that does not match an existing plan, or if there are many public comments requiring extra study.
If Council refuses your application, you must wait at least six months before applying for a similar change on the same property.
You can also find this information online.
Costs
The application fee and the advertising costs are non-refundable, even if Council does not approve the amendment. You are responsible for the public notice advertising costs, which typically total around $700.00. You can view all current fees in the Planning fees table.