HomeMy WebLinkAboutPDS-031-24Public Meeting Report
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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: June 17, 2024 Report Number: PDS-031-24
Submitted By:
Reviewed By:
Authored By:
File Number:
Report Subject:
Carlos Salazar, Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure Services
Rob Maciver, Acting CAO Bylaw Number: 2024-032, 2024-033
Jacob Circo, Planner II, Planning & Infrastructure Services Department
COPA2024-0002 and ZBA2024-0004 Resolution#: PD-049-24
Public Meeting and Recommendation Report – Municipal – Initiated
Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendments
Purpose of Report:
The purpose of this report is to provide information to the public and Council. It does not
constitute, imply or request any degree of approval.
Recommendations:
1.That Report PDS-031-24 and any related communication items, be received;
2.That provided there are no significant concerns with respect to the municipally
initiated Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments during the Public Meeting, the
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments be adopted and the By-laws in
Attachments 1-4 to Report PDS-031-24 be passed;
3.That the Deputy CAO, Planning, and Infrastructure Services be authorized to finalize
the form and content of OPA 137 and 138 and the Zoning By-law Amendments
resulting from Council's consideration, public participation, agency comments and
technical considerations; and
4.That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-031-24 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
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Report PDS-031-24
Report Overview
The Planning and Infrastructure Services Department invites you to attend a Statutory Public
Meeting to discuss proposed Housekeeping Amendments to the Municipality’s Official Plan
and Zoning By-laws.
The purpose of the proposed Official Plan Amendments are to:
Amend the Implementation Section of the Official Plan in order to provide alternative
notice policies for amendments to the Official Plan in-keeping with s. 17(19.3) of the
Planning Act, and Zoning By-law Amendments in-keeping with s. 34(14.3) of the
Planning Act. This will provide policies to eliminate the requirement for public notices
and meetings for minor amendments.
Amend policies introduced by Amendment Number 129 and to amend zoning
provisions introduced by By-law 2021-082.
The purpose of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendments are to:
Introduce two new definitions, update an existing definition, provide a general update
to Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning permissions, and provide clarification to
home occupation permissions.
The proposed policies of the Official Plan and standards of the Zoning By-laws will simplify
process and shorten approval process times in an effort to facilitate additional housing
opportunities within the Municipality. Additionally, the proposed Zoning By-laws updates
have been designed to accomplish a balance between the protection of the health and
safety of residents and community character with the need for a straight-forward process.
1.Background
Public Participation for Delegated Functions
1.1 Bill 13, the Supporting People and Businesses Act, 2021, received royal assent
December 2, 2021. The Bill made changes to the Planning Act, Municipal Act, 2001 and
City of Toronto Act, 2006, that enabled Council to, by a by-law, delegate the authority to
pass by-laws under section 34 of the Planning Act (Zoning By-laws) that are of a minor
nature to a committee of Council, or an individual who is an officer, employee, or agent
of the municipality.
1.2 In response, Council approved OPA 123 on February 27, 2023 through report PDS-008-
23 (resolution JC-12-23). This OPA is part of the toolbox for the Housing Pledge to
implement 13,000 units by 2031 as required by the province.
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Report PDS-031-24
Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs):
1.3 The proposed Amendments to the Clarington Official Plan and Zoning By-law 84-63 are
intended to respond to recent amendments made to the Planning Act by Bill 23, More
Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (“Bill 23”). These amendments relate primarily to the
regulations permitting additional dwelling units (ADU) on lots containing detached
houses, semi-detached houses and rowhouses in urban serviced areas. The Planning
Act now allows ADUs on lots containing these dwelling types in urban areas on full
municipal water and sanitary sewers “as-of-right” regardless of municipal zoning
regulations. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the Municipality implement policies and
standards to regulate such uses under the new Provincial framework in the Clarington
context.
1.4 The province also introduced Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act,
2023 (“Bill 97”). Bill 97 introduced further amendments to the Planning Act to clarify
parking provisions initially introduced under Bill 23 for ADUs in detached houses, semi-
detached houses and rowhouses. The Planning Act changes contained in Bill 97 are
considered among the amendments to Zoning By-law 84-63 recommended in this
Report, and proposes reducing ADU parking requirements for townhouses, introduced
by By-law 2021-082, to allow for the creation of more ADUs within our existing housing
stock in urban residential settlement areas.
1.5 The proposed changes to ADU Official Plan policies and zoning provisions, introduced
by Amendment 129 and By-law 2021-082, includes zoning issues observed by Staff
over the past 2.5 years, and is a follow up to Staff Report PDS-055-21 (see Figure 1).
The proposed changes not only implement Planning Act requirements for ADUs, but
also introduces updates to existing ADU zoning provisions to prevent conflicts with
applicable law outside of the zoning by-law that prohibit ADUs where there are safe
access issues. The proposed ADU zoning provisions also provides clarification on the
registration of ADUs, which is linked to the automatic registration of an ADU where a
building permit grants building occupancy, and/or where ADUs constructed before 1994
requires a fire inspection to be completed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire
Code.
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Figure 1 shows where there is potential for one or two ADUs because of Amendment 129 and
By-law 2021-082 currently in effect within the Municipality.
Adding new definition to Zoning By-law 84-63: “Soft Landscaping”
1.6 By-law 2020-055 as amended in Zoning By-law 84-63, added a definition for Soft
Landscaping, which is referenced in the regulations for landscape open space to the
Neighbourhood Character Overlay, which are a subset of zoning provisions found within
the “Urban Residential Type One (R1)” Zone that are specific to the Bowmanville
Neighbourhood Character Study Area. It was created to ensure half of a front yard will
be vegetated, and not be covered with impervious surfaces and hardscaping. Soft
landscaping zoning requirements exist elsewhere in some urban residential exception
zones, but there is not an overall requirement for this within Zoning By-law 84-63.
Rather than restrict the hardscaping as part of the landscaped open space in the front
yard or exterior side yard, the proposed regulation now references soft landscaping
which is a term used by other municipalities and is clearly defined.
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Updating Home Occupations provisions in Zoning By-law 84-63
1.7 There are many existing urban residential exception zones that have unintentionally
resulted in eliminating home occupation permissions, where it was a permitted use
within the parent zone, the way some exception zones are written prohibits the
permission for a home occupation. The technical update to Section 3.11.c) of Zoning
By-law 84-63 establishes where home occupations are permitted in urban residential
and rural residential zones and distinguishes the parent zones that do not permit home
occupations.
Adding new definition to Zoning By-law 84-63 and Zoning By-law 2005-109: “Farm
Building”
1.8 The term “farm building” is mentioned within Zoning By-law 84-63 and Zoning By-law
2005-109, however, there is no definition to distinctly define it and make it easier to
contrast from an accessory building/structure. The Building Code and OMAFRA
guidelines has a definition a “farm building”, and the purpose of adding a definition of
“farm building” that is consistent with the Building Code and OMAFRA guidelines
definition, will make it easier for the public to understand what the Municipality defines
as a “farm building”. This will also make it easier for Planning Staff when responding to
zoning inquiries from members of the public.
2. Proposed Amendments to Clarington’s Official Plan and
Zoning By-laws
Public Participation for Delegated Functions
2.1 At the time of approval of OPA 123, there was no consideration to amending the policies
in relation to public participation for these processes. Therefore, at this time, staff are
recommending the elimination of notice to the public and the need to hold public
meetings for all delegated functions as approved through OPA 123 which include:
Temporary Use Zoning By-law Amendments; and
Housekeeping By-laws for the purposes of making clerical or other changes
to assist in the interpretation of a Zoning By-law.
2.2 The Amendment will simplify the process for citizens and shorten approval process
times and will also allow for certain housekeeping items to be updated quicker and more
frequently to ensure the Zoning By-law is as up to date as possible (see Attachment 2).
Proposed Clarington Official Plan Amendment 137 and Zoning By-law Amendment to
incorporate legislative enactments brought on by Bill 23
2.3 The proposed Clarington Official Plan Amendment 137 and Zoning By-law Amendment
incorporate the required Planning Act changes from Bill 23 that permit two ADUs within
any legally permitted single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling that is
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located on a “Parcel of Urban Residential Land”, that are fully connected to municipal
services, that being existing urban residential lots of records within Courtice,
Bowmanville and Newcastle. The alternative option to have one ADU within a principal
residential building and an accessory structure will remain for existing urban residential
lots of records within Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle (see Attachments 1 and 4).
Proposed Clarington Official Plan Amendment 137 and Zoning By-law Amendment that
expand permissions to partially serviced lots
2.4 The proposed Amendments recommend that two ADUs can be permitted on single
detached dwelling lots that are partially serviced by Municipal servicing (i.e., water), and
private servicing (i.e., septic system) subject to the obtaining the applicable permits and
permissions from the Regional Municipality of Durham. This applies to lots within the
urban settlement boundaries of Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono, and the
hamlet boundary of Newtonville. There is already the potential for two ADUs on lots
within the mentioned urban settlement areas and hamlet. By permitting the option to
have two ADUs within the principal residential building or the existing permission for one
ADU in the principal residential building and one ADU in an accessory building, allows
for gentle intensification to be condensed in on an existing lot of record, and supports
the creation of multi-generational homes (see Attachments 1 and 4).
2.5 The Municipality of Clarington is identified as one of the fastest growing regions by the
province, and the proposed Amendments is in-line with provincial direction to increase
housing supply within existing urban settlement areas, that already has existing
infrastructure in place to accommodate population growth.
ADUs: Proposed Clarington Official Plan Amendment 137
Areas where ADUs may or may not be permitted
2.6 The Planning Act provides direction for municipal official plans and zoning by-laws to
permit as-of-right, up to three residential units on a parcel of urban residential land
which are fully connected to municipal services. This could be three units in a detached,
semi-detached, or rowhouse, or up to two residential units in the principal residential
building and up to one residential unit in an accessory building on the lot. There are also
other Provincial policies and regulations, that provide protection of natural heritage
features, particularly on lands within the ORM and the Greenbelt by restricting other
types of land uses such as residential uses from occurring within these areas. There are
also existing Official Plan policies that must be adhered to when passing any zoning by -
law amendment.
Hazardous Lands
2.7 Provincial documents and direction generally prohibit new development within
floodplains and other hazard lands to avoid putting people at risk. Hazards Lands” and
the “Regulatory Shoreline Area” is identified on Map F of the Clarington Official Plan.
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The “Regulatory Shoreline Area” is the area along the Lake Ontario Waterfront which is
subject to dynamic beaches, flooding and/or erosion hazards. The recommended
Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment proposes to prohibit ADUs
from being constructed in “Hazard Lands”, which include flood plains, areas subject to
erosion, dynamic beach hazards, and/or where safe access to the ADUs would be
rendered inaccessible to people and vehicles during times of flooding hazards (see
Attachment 1).
2.8 Being more permissive in allowing ADUs is a tool the Province is using to deliver more
dwelling units, faster, however, this also has to be balanced against other Provincial
interests and directions. There are “Hazard Land” policies in the Clarington Official Plan
that prohibit development in areas prone to hazards and ADUs would fall under the
Clarington Official Plan’s definition of “development”.
Hazardous Lands: Safe Access
2.9 Ensuring safe access is a fundamental aspect of Ontario's Provincial Policy Statement
(PPS), a guiding document that shapes land use planning and development across the
province. The PPS emphasizes the importance of facilitating safe and efficient access to
land uses and development while prioritizing public safety. Safe access encompasses
various aspects such as road connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, and emergency
service access. Limiting the placement of ADUs is influenced by this principle, as areas
with inadequate access infrastructure or high-risk conditions, such as flood-prone
zones, or where there are erosion hazards, and/or dynamic beach hazards, may be
deemed unsuitable for residential development. Therefore, adherence to the PPS's
directives on safe access informs decisions regarding where ADUs can be located,
ensuring that development occurs in areas where there is safe access and can
adequately support the needs of residents while mitigating safety risks.
2.10 Furthermore, Amendment 129 initially proposed to prohibit Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADUs) in lands designated as "Environmental Protection Areas," as well as within the
"Regulatory Shoreline Area" and "Hazard Lands," as outlined in the draft proposal
presented to Council in November 2021. However, these proposed Official Plan policies
were ultimately excluded from the final version of Amendment 129 upon its passage by
Council. Planning Staff now recommend introducing a new section in the proposed
Official Plan Amendment 137 to provide clarity to the public regarding areas where
ADUs would not be permitted due to concerns over safe access during flooding events.
This recommendation stems from inquiries received by the Planning & Infrastructure
Staff regarding ADU permissions in the "Regulatory Shoreline Area." With information
on safe access issues relating to flooding hazards coming from the Conservation
Authority (who have the expertise on natural hazards), members of the public have
been informed that they cannot have an ADU where there are safe access issues.
Therefore, Staff propose the inclusion of a dedicated section in the draft Official Plan
Amendment 137 to disseminate information to the public regarding the prohibition of
residential uses, including ADUs, in areas prone to hazards such as compromised safe
access from flooding hazards (see Attachment 1).
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ADUs: Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment
ADU Permissions in the Oak Ridges Moraine: Zoning By-law 2005-109
2.11 ADU permissions will remain the same when first introduced in By-law 2021-082 back in
2021.
Hazardous Areas: Zoning By-law 84-63
2.12 The “Environmental Protection (EP)” zoning in Zoning By-law 84-63 only restricts
development from floodplain areas, that are mapped by the Conservation Authority, as
well as 30 metres form a watercourse where the floodplain mapping as not been
defined. but the current Zoning By-law 84-63 within Clarington does not fully capture
instances of safe access issues, erosion hazards and/or beach dynamic hazards which
creates safety issues for permitting ADUs. The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment
would direct ADUs away from hazardous areas where residential are to be avoided.
2.13 To be in conformity with the Planning Act and the Official Plan, the recommended
Zoning By-law Amendment states that “Moreover, additional dwelling units shall not be
permitted where residential uses are prohibited. This can include areas subject to
hazards such as where safe access to the additional dwelling unit would be rendered
inaccessible to people and vehicles during times of flooding hazards, erosion hazards,
and/or dynamic beach hazards”. This proposed zoning provision ensures there is a
mechanism in place to restrict ADUs from being situated in hazardous areas and would
be determined through consultation with the Conservation Authority (see Attachment
4).
ADU Permissions in the Greenbelt: Zoning By-law 84-63
2.14 The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment clarifies that ADUs are not permitted in farm
buildings which are not built for human occupancy. ADU permissions will remain the
same when first introduced in By-law 2021-082 back in 2021 (see Attachment 4).
Reducing ADU parking requirements for townhomes: Zoning By-law 84-63
2.15 One of the proposed zoning amendments is reducing parking requirements for ADUs
within townhouses. The reason for the proposed reduction is because townhouses are
already designed with two off -street parking spaces, which is a requirement for the
principal dwelling unit. The proposed zoning amendment would reduce requiring one
additional parking space per ADU, to be one parking space per dwelling unit. This is so
existing and new townhouses have the potential to have at least one ADU. If the
property owner wants a second ADU within their townhouse, then the second ADU
would require a third parking space. In general, townhouses are constructed with only
two parking spaces as per Section 3.16.e) of Zoning By-law 84-63, and the existing
parking requirement for ADUs would pose an issue for townhouses, as there is little
opportunity most times, to add additional parking spaces on the lot because of the
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reduced lot frontage and lot area dimensions used for townhouses, which are smaller
than the lot dimensions that are applied for singles and semis (see Attachment 4).
2.16 Reduced parking requirements facilitates efficient land use through reducing land use
consumption by impermeable paving, allowing increased soft landscaping to support
drainage. The necessity to add an additional parking space (i.e., three total parking
spaces) for townhouses does not provide the ability to maintain minimum Landscaped
Open Space requirements, ultimately discouraging the provision of a mix of housing
options to meet the needs of diverse families and income levels.
Removing the requirement for ADU to be smaller than the Principal Dwelling Unit and/or
Principal Residential Building: Zoning By-law 84-63
2.17 Another proposed change in the Zoning By-law Amendment, is removing the maximum
size requirement for an ADU to be smaller than principal dwelling unit when in the
principal residential building. The existing zoning provision to restrict an ADU in an
accessory structure to be smaller than the principal residential building has also been
removed (see Attachment 4).
Updating the registration requirement for ADUs: Zoning By-law 84-63 & Zoning By-law
2005-109
2.18 Another proposed change in the zoning amendment, is the Municipality no longer
requires a separate application to be made when someone wants to construct an ADU.
If someone wants to construct an ADU, the zoning permission needs to be there first to
permit, and they would require a building permit. The ADU will be automatically
registered with a building permit that has been granted building occupancy if the ADU is
constructed after 1994. Any existing additional dwelling units constructed before 1994
requires a fire inspection to be completed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire
Code, to be registered as a legal additional dwelling unit (See Attachment 4).
Other proposed Zoning By-law Amendments
Addition of “Soft Landscaping” Definition: Zoning By-law 84-63
2.19 The implementation of soft landscaping requirements aligns to Clarington’s commitment
to creating vibrant and sustainable urban places. Ensuring there is soft landscaping
through native planting, trees, and permeable design adheres to the prioritization of
sustainable design and environment-first principles. The restricted capacity for
hardscaping and impervious materials through soft landscaping will contribute to a
healthier ecosystem and reduce environmental impact by protecting biodiversity,
allowing for adequate drainage, and mitigating flood risks. The proposed zoning
amendment will require 40% soft landscaping in the front yard for i nterior lots, and the
front yard and exterior side yard for exterior lots for urban and rural residential lots. This
proposed Amendment, changes the current requirements of maintaining a minimum
30% landscaped open space in the front yard. The issue with the current requirement in
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the zoning by-law, is the risk of laying down interlocking across the entirety of urban or
rural residential lots since interlocking is currently permitted under landscaped open
space. The proposed requirement of maintaining 40% soft landscaping in the front yard
and exterior side yard will promote positive stormwater management practises in new
and existing neighbourhoods and contribute to enhancing the health and safety of
communities (see Attachment 3).
Addition of “Farm Building” Definition: Zoning By-law 84-63 & Zoning By-law 2005-109
2.20 The proposed addition of a “Farm Building” definition to Section 2 of Zoning By-law 84-
63, will provide greater clarity to differentiate what a farm building is versus an
accessory building that is secondary to the principal residential building. In addition to
the proposed definition of a “Farm Building”, property owners are required to fill out a
farm declaration form as part of building permit application to construct a farm building
in zone the that permits that use, and on a viable farming operation that is above 2
hectares in lot size within the “Agricultural (A)” zone (see Attachment 3).
2.21 The proposed addition of a “Farm Building” definition to Section 3 of the Zoning By-law,
will provide greater clarity to differentiate what a farm building is versus an accessory
building that is secondary to the principal residential building. In addition to the proposed
definition of a “Farm Building”, property owners are required to fill out a farm declarat ion
form as part of building permit application to construct a farm building in zone the that
permits that use, and on a viable farming operation that is above 2 hectares in lot size
within the “Prime Agricultural (A)” zone (see Attachment 3).
Update to Home Occupations: Zoning By-law 84-63
2.22 The proposed change to Section 3.11.c) of the Zoning By-law to includes a provision
that says: “Home occupations are permitted within any legally permitted single
detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling except in the Environmental Protection
Zone, the Residential Mobile Home Park Zone, and the Residential Estate Zone ”. This
proposed provision fixes some urban residential and rural residential exception zones
that unintentionally restricted the permission for a home occupation (see Attachment
3).
Same zoning definition for “landscaped open space” in Zoning By-law 84-63, and
“landscape area” within Zoning By-law 2005-109
2.23 “Landscaped open space” is a definition that is found within Zoning By-law 84-63, and
“Landscape Area” is a zoning definition found within Zoning By-law 2005-109. Zoning
By-law 84-63 and Zoning By-law 2005-109 currently have different zoning definitions.
The proposed Amendment is to have the same definition for both zoning by-laws.
Planning Staff have conducted research of zoning definitions from five other
municipalities (i.e., Markham, Caledon, Woolwich, Oshawa, and Peterborough) to
compare and contrast their related definitions to “landscaped open space”, “soft
landscaping” and “landscape area” in our zoning by-law (see Attachment 5).
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2.24 From the research conducted, Planning Staff have pieced together a zoning definition
that is more in-line with our Municipality’s context in relation to stormwater management,
and in delivering on the priorities of the Municipality’s Strategic Plan, which includes
“Design and implement Priority Green standards for all new development” and “be a
leader in anticipating and addressing the impacts of climate change”.
3. Public Participation
Public Meeting Notice
3.1 Bill 185 enables municipalities to provide notice of a public meeting on a municipal
website, instead of in a newspaper (if there is no local print newspaper available).
3.2 In accordance with the Planning Act, the statutory Public Meeting was advertised at
least 21 days prior to the date of the Public Meeting (May 24, 2024). The Public Meeting
was advertised the Orono Times for three weeks, beginning on May 29, 2024.
3.3 On May 24, 2024, the website https://www.clarington.net/en/your-community/additional-
dwelling-units.aspx was published. The website provides information on the project,
municipally initiated work to update ADU permissions in 2021 which included
Amendment 129 and By-law 2021-082 and hosts the Draft Official Plan and Zoning By-
law Amendments that will be presented at the Public Meeting. The website also hosts
the recommended Amendments (as found in the Attachments 1-4) as well as staff
contact information for members of the public to submit comments and/or questions.
4. Department and Agency Comments
4.1 In accordance with the Planning Act, Notice of the Public Meeting was either mailed or
emailed to the prescribed public bodies. Over 20 departments and/or agencies were
requested to provide comments on the proposed Amendments to the Official Plan and
Zoning By-laws.
5. Financial Considerations
Not Applicable.
6. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
7. Conclusion
7.1 The purpose of the Public Meeting report is to provide background information on
the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments. Should there be no
significant concerns from the public, it is recommended that Council approve the
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recommended Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments as found in the
Attachments 1 to 4 of this report.
7.2 As noted above, the Planning Act states that the adoption of ADU policies in an Official
Plan or amendments to Zoning By-laws to give effect to the Official Plan policies are not
appealable.
Staff Contact: Jacob Circo, Planner II, 905-623-3379 ext.2425 or jcirco@clarington.net or
Amanda Tapp, Manager, Development Review, (905) 623 -3379 x 2427 or
atapp@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Draft Clarington Official Plan Amendment 137
Attachment 2 – Draft Clarington Official Plan Amendment 138
Attachment 3 – Draft Zoning By-law Amendment (Definitions, and Home Occupations)
Attachment 4 – Draft ADU Zoning By-law Amendment
Attachment 5 – Research from 5 different municipalities on landscaped open space and
soft landscaping definitions
Interested Parties:
List of Interested Parties available from Department.
Amendment Number 137
To The Municipality of Clarington Official Plan
Purpose:The purpose of this amendment is to add policies of the Clarington
Official Plan to enact changes that have been made to the
Planning Act from Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022,
regarding Additional Residential Units and ensure the Clarington
Official Plan remains in conformity with Provincial goals.
Location: The Official Plan Amendment affects all lands within the
Municipality of Clarington.
Basis:On November 28, 2022, Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act,
2022 was introduced to make changes to a variety of statutes
relating to Additional Residential Units in the Planning Act. The
effect of this amendment to our Additional Dwelling Unit policies, is
to implement the new changes introduced to Sections 17 (24.1),
17 (36.1) and 34 (19.1) of the Planning Act, from Bill 23 – More
Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, and to ease some restrictions.
Actual
Amendment: The Clarington Official Plan is hereby amended as follows:
1. Section 6.3.5 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
“6.3.5 One additional dwelling unit is permitted within any
permitted single detached, semi-detached or townhouse
dwelling, and one additional dwelling unit is permitted in an
accessory building that is secondary to the principal
residential building, for a maximum total of three dwelling
units on a lot.”
2. Section 6.3.7 is amended as follows:
“6.3.7 Notwithstanding section 6.3.5, within the Protected
Countryside of the Greenbelt Plan, but outside of the
Environmental Protection Area as identified in the Zoning
Bylaw, one additional dwelling unit is only permitted within
either a single detached dwelling or an accessory building
that existed on (or building permits were issued prior to) July
1, 2017. Additional dwelling units are not permitted within
farm buildings.”
Attachment 1 to
PDS-031-24
3.Existing Section 6.3 is amended by adding new Sections
6.3.11 to 6.3.13 as follows and all subsequent existing
sections are renumbered accordingly:
“6.3.11 Notwithstanding section 6.3.5, within the urban
settlement boundaries of Courtice, Bowmanville and
Newcastle, two additional dwelling units are permitted within
any legally permitted single detached, semi-detached, or
townhouse dwelling, or one additional dwelling unit is
permitted within any legally permitted single detached, semi-
detached, or townhouse dwelling, and one additional
dwelling unit is permitted in an accessory building on the
same lot that is connected to full municipal services, for a
maximum total of three dwelling units on a lot.
6.3.12 Notwithstanding 6.3.5 and 6.3.11, two additional
dwelling units are permitted within any legally permitted
single detached dwelling, or one additional dwelling unit is
permitted within any legally permitted single detached
dwelling and one additional dwelling unit is permitted within
an accessory building on the same lot that is partially
connected to municipal services within Courtice,
Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono or Newtonville settlement
boundaries, for a maximum total of three dwelling units on a
lot. This is subject to regulations in the Zoning By-law.
6.3.13 Notwithstanding 6.3.5, additional dwelling units are
not permitted within Hazard Lands, the Regulatory Shoreline
Area, or where safe access to the additional dwelling unit
would be rendered inaccessible to people and vehicles
during times of flooding hazards, erosion hazards, and/or
dynamic beach hazards.”
Implementation: The provisions set forth in the Municipality of Clarington Official
Plan, regarding the implementation of the Plan, shall apply in
regard to this Amendment.
Interpretation: The provisions set forth in the Municipality of Clarington Official
Plan, regarding the interpretation of the Plan, shall apply in regard
to this Amendment.
File number: COPA2024-0002
Amendment Number 138
To The Municipality of Clarington Official Plan
Purpose:The purpose of this amendment is to add policies to the Clarington
Official Plan to enact changes that have been made to the
Planning Act resulting from Bill 13, Supporting People and
Business Act, 2021.
Location: The Official Plan Amendment affects all lands within the
Municipality of Clarington.
Basis: On October 7, 2021, Bill 13, Supporting People and Businesses
Act, 2021, was introduced to make changes to a variety of
statutes, including the Planning Act. Bill 13 enables Town Council
to delegate authority to pass by-laws that are minor in nature
under Section 34, Zoning By-laws, of the Planning Act to a
committee of Council, or an individual who is an officer, employee
or agent of the municipality, provided enabling Official Plan policy
is in place.
The effect of the proposed Official Plan Amendment would
eliminate notice to the public and a public meeting for Zoning By-
law amendments that have been delegated under Section 34 of
the Planning Act
Actual
Amendment: The Clarington Official Plan is hereby amended as follows:
1.Existing Section 23 Implementation is amended by updating
subsection 23.2 as follows:
“23.2.7 Notwithstanding Section 23.2.1 public notice and a public
meeting may not be required for Zoning By-law amendments that
have been delegated under Section 34 of the Planning Act.”
Implementation: The provisions set forth in the Municipality of Clarington Official
Plan, regarding the implementation of the Plan, shall apply in
regard to this Amendment
Interpretation: The provisions set forth in the Municipality of Clarington Official
Plan, regarding the interpretation of the Plan, shall apply in regard
to this Amendment
File number: COPA2024-0002
Attachment 2 to
PDS-031-24
Attachment 3 to
PDS-031-24
Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
By-law Number 2024-XXX
being a By-law to amend By-law 84-63 and By-law 2005-109.
Whereas the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington deems it
advisable to amend By-law 84-63 and By-law 2005-109;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved That, the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of
Clarington enacts as follows:
1. By-law 84-63 is amended as set out in Sections 3 through 5 of this By-law.
2. By-law 2005-109 is amended as set out Sections 6 through 7 of this By-law.
3. By-law 84-63 is amended by deletion of the definition of “Landscaped Openspace” in
Section 2 and replacing it with the following:
“Landscaped Openspace
An open unobstructed space from ground to sky on a lot which is used
exclusively for landscaping and used to enhance the visual amenity of a lot
and/or to provide a screen to mitigate any aspects that may detrimentally affect
abutting lots. The area shall contain any combination of horticultural elements
such as grass, flowers, shrubs, bushes, or trees, and may also contain
architectural elements such as decorative stonework, planters, or screening.
The area shall be located at the finished grade of a lot. The term landscaped
area includes any surfaced walks, surfaced patios, deck of not more than 0.2m
above finished grade, storm water management pond, swimming pool,
decorative pool or pond, or similar areas, but shall not include any driveway,
ramp (whether surfaced or not), curb, parking lot, delivery space, loading space,
or any space below, within or on top of a building or structure, or any lands
zoned Environmental Protection (EP).”
a) By-law 84-63 is amended by the addition of the following definition to Section 2:
“Soft Landscaping”
The portion of a lot comprised of any combination of flowers, grass, shrubs, sod,
trees, or other horticultural elements and that is not covered by impervious
surfaces. It must not include any buildings or structures, any hard surface areas
Zoning By-law Amendment PAGE 2
such as, but not limited to, driveways, parking lots, decorative stonework,
walkways, patios, screening, or other landscape architectural elements .”
b) By-law 84-63 is amended by the addition of the following definition to Section 2:
“Farm Building”
A building or part thereof which does not contain a residential occupancy or a
habitable room for human occupancy, and which is associated with and located
on land devoted to the practice of farming and used essentially for the housing
of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage or processing of agricultural
and horticultural produce or feeds, or manure storage and anaerobic digester.
These types of buildings include but limited too barns, silos, pole barn,
drivesheds, manure storages, anaerobic digesters greenhouses, fruit, and
vegetable storage buildings. A farm building is not the same as an accessory
structure or building that is secondary to the principal residential building.”
4. By-law 84-63 is amended by deletion of Section 3.11.c) and replacing it with the
following:
"Home occupations are permitted within any legally permitted single detached, semi-
detached or townhouse dwelling except in the Environmental Protection Zone, the
Residential Mobile Home Park Zone, and the Residential Estate Zone. The following
regulations apply to dwelling units wherein a home occupation is permitted”.
5. By-law 84-63 is amended by deletion of Section 3.16.c.iii) and replacing it with the
following:
"Parking spaces provided in the front yard for detached, semidetached and/or
townhouse units must not reduce the minimum soft landscaping within the front yard or
exterior side yard below 40 percent”.
6. By-law 2005-109 is amended by the deletion of the definition of “Landscaped Area” in
Section 3 and replacing it with the following:
“Landscaped Area
An open unobstructed space from ground to sky on a lot which is used
exclusively for landscaping and used to enhance the visual amenity of a lot
and/or to provide a screen to mitigate any aspects that may detrimentally affect
abutting lots. The area shall contain any combination of horticultural elements
such as grass, flowers, shrubs, bushes, or trees, and may also contain
architectural elements such as decorative stonework, planters, or screening. The
area shall be located at the finished grade of a lot. The term landscaped area
includes any surfaced walks, surfaced patios, deck of not more than 0.2m above
finished grade, storm water management pond, swimming pool, decorative pool
or pond, or similar areas, but shall not include any driveway, ramp (whether
surfaced or not), curb, parking lot, delivery space, loading space, or any space
below, within or on top of a building or structure, or any lands zoned ‘EP-
Environmental Protection.’”
Zoning By-law Amendment PAGE 3
a) By-law 2005-109 is amended by the addition of the following definition in Section 3:
“Farm Building
A building or part thereof which does not contain a residential occupancy or a
habitable room for human occupancy, and which is associated with and located
on land devoted to the practice of farming and used essentially for the housing
of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage or processing of agricultural
and horticultural produce or feeds, or manure storage and anaerobic digester.
These types of buildings include but limited too barns, silos, pole barn,
drivesheds, manure storages, anaerobic digesters greenhouses, fruit, and
vegetable storage buildings. A farm building is not the same as an accessory
structure or building that is secondary to the principal residential building.”
7. By-law 2005-109 is amended by deletion of Section 4.7.1 a) and replacing it with the
following:
“Landscaped Area shall mean an open unobstructed space from ground to sky on a lot
which is used exclusively for landscaping and used to enhance the visual amenity of a
lot and/or to provide a screen to mitigate any aspects that may detrimentall y affect
abutting lots. The area shall contain any combination of horticultural elements such as
grass, flowers, shrubs, bushes, or trees, and may also contain architectural elements
such as decorative stonework, planters, or screening. The area shall be l ocated at the
finished grade of a lot. The term landscaped area includes any surfaced walks, surfaced
patios, deck of not more than 0.2m above finished grade, storm water management
pond, swimming pool, decorative pool or pond, or similar areas, but shall not include
any driveway, ramp (whether surfaced or not), curb, parking lot, delivery space, loading
space, or any space below, within or on top of a building or structure, or any lands
zoned ‘EP-Environmental Protection.’”
8. This By-law shall come into effect on the date of the passing hereof, subject to the
provisions of Section 34 of the Planning Act.
By-Law passed in open session this day of , 20
Adrian Foster, Mayor
June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk
Attachment 4 to
PDS-031-24
Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
By-law Number 2024-XXX
being a By-law to amend By-law 84-63 and By-law 2005-109.
Whereas the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington deems it
advisable to amend By-law 84-63 and By-law 2005-109 for ZBA2024-00XX.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved That, the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of
Clarington enacts as follows:
1. By-law 84-63 is amended as set out in Sections 3 through 4 of this By-law.
2. By-law 2005-109 is amended as set out in Section 5 of this By-law.
3. By deleting Section 3.2 and replacing it as follows:
“3.2 Additional Dwelling Units
a. One additional dwelling unit is permitted within any legally permitted single
detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling, and one additional
dwelling unit is permitted in an accessory building that is secondary to
the principal residential building, for a maximum total of three dwelling
units on a lot.
b. Notwithstanding Section 3.2 a., two additional dwelling units is permitted
within any legally permitted single detached, semi-detached or
townhouse dwelling, or one additional dwelling unit is permitted within
any legally permitted single detached, semi-detached or townhouse
dwelling and one additional dwelling unit is permitted in an accessory
building on the same lot, located within Urban Residential (R1, R2, R3)
Zones or Mixed Use Zones inclusive of all exception zones that permits
a principal residential building that is connected to full municipal
services, for a maximum total of three dwelling units on a lot.
c. Notwithstanding Section 3.2 a., two additional dwelling units is permitted
within any legally permitted single detached dwellings, or one additional
dwelling unit is permitted within any legally permitted single detached
dwellings and one additional dwelling unit is permitted in an accessory
Zoning By-law Amendment Page 2
building on the same lot, located within Urban Residential (R1, R2)
Zones, Residential Hamlet (RH) Zone, Agriculture (A) Zone, or
Agricultural Exception (A-1) Zone that is partially connected to municipal
services within Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono or Newtonville
settlement boundaries, for a maximum total of three dwelling units on a
lot. This is inclusive of all exception zones in the Urban Residential (R1,
R2) Zones and Residential Hamlet (RH) Zone in the mentioned
settlement boundaries that permit a single detached dwelling. This is
subject to obtaining the applicable servicing permits and permissions
from the Regional Municipality of Durham.
d. Notwithstanding Section 3.2 a., additional dwelling units are not permitted
within the Environmental Protection Zone. Moreover, additional dwelling
units shall not be permitted where residential uses are prohibited, as
determined by the Conservation Authority. This can include areas
subject to hazards such as where safe access to the additional dwelling
unit would be rendered inaccessible to people and vehicles during times
of flooding hazards, erosion hazards, and/or dynamic beach hazards.
e. Notwithstanding Section 3.2 a., additional dwelling units are only permitted
within single detached dwellings or accessory buildings that existed on
(or where building permits were issued prior to) July 1, 2017 for lands
within the Protected Countryside within the Greenbelt Plan. Additional
dwelling units is not permitted within farm buildings.
f. Within Urban Residential Zones and Mixed Use Zones, entrances for an
additional dwelling unit within the principal residential building may be
through a common door in the front building façade. Additional, separate
entrances for either the additional dwelling unit or the principal dwelling
must be accessed via the rear or side yard.
g. Where an additional dwelling unit is located within an accessory building:
i) Notwithstanding Section 3.1 c., the accessory building must:
a) Conform to the zone’s front yard and exterior side yard setback
requirements for residential uses;
b) Have a minimum rear yard and interior side yard setback of 1.8
metres;
c) Not exceed, whichever is less:
i) lot coverage of 10% for the additional dwelling unit, or
ii) the zone regulation’s lot coverage maximum; and
d) Have a maximum height of 6.5 metres within Agricultural and
Rural Residential Zones, and 5.25 metres within Urban
Residential Zones.
h. Additional dwelling units constructed after 1994, is automatically registered
with a building permit that has granted building occupancy. Any additional
dwelling units constructed before 1994, requires a fire inspection to be
Zoning By-law Amendment Page 3
completed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code, and to be
registered as a legal additional dwelling unit.
i. A home occupation is permitted within an additional dwelling unit, subject to
Section 3.11B.
j. An accessory building containing an additional dwelling unit may not be
severed from the lot accommodating the principal residential building. In no
case shall an additional dwelling unit be considered a residence surplus to a
farm operation.”
4. The Parking Space Requirement Table within Section 3.16 of By-law 84-63 is
amended as follows:
Parking Space Requirement Table
Type or nature of use Minimum off street parking
requirement
(v)
a) Additional dwelling unit or Garden
Suite
“1 parking space for each additional
dwelling unit or garden suite.
1 parking space per dwelling unit for
townhouse dwellings only”
5. By deleting Section 5.7.3 of By-law 2005-109 and replacing it as follows:
“5.7 Additional Dwelling Units
5.7.3 Additional dwelling units constructed after 1994, is automatically
registered with a building permit that has granted building occupancy.
Any additional dwelling units constructed before 1994 requires a fire
inspection to be completed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire
Code, and to be registered as a legal additional dwelling unit.”
6. This By-law shall come into effect on the date of the passing hereof, subject to the
provisions of Section 34 and Section 24.2 of the Planning Act.
By-Law passed in open session this day of , 20
Adrian Foster, Mayor
June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk
Landscaped Openspace and Soft Landscaping Definition Research
Clarington Landscaped Openspace Definition defined on Zoning By-law 84-63 and
landscaped area in Zoning By-law 2005-109:
Section 2 of Zoning By-law 84-63 defines landscaped openspace as: “Shall mean the open
unobstructed space from ground to sky at finished grade on a lot which is used exclusively for
landscaping, and includes any surfaced walk, patio, deck or similar area no more than 200
mm above finished grade, at its highest point, but does not include any driveway or ramp,
whether surfaced or not, any curb, retaining wall, parking area or any open space beneath or
within any building or structure”.
Section 2 of Zoning By-law 84-63 defines landscaping as: ‘Shall mean any combination of
trees, shrubs, flowers, grass or other horticultural elements, decorative stonework, paving,
screening or other architectural elements, all of which are designed to enhance the visual
amenity of a property and/or to provide a screen to mitigate any objectionable aspects that
may detrimentally affect adjacent land”.
Soft Landscaping is only defined within the Urban Residential Type One (NCO) zoning
provisions of Zoning By-law 84-63: “Soft landscaping means the portion of a lot comprised of
any combination of flowers, grass, shrubs, sod, trees or other horticultural elements that is not
covered with impervious surfaces. It does not include any buildings or structures, any hard
surface areas such as, but not limited to, driveways, parking areas, decorative stonework,
walkways, patios, screening or other landscape architectural elements”.
Section 4.7.1.a) of Zoning By-law 2005-109 defines a landscaped area as: “Landscaped Area
shall mean an open area designed and used to enhance the visual amenity of a lot and/or to
provide a screen to mitigate any aspects that may detrimentally affect abutting lots. The area
shall contain any combination of horticultural elements such as grass, flowers, shrubs,
bushes, or trees, and may also contain architectural elements such as decorative stonework,
planters, or screening. The area shall be located at the finished grade of a lot. The term
landscaped area includes any surfaced walks, patios or similar areas, but shall not include
any driveway, ramp, curb, parking area, or any space below, within or on top of a building or
structure, or any lands zoned "EP - Environmental Protection".
City/Town Landscaped
Openspace
Equivalent
Definition
Soft Landscaping
Equivalent
Definition
Landscaping
Equivalent
Definition
Markham
means that space
on a lot which is not
covered by
buildings or
structures and is
They don’t have a
definition of soft
landscaping, but do
have many
exception zones
tied with a specific
development that
means trees,
shrubs, flowers,
grass or other
horticultural
elements,
decorative
stonework,
Attachment 5 to
PDS-031-24
used exclusively for
landscaping
require “soft
landscaping shall
be provided in the
front or exterior
side yard in which
the driveway is
located”
screening or other
architectural
elements, all of
which are designed
to enhance the
visual amenity of a
property and shall
not include parking
areas, driveways or
ramps and shall not
be used for the
parking of motor
vehicles and may
include walkways,
driveways and
ramps that provide
access onto the lot
from the street.
Peterborough means open
unobstructed space
at ground level on a
lot used only for the
cultivation and
maintenance of
grass, flowers and
other growth and
landscaping or as
surfaced walk,
patio, pool, or
similar area and not
for vehicular traffic
or parking
No definition No definition
Oshawa means open space
on a lot which is
used for
landscaping of any
kind or land which
is used for any
accessory
recreational
purpose and,
notwithstanding the
generality of the
foregoing, includes
lawns, flower beds,
shrubbery, trees
No definition No definition
and other plantings,
decorative pools,
ponds and other
natural water
bodies, private
walkways, patios,
unenclosed
porches, tennis
courts, shuffleboard
courts,
playgrounds,
swimming pools,
pool areas, decks
and similar
recreational
facilities, but does
not include any
parking space,
aisle, driveway or
loading space.
Caledon No definition, but a
lot of zones refer to
definition of
Landscaped Area
shall mean
vegetative
materials such as
trees, shrubs,
grass, flowers,
vegetables or any
other plant material
but shall not include
any buildings or
structures, any hard
surface areas such
as, but not limited
to, driveways,
parking areas,
decorative
stonework,
walkways, patios,
screening or other
landscape
architectural
elements.
means that portion
of the lot area of a
lot required for the
growth and
maintenance of
grass, flowers,
bushes, trees and
other landscaping.
This definition may
include any
surfaced walk,
surfaced patio,
storm water
management pond,
swimming pool,
play facility, deck
not more than 0.6
metres above
grade or similar
area but shall not
include any
driveway or ramp
(whether surfaced
or not) nor any
curb, retaining wall,
parking area,
delivery space,
loading space, nor
any open space
within a building or
structure
Woolwich No definition, refers
to landscaped
areas
No definition, refers
to landscaped
areas
A landscaped area
may include grass,
flowers, shrubs,
trees and
landscape amenity
features but shall
not include
impervious
surfaces such as,
but is not limited to,
concrete, paving
stones, turf stone,
asphalt and/or
gravel