What is a Zoning By-law?

A Zoning By-law controls the use of land in your community. The zoning for a specific property can tell you exactly:

• how the land may be used
• the types of buildings and structures that are permitted
• where buildings and other structures can be located
• the minimum required dimensions and setbacks for buildings and structures
• parking requirements
• building heights
• and much more.

The City of Pickering is regulated by six parent Zoning By-laws 2511, 2520, 3036, 3037, 7364/14 and 7553/17.

Aside for the Seaton Urban Area (7364/14) and City Centre (7553/17) Zoning By-laws, the other by-laws are outdated and do not reflect current policies and trends. It is the City’s intention that through this review, the older by-laws will be updated to reflect Pickering’s Official Plan, current development trends, and simplify the processing of building permits and development applications.

Project Status

• Phase 1 (February 2020 - March 2021) included discussion papers, a public consultation strategy, and multiple open houses to present the findings of the discussion papers and obtain feedback from the community.
• Phase 2 (March 2022 - March 2023) includes the preparation of the draft By-law, public consultation to obtain feedback on the By-law, required revisions to the draft By-law based on stakeholder/public input, and the preparation of a recommended By-law. 
  • The City is currently within Phase 2 of the Study.
• Phase 3 (Spring 2023) will include a report and presentation to Planning & Development Committee of the recommended By-law for Council adoption. The Report will then go to Council for final approval, along with a detailed summary of the public and stakeholder feedback that helped inform the new City's Comprehensive Zoning By-law.

Reports, Discussion Papers, Videos & Other Documents

Phase 0 - Prior to Project Initiation

Report PLN 18-19
Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review Work Plan

Report PLN 29-19
Consulting Services for the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review

Initiating Project - Introduction Video

Want to learn more about this project? Watch this introduction video: https://youtu.be/RUE6f3GGQZU

Alternatively, please download the narrative for this video below.

• Narrative for Introduction Video
• Video Panels/Display Boards

Phase 1 - Discussion Papers

1: Guiding Principles and Parameters

• Summary Hand Out for DP1
• Summary YouTube Video

2: Review and Assessment of Existing Parent By-laws

• Summary Hand Out for DP2
• Summary YouTube Video

3: Residential Areas

• Summary Hand Out for DP3
• Summary YouTube Video

4: Employment Areas

• Summary Hand Out for DP4
• Summary YouTube Video

5: Mixed Use/Intensification Areas

• Summary Hand Out for DP5
• Summary YouTube Video

6: Agricultural/Rural/Hamlet/Open Space/Environmental Areas

• Summary Hand Out for DP6
• Summary YouTube Video

7: Parking, Active Transportation and Loading

• Summary Hand Out for DP7
• Summary YouTube Video

8: Cannabis Production and Retail Businesses

• Summary Hand Out for DP8
• Summary YouTube Video
  

Phase 2 - First Draft Zoning By-law and Interactive Mapping

First Draft of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law

• View the First Draft of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law 

First Draft of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Interactive Map

• View the First Draft of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Interactive Map 

Report PLN 36-22

• View the Planning Report and updates to Council on project status

Phase 2 - Drop-in Session and Virtual Public Open House Summary Sheets

• 1: Overview of the New Draft Zoning By-law
• 2: How Does the New Zoning By-law Work?
• 3: Agricultural and Rural Areas
• 4: Employment Areas
• 5: Environmentally Sensitive Areas
• 6: Residential Zones
• 7: Commercial, Mixed-Use & Intensification Areas
• 8: Parking, Loading & Active Transportation

Get Involved

Know your Zone: Let's Talk Pickering

Pickering's City Development welcomes you to visit our Lets Talk Pickering project page to stay informed, receive project updates, and to provide your feedback and questions on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law. 

Phase 2 Drop-in Session at Chestnut Hills Complex - January 26, 2023

A Drop-in Public Open House will take place on January 26, 2023 (2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 8pm) to present and receive public input on the Draft Zoning By-law and Interactive Mapping. We welcome anyone to drop by to ask questions and learn more about the Zoning By-law.

Phase 2 Virtual Open House (Webex) - February 15, 2023

A Virtual Public Open House will take place on February 15, 2023 (7pm - 9pm) to present and receive public input on the Draft Zoning By-law and Interactive Mapping. You are welcome to ask questions and learn about the Zoning By-law, we ask that you register at the following link by 3:00pm February 15: Virtual Registration

Phase 1 Electronic Public Open House

An Electronic Public Open House was held on Thursday November 5, 2020 to present the draft Discussion Papers.

• Draft Discussion Papers, summary videos and handouts are available under "Reports, Discussion Papers, Videos & Other Documents"
• Watch the Electronic Public Open House here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDgyUzbRUoE 

Phase 1 Electronic Council Meeting

The City of Pickering is concluding Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review, as such staff have prepared a report to Council presenting the key findings and recommendations from the 8 Discussion Papers completed within Phase 1 and comments received from the public and stakeholders. In addition, the City’s consultant, WSP, will present an overview of the Discussion Papers.

The meeting took place on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm.

• Notice of Electronic Council Meeting