The Town of Oakville has initiated a review of South Oakville Residential Zoning By-law, looking at the zoning regulations for detached and semi-detached homes located on properties zoned “Residential Low” (RL) south of Dundas Street to assess and provide more clarity around regulations for new homes, upgrades and renovations.
An online survey about the zoning regulations is open to the public until August 14, 2023. Public feedback collected on regulations for building a new home or making renovations such as a new deck, pool, basement apartment or home extension will be used in amending the South Oakville Residential Zoning By-law. Additional public engagement is planned for this fall, followed by presentation to Council in 2024 for approval.
The review stems from a Residential Character Study in 2018, which included such recommendations for further review as house height, landscaping and setbacks (the distance between the house and the property lines).
South Oakville stretches from Burloak Drive in the west to Winston Churchill Boulevard in the east and Dundas Street in the north. This area is also home to four heritage conservation districts with an established neighbourhood character. While the survey is primarily for the south Oakville area, it is open to all residents across Oakville to provide feedback on setbacks, height, residential floor area, dwelling depth, lot coverage and other aspects that are important to consider during renovations or rebuilds.
The Zoning By-law sets out rules to ensure new development is compatible with existing regulations, and in line with the Livable Oakville Official Plan. As Oakville’s housing opportunities continue to grow, regular reviews of the Zoning By-law help ensure alignment with the Official Plan and provincial housing legislation and provide more clarity on zoning regulations.
Mayor Rob Burton, said, “Council and I need to know if you find our zoning bylaw too rigid or not rigid enough, and if it needs to be easier to understand and work with. We need to hear about your experience and your expectations so we can get it right or leave it alone.”
