FAQs

A zoning by-law sets out the rules for how we develop and use land. The by-law tells us:

• What a property can be used for (e.g., commercial or residential)
• Minimum lot sizes
• Where buildings can be placed (distance between the edge of property and building)
• How tall, what size, and how many buildings can be built (including rules for accessory structures like sheds and gazebos)
• How many parking spaces are needed, and where the parking spaces can be located

Here are some of the common zones in the Town of Whitby:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Agricultural
• Environmental
• Institutional
• Open Space (includes parks)

The zoning by-law review will look at each property in the Town to determine if the current zone and rules are still appropriate. This includes residential, commercial and industrial land uses in Whitby.

The Town has three Zoning By-laws that all predate the approval of the Region and Town Official Plans: 

• Zoning By-laws 1784 and 2585 were approved in the 1960s 
• Zoning By-law 5581-05 for lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine was approved in 2006