THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay is proposing a zoning by-law amendment that will affect lot size requirements in rural areas of the municipality.
The amendment is necessary because the city adopted a new Official Plan in 2018 which changed some policies covering rural development.
The city is not allowed to create lots which don't conform to both the official plan and the zoning by-law.
According to the Planning Services division, the changes will decrease the required lot area for single-detached dwellings on rural lots that have private wells and private septic systems. The city says this is aimed at better protecting land for agricultural and resource uses.
However, on rural lots where city water services are available and private septic systems are provided, the lot area and frontage will be increased to maintain consistency with provincial policy and guidelines.
Changes include:
- RURAL single detached dwelling existing requirement - 60m frontage, 20,000 square metre area. Amendment - 60 metre frontage, 10,000 square metre area
- RURAL uses other than housing - existing requirement 90m frontage, 20,000 square metre area. Amendment - 60 metre frontage, 20,000 square metre area
- RURAL, where city water is available and private septic system, is provided - existing requirement 30 metre frontage, 2,100 square metre area. Amendment - 60 metre frontage, 10,000 square metre area
A Planning Services spokesperson noted that the official plan may also permit, through a zoning by-law amendment or minor variance, a reduced lot area in the city's designated Rural Settlement Area if a hydrogeological report shows a smaller area can be justified.
Notwithstanding the pending changes, any existing approved plans will be allowed to continue as approved.
City council will hold a public meeting on Aug. 26 to receive any comments from the public as well as recommendations from administration regarding the proposed modifications.
