Zoning

The Township of Springwater's Zoning By-law controls the use and development of properties and buildings. The Zoning By-law implements policies set out in our Official Plan by placing properties into categories such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural.

Each of the zoning categories has a list of permitted uses and regulations, including:

• Lot size and frontage
• Building size and height

Applying for a zoning by-law amendment

A zoning by-law application (“rezoning”) is required when a proposed use or structure does not meet the requirements of our Zoning By-law. A rezoning application must conform to the Official Plan. If it doesn't, you may need an official plan amendment before applying for a rezoning. Council will review and consider the zoning amendment at a public meeting.

Shipping Containers

The Township’s Zoning By-law currently prohibits the use of shipping containers (with the exception of in the General Industrial/Outside Storage (MO) Zone).

At a meeting on July 5, 2023, Council directed staff to initiate a municipal Zoning By-law Amendment to review and modify shipping container policies.

In accordance with the Planning Act, a public meeting regarding shipping containers, has been scheduled for October 11, 2023 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format allowing opportunity for residents to attend in-person at the Township Administration Centre or virtually via Zoom. For additional information on the Public Meeting and how to participate please review the Notice of Public Meeting.

A draft Zoning By-law has been prepared and would allow shipping containers within certain zones in the municipality. The draft By-law includes both a definition and regulations that would potentially allow shipping containers as an accessory use in the following zones: Rural Residential (RR); Highway Commercial (CH); Rural Commercial (CR); Kennel (K); General Industrial/Inside Storage (MI); General Industrial/Outside Storage (MO); Open Space (OS); and, Agricultural (A).

-          Draft Zoning By-law

-          Guide to the Draft Zone Provisions

Additional Information

-          Educational Session Presentation (September 6, 2023)

-          Information Report – ZB-2023-015 (Shipping Containers)