Zoning and urban planning by-law amendment

Submitting an application

To begin the procedure for amending the zoning and urban planning by-laws, a letter from the owner describing, clearly and concisely, the reasons for the request must be submitted to the Planning Department. Plans and detailed drawings along with a cheque for $ 1 000 (non-refundable) (article 1, by-law 451), payable to the City of Huntingdon, must accompany the letter.

Discussions at the planning advisory committee (PAC)

The head of the planning department has the task of presenting the request at a PAC meeting. This committee meets behind closed doors every four to five weeks during the year. The PAC, which consists of residents of Huntingdon and at least one member of City Council, considers the request. The PAC will then produce a report that is later presented to City Council for consideration in caucus.

Council decision following PAC recommendations

The Council will then decide:

  • To request more information. The owner will be contacted to provide the necessary information;

OR

  • To proceed with the amendment process to planning regulations. The applicant will be notified in writing;

OR

  • Not to proceed with the zoning amendment procedure. The applicant will be notified in writing of the reasons for this decision.

Publication in the local newspapers and adoption of by-law

If a by-law is adopted, a draft of the regulation is then prepared. The procedure therefore begins with the adoption of the first draft of the by-law, and a notice of motion is also given. Then, a public notice is published in the Huntingdon Gazette summarizing the proposed regulations and informing citizens of the date of the public consultation.

Without referendum:

After this consultation and if the first draft of the by-law does not contain provisions that necessitate approval by referendum, the council adopts a second draft of the by-law, with or without modification, and then at a later meeting, the final amending regulations. A public notice is published in the Huntingdon Gazette informing citizens of the adoption of the by-law and its entry into force.

With referendum:

Following the public consultation, and if the first draft of the by-law contains provisions that may require a referendum for approval, the Council adopts a second draft of the by-law, with or without modification. A new public notice is published in the Huntingdon Gazette advising qualified voters of the areas concerned and in some cases, areas adjacent to the areas concerned, their right to request that the law containing such provisions be subject to a referendum.

A written request, clearly identifying the provision(s) concerned and the area from which the application must be signed by at least 12 qualified voters of the area or the majority if the potential number of eligible voters is less than 21. This request must be received by the Registrar no later than the eighth day following the publication of the second notice. If no request is made by qualified voters, or if their number is insufficient, the procedure continues.

The Council adopts the final amending regulation in a regular meeting. A public notice is published in the Huntingdon Gazette informing citizens of the adoption of the by-law and, where applicable, and its entry into force.

If a valid application is made by qualified voters of the affected area, and, where applicable, the adjacent areas, a registration day takes place after the adoption of the by-law on a date determined by the Registrar in a public notice in the Huntingdon Gazette (charges for maintaining the Register shall be paid by the applicant). On the due date, qualified voters may present themselves at City Hall and sign the register requesting that the law be submitted to a referendum. If a sufficient number of qualified voters sign the register, the Council must hold a referendum or they may withdraw the regulation.