Minor zoning by-law approvals could be passed on to city staff
Council could be giving some city staff delegation of authority to pass minor zoning by-laws.
The recommendation is slated to be voted on at Tuesday’s meeting.
It falls under the city’s housing action plan, with officials saying the goal is to improve efficiency and timelines with routine, technical or operational land use planning decisions.

They add this will speed up review and approval processes for development applications that are technical in nature.
“The analysis and review of each item would follow the same standard of review (consistency/conforming with Planning policy) that is currently undertaken, however the report and recommendation would be provided to the delegated staff member, rather than Council,” stats a staff report.
Some items include deeming minor variance, consent, and site plan control agreements complete, Certificates of Cancellation, Site Plan Control Agreements, Removal of a Holding Zone, Final Draft Plan Approval for Subdivision and Condominiums, and more.
The report says there is a growing trend in Ontario municipalities to amend their delegation by-laws to include delegation of authority for Planning Act approvals, with examples provided from ten communities.

Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
