Zoning

Zoning By-Law

A Zoning By-law is a legal document and planning tool which implements the policies of the Official Plan by establishing various zones and standards that regulate land uses and how a property may be developed within each zone in the Town.

A Zoning By-law establishes:

  • A series of zones, which are illustrated on Schedules (maps) and the different types of uses that are permitted on a property in each Zone
  • Standards such as lot size, lot coverage, and setbacks which determine where buildings and structures can be located on a property
  • Other development requirements, such as those related to building height, parking and landscaping Zoning helps to reduce land use conflicts between incompatible land uses by prescribing the types of uses that are permitted in specific areas.

Zoning can also be used to protect or enhance the character of a community or area through development standards.

Town Council recently adopted the new Zoning By-law 93-25 on December 8, 2025. The Notice of Adoption was issued on December 11, 2025 and can be viewed at the link here.

The Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25 (Council Adoption: December 8, 2025) can be viewed at the links below:

All development proposals must comply with the Zoning By-law requirements. As a result, prior to proceeding with your project, you should discuss your proposal with the Municipal Planner to either ensure that the proposal complies with the By-law or determine an appropriate course of action to address the deficiency early in the process.

Zoning By-Law Amendments

Occasionally, development proposals do not comply with either the permitted uses or the location criteria of the Zoning By-law. Significant deviations from the Zoning By-law will require an amendment. In considering an application for a zoning by-law amendment, staff will assess the conformity of the proposal to the Provincial Policy Statements and the Official Plan as well as the appropriateness of the development. The Planning Act sets out the legislative requirements, including a public consultation process, which must be met prior to the passing of a Zoning By-law amendment. Anyone can appeal a Zoning By-law amendment to the Ontario Municipal Board. Please refer to the Schedule of Planning Fees for the fee applicable to an application for a Zoning By-Law Amendment. Minor deviations from the Zoning By-Law will require a Minor Variance.

If your proposal does not conform exactly to the provisions of the zoning by-law, but follows it’s general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. Minor variances from the Zoning By-law are considered by the Committee of Adjustment. Please refer to the Schedule of Planning Fees for the fee applicable to an application for a Minor Variance.

Temporary Use By-Laws

Temporary Use By-Laws are intended to allow land and buildings to be zoned for temporary uses for renewable periods of up to three years. They can permit specific uses for a limited period of time such as a parking lot to be permitted for 2 years on a future office site or a fair on a shopping center parking lot for the month of July every year for three years. A temporary use by-law must conform to the official plan.