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Public Notice – Proposed Housekeeping Zoning By-law Amendment
Municipality of Central Elgin
Township of Yarmouth Zoning By-law No. 1998
Purpose and Effect of the Proposed Amendment
The Municipality of Central Elgin is considering a housekeeping amendment to update and modernize the residential parking and driveway provisions within the former Township of Yarmouth Zoning By-law No. 1998.
The existing zoning regulations related to driveways, parking areas, and front yard landscaping are outdated and do not fully reflect current residential development patterns, municipal engineering standards, or the Municipality’s Entrance By-law requirements. The proposed amendment is intended to improve clarity, consistency, and enforceability while maintaining safe access and protecting neighbourhood character.
The amendment would establish updated regulations for:
- Maximum driveway widths based on lot frontage;
- Minimum driveway widths for residential lots;
- Maximum percentage of lot frontage that may be occupied by a driveway;
- Number of permitted driveways and combined driveway widths;
- Minimum setbacks from side lot lines;
- Driveway design standards for garages, including flared driveways for wider garages;
- Special provisions for townhouse dwellings;
- Minimum landscaped open space requirements within front yards; and
- A conformity clause ensuring all driveways remain subject to the Municipality’s Entrance By-law and entrance permit requirements.
The amendment would also clearly distinguish between:
- Driveways, which are regulated through zoning on private property; and
- Entrances, which are regulated through the Municipality’s Entrance By-law within the municipal right-of-way.
This housekeeping amendment is intended to ensure that zoning standards remain coordinated with municipal servicing, road safety, and access management requirements while allowing greater flexibility for modern residential development, including detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, and townhouse developments.
Overall, the proposed amendment will help:
- Improve driveway functionality and parking access;
- Reduce zoning interpretation issues;
- Maintain front yard landscaping and streetscape quality;
- Ensure consistency with current municipal standards; and
- Provide clearer and more enforceable regulations for residents, builders, and staff.
No changes to land use designations or permitted uses are proposed as part of this amendment. The amendment is administrative and regulatory in nature and applies generally to residential parking and driveway standards within the former Township of Yarmouth.
For further information, please contact the Planning Department at planning@centralelgin.org
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