Town of Whitby Study of Zoning Regulations Relating to Home Occupations

Background The Planning and Development Committee directed Planning Department to initiate framework for a zoning study November 28, 2011 Intent is to update and harmonize home occupation zoning provisions across the Town This topic was last reviewed in 1998 but the review stopped short of amending the Zoning By-laws Background report presenting a work plan was endorsed by Council on February 21, 2012

Where We Are: Current Policy & Zoning Durham Region Official Plan  Permits certain home occupations in Living Area and Prime Agricultural designations Town of Whitby Official Plan  Permits home occupations in residential areas, subject to certain criteria and performance standards (Policy d) The Town of Whitby’s Zoning By-laws have not been amended comprehensively to implement the direction of the Official Plan Home occupations are permitted in certain residential areas (older residential areas and the Downtowns) but this permission has not been extended evenly across the Town The study will make recommendations for amendments to the By- laws to permit home occupations across a broader area within the Residential designation

Urban Residential Areas where home occupations are currently permitted

Where We Are Going Study to be conducted by a team of Professional Planners Phase 1  Review of legislation, literature, other Municipal By-laws (Durham Region and GTA)  Assess input from stakeholder groups (eg. Chamber of Commerce, Durham Home & Small Business Association)  Host Public Open House (questionnaire/survey provided) Phase 2  Assess observations and comments  Prepare draft recommendations Phase 3  Statutory Public Meeting outlining draft recommendations  Review and assess public and agency comments  Bring recommendations forward for public consultation  Recommendation Report and preparation of amendments

Next Steps Public Open House #1 to be held in May  Public input will be an integral component of this study  Notice will be posted on the Town website and in the Whitby This Week  A questionnaire/survey will be provided to solicit public input