DP-2012-055 - Town of Caledon

REPORT DP-2012-055
Following this meeting, TRCA staff indicated that in 1987 the property was located
entirely within the floodplain; however, in the current mapping, the dwelling is located
outside of the floodplain. At this time, TRCA suggested that they would be supportive of
a rezoning to reflect the current floodplain mapping.
In October of 2011, the proposed was discussed at a formal pre-consultation (DART)
meeting. Following this meeting in December of 2011, the owners submitted a rezoning
application with the request to have the fee waived.
In response to Council’s resolution in February, Development staff began discussions
with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to discuss the change in
zoning. Through these discussions TRCA staff explained that the existing Hazard Land
zoning was not a result of the floodplain mapping; however, was due to the property’s
location within a larger valley system. For this reason, a rezoning to a Rural Residential
(RR) zone would be incompatible with the surrounding land uses, Official Plan
designation (Environmental Policy Area) as well as Town of Caledon and TRCA policies.
Instead, staff discussed rezoning the subject lands to the equivalent of an Environmental
Policy Area 2 (EPA-2) zone in Zoning By-law 2006-50, as amended. This would permit
residential uses which are not currently permitted in the Hazard Land (HL) zone.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, the Region of Peel Official Plan, the Town
of Caledon Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law 87-250, as amended were
reviewed in consideration of this application.
Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
The subject property is located within the Natural Core Area of the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan. The purpose of the Natural Core Area is to maintain and where
possible improve or restore the ecological integrity of the area. This area permits various
uses including agricultural uses, home businesses and industries, bed and breakfast
establishments and low-intensity recreational uses. The uses proposed in the zoning bylaw
reflect these permitted uses.
Region of Peel Official Plan
The subject property is designated Rural System – Area with Special Policy (Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan) on Schedule “D”, Regional Structure in the Region of Peel
Official Plan. The Region of Peel has advised that they have no objection to the approval
of the subject rezoning application.
Town of Caledon Official Plan
The subject property is designated Environmental Policy Area (EPA) on Schedule “A”,
Town of Caledon Land Use Plan, and Natural Core Area on Schedule “P”, Town of
Caledon Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Land Use Designations in the Town of
Caledon Official Plan.
The Natural Core Area policies of the Official Plan permits all uses which are permitted
in the underlying land use designation. The EPA designation permits, among others,
legally existing residential and agricultural uses and a building permit on a vacant
existing lot of record. Furthermore, the TRCA, as the technical advisors of environmental
matters for the Town, has indicated that they have no concerns with the proposed
rezoning. The proposed zoning is reflective of the uses permitted in this designation.
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