Ajax Council has passed 10 zoning by-laws that complete the Town's multi-year comprehensive review of its rulebook for land use and development.
The by-laws, numbered 58-2026 through 67-2026, were approved June 22 under Section 34 of the Planning Act, according to a Town of Ajax notice. Each by-law covers a different section of the updated zoning framework, including the preamble, interpretation and administration provisions, the establishment of zones, definitions, general provisions and parking.
The changes stem from the Zoning Our Future review, launched in 2015 to bring Ajax's Zoning By-law into line with the Town's Official Plan and current practices across Ontario. A statutory public meeting on the final amendments was held June 1.
Long-running overhaul
The review targets Zoning By-law No. 95-2003, adopted by Ajax Council on July 14, 2003. Since then, the Town has passed roughly 250 amendments through development applications and its own studies, and the Committee of Adjustment has processed about 1,250 minor variance applications.
The Planning Act requires municipalities to keep their zoning by-laws in conformity with their Official Plans. According to the Town, updating the by-law establishes as-of-right land use permissions while setting standards for urban design and protection of the natural environment.
Phase 1 of the review, beginning in 2015, produced eight discussion papers for public comment. Phase 2 began June 17, 2024, when Council endorsed staff report PDS-2024-15, leading to eight technical reports, draft amendments and updated zoning schedule maps.
Two-stage approval
Council took a phased approach to adoption. On March 3, 2025, the Community Affairs and Planning Committee endorsed the first set of changes, covering accessory dwelling units, including permissions for up to four dwelling units on most properties with a detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling.
Monday's vote finalizes the remaining zoning changes, organized into the 10 by-laws by section of the Zoning By-law.
Appeal deadline
Under the Planning Act, only a specified person, public body, registered owner of affected land, or the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may appeal the by-laws to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Notices of appeal must be filed no later than 4:30 p.m. on July 20, 2026.
People or bodies that did not make oral or written submissions before the by-laws were passed cannot be added as parties to any appeal hearing unless the Tribunal finds reasonable grounds to include them.
Residents can review the Notice of Passing and the full set of by-laws on the Town's website, and can request project updates by contacting ZoningOurFuture@Ajax.ca.
