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What is a Zoning Bylaw and why is it being updated?

In Abbotsford, the authority to regulate land use is granted by the Local Government Act (LGA). The LGA is a Provincial statute that specifies the types of bylaws the City can enact and what the bylaws can regulate. The Zoning Bylaw establishes regulations for the development of land in Abbotsford. Regular updates to the Zoning Bylaw help implement new municipal policies, improve regulations, incorporate changes in Provincial or Federal legislation, and address administrative issues.

Current Update

This update began in December 2020 and includes a comprehensive review of the parking and residential components of the Zoning Bylaw. Please take a moment to watch this quick video illustrating the topics where changes are proposed in the Zoning Bylaw. Please note that the video has no audio.

In early 2021, staff prepared draft regulations based on research of practices in other municipalities, input from Council and City Committees, cross department staff workshops and Abbotsford-based analysis. During the fall, staff engaged with the community and the draft regulations were refined based on the feedback received. The updated regulations were presented to Council on March 7, 2022 (Report PDS 020-2022) and staff were directed to prepare a bylaw. On April 25, 2022, Council gave 1st and 2nd readings to the Zoning Bylaw amendment (Report PDS 042-2022). The project is nearing completion, and the public hearing for final community feedback on the bylaw is anticipated for May 9, 2022.