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TABLE OF CONTENTS
City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
Page i
Section
Page
Preamble
x
Section 1 - Interpretation & Administration
1-1
1.1 Title
1-1
1.2 Lands Affected
1-1
1.3 Repeal of Former By-laws
1-1
1.4 Conformity with this By-law
1-1
1.5 Compliance with Other Legislation
1-1
1.6 Penalties
1-2
1.7 Severability
1-2
1.8 Clarification and Convenience
1-2
1.9 Measurements and Rounding Provisions
1-3
1.10 Transition Protocol
1-4
1.10.1 Building Permit Applications
1-4
1.10.2 Minor Variance and Consent Applications
1-5
1.10.3 Site Plan Applications
1-5
1.10.4 Previous Zoning to Apply
1-5
1.10.5 Cessation of Section 1.10 Relief
1-6
Section 2 - Establishment of Zones
2-1
2.1 Establishment of Zones
2-1
2.2 Zone Symbols
2-2
2.3 Interpretation of Zone Boundaries
2-2
2.3.1 Determination of Boundary
2-2
2.3.2 Lots with More Than One Zone
2-3
2.3.3 Lots with Compound Zoning
2-3
2.4 Interpretation of Use
2-3
2.5 Special Zone Regulations
2-3
2.5.1 Zone Exceptions (Defined Areas)
2-4
2.5.2 Holding Provisions
2-4
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
2.5.3 Bonus Provisions
2-11
2.5.4 Temporary Use Permission
2-14
2.5.5 Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulated Area
2-14
2.5.6 Stratford Municipal Airport and Adjacent Area
2-14
Section 3 - Definitions
3-1
Section 4 - General Provisions
4-1
4.1 Accessory Buildings, Structures and Uses
4-1
4.1.1 Uses Permitted
4-1
4.1.2 Location
4-1
4.1.3 Lot Coverage
4-3
4.1.4 Regulations
4-3
4.2 Access Required to a Street
4-5
4.2.1 Lot Frontage Requirements
4-5
4.3 Bed and Breakfast Establishments and Short Term Rental
Accommodation
4-5
4.3.1 Bed and Breakfast Establishment
4-6
4.3.2 Parking Requirements
4-8
4.3.3 Other Requirements
4-9
4.3.4 Accessory Guest Room
4-10
4.3.5 Accessory Guest Rooms in Accessory Buildings
4-10
4.4 Cannabis Production Facility
4-11
4.5 Consents Subject to an Agreement
4-11
4.6 Construction Uses
4-12
4.7 Daylight Triangles and Visibility Triangles
4-12
4.7.1 Minimum Daylight Triangle Requirement
4-12
4.7.2 Minimum Visibility Triangle Requirements
4-12
4.7.3 Prohibition of Obstructions within Visibility Triangles
4-13
4.7.4 Exemptions
4-13
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
Page iii
4.8 Drive Throughs, Stacking Lanes and Stacking Spaces
4-14
4.9 Dwellings Per Lot
4-15
4.10 Garden Suites
4-15
4.11 Group Homes
4-16
4.12 Height Exceptions
4-17
4.13 Home Occupations
4-18
4.14 Landscaped Open Space
4-19
4.15 Minimum Distance Separation Requirements
4-20
4.16 Model Homes and Temporary Sales Offices
4-20
4.17 Non-Conformity with this By-law
4-21
4.17.1 Continuation
4-21
4.17.2 Repair
4-22
4.17.3 Extensions
4-22
4.17.4 Legal Existing Lots
4-22
4.17.5 Reduction in Lot Area
4-22
4.17.6 Lots Created Through Plan of Subdivision or Consent
4-23
4.18 Outdoor Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
4-23
4.19 Outside Display and Sale of Goods, Materials and Merchandise
4-24
4.20 Permitted Yard Encroachments
4-24
4.20.1 Projection into Required Yards
4-24
4.21 Planting Strips
4-27
4.22 Public Uses
4-27
4.23 Rooftop Mechanical Equipment and Mechanical Penthouses
4-28
4.24 Second Suite Regulations
4-28
4.24.1 Permitted Use Requirements
4-28
4.24.2 Parking Requirements
4-29
4.24.3 Entrance Requirements
4-29
4.24.4 Restricted Areas
4-30
4.25 Servicing Requirements
4-30
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
4.26 Setbacks
4-30
4.26.1 Required Setbacks
4-30
4.26.2 Setback Dimension Considered a Required Yard
4-31
4.26.3 Street Widenings
4-32
4.26.4 Established Building Lines in Residential and MUR Zones
4-32
4.26.5 Exterior Side Yard
4-33
4.26.6 Front Yard Setbacks for Specific Streets
4-33
4.27 Shipping Containers
4-34
4.28 Source Protection (Wellhead Protection Areas)
4-34
4.29 Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulated Area (Schedule
"A" Overlay)
4-35
4.30 Walkways
4-37
4.30.1 Location and Width
4-37
Section 5 - Parking and Loading Requirements
5-1
5.1 Minimum Parking Space Requirements
5-1
5.1.1 Shared Parking Space Requirements for Mixed Use
Developments
5-6
5.1.2 Calculation of Required Parking Spaces
5-7
5.2 Parking Space Dimensions and Requirements
5-8
5.3 Driveway, Parking Aisle and Parking Area Requirements
5-9
5.3.1 Driveway and Parking Aisles Dimensions
5-9
5.3.2 Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles
5-11
5.3.3 Access to Parking Areas and Parking Spaces
5-15
5.3.4 Surfacing of Parking Areas, Driveways and Loading Spaces
5-17
5.3.5 Large Surface Parking Area Requirements
5-18
5.3.6 Maximum Number of Driveways
5-18
5.3.7 Parking Provisions for Other Vehicles Associated with Residential
Uses
5-19
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
Page v
5.3.8 Structured and Underground Parking Areas
5-20
5.3.9 Parking Shelters
5-21
5.4 Barrier Free Parking Space Requirements
5-21
5.4.1 Minimum Barrier Free Parking Spaces
5-21
5.4.2 Calculation of Barrier Free Parking Spaces
5-22
5.4.3 Barrier Free Parking Space Dimensions and Requirements
5-23
5.4.4 Minimum Loading Space Requirements
5-24
5.4.5 Calculation of Loading Spaces
5-25
5.4.6 Loading Space Dimensions and Requirements
5-25
5.4.7 Location of Loading Spaces
5-26
5.4.8 Access to Loading Spaces
5-26
5.5 Bicycle Parking Requirements
5-27
5.5.1 Minimum Bicycle Parking Space Requirements
5-27
5.5.2 Calculation of Bicycle Parking Spaces
5-28
5.5.3 Bicycle Parking Space Dimensions and Parking Area
Requirements
5-28
5.5.4 Provision of Additional Bicycle Parking Spaces
5-29
5.6 Central Business District Exemption
5-29
Section 6 - Residential Zones
6-1
6.1 List of Applicable Zones
6-1
6.2 Permitted Uses
6-1
6.3 Special Use Regulations
6-3
6.3.1 Residential First Density (R1) Zone
6-3
6.3.2 Residential Secondary Density (R2) Zone
6-3
6.3.3 Residential Third Density (R3) Zone
6-3
6.3.4 Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone
6-3
6.3.5 Residential Fifth Density (R5) Zone
6-4
6.3.6 Mixed Use Residential (MUR) Zone
6-4
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
6.4 General Use Regulations
6-4
6.4.1 Residential First Density (R1) Zone
6-5
6.4.2 Residential Secondary Density (R2) Zone
6-7
6.4.3 Residential Third Density (R3) Zone
6-10
6.4.4 Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone
6-14
6.4.5 Residential Fifth Density (R5) Zone
6-16
Section 7 - Commercial Zones
7-1
7.1 List of Applicable Zones
7-1
7.2 Permitted Uses
7-1
7.3 Special Use Regulations
7-4
7.3.1 Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) Zone
7-4
7.3.2 Highway Commercial (C2) Zone
7-4
7.3.3 Central Commercial (C3) Zone
7-5
7.3.4 Shopping Centre Commercial (C4) Zone
7-5
7.3.5 Corridor Commercial (C5) Zone
7-5
7.3.6 Gas Bars
7-5
7.4 General Use Regulations
7-7
Section 8 - Grand Trunk Anchor District Zone
8-1
8.1 List of Applicable Zones
8-1
8.2 Permitted Uses
8-1
8.3 Special Use Regulations
8-4
8.3.1 Loading Spaces
8-4
8.3.2 Parking Rates
8-4
8.3.3 Shared Parking
8-4
8.4 General Use Regulations
8-5
Section 9 - Industrial Zones
9-1
9.1 List of Applicable Zones
9-1
9.2 Permitted Uses
9-1
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
Page vii
9.3 Special Use Regulations
9-3
9.3.1 Prime Industrial (I1) Zone
9-3
9.3.2 General Industrial (I2) Zone
9-4
9.3.3 Secondary Industrial (I3) Zone
9-5
9.3.4 Factory District (I4) Zone
9-5
9.4 General Use Regulations
9-6
Section 10 - Institutional Zones
10-1
10.1 List of Applicable Zones
10-1
10.2 Permitted Uses
10-1
10.3 Special Use Regulations
10-2
10.3.1 Institutional Community (IN1) Zone
10-2
10.3.2 Institutional Neighbourhood (IN2) Zone
10-2
10.4 General Use Regulations
10-3
Section 11 - Theatre District Zone
11-1
11.1 List of Applicable Zones
11-1
11.2 Permitted Uses
11-1
11.3 Special Use Regulations
11-1
11.3.1 Theatre District Zone
11-1
11.4 General Use Regulations
11-2
Section 12 - Parks and Open Space Zones
12-1
12.1 List of Applicable Zones
12-1
12.2 Permitted Uses
12-1
12.3 Special Use Regulations
12-1
12.3.1 Parks (P) Zone
12-1
12.3.2 Open Space (OS) Zone
12-1
12.4 General Use Regulations
12-2
Section 13 - Agricultural Zone
13-1
13.1 List of Applicable Zones
13-1
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City of Stratford | Zoning By-law 10-2022
13.2 Permitted Uses
13-1
13.3 Special Use Regulations
13-2
13.3.1 Agricultural (A) Zone
13-2
13.4 General Use Regulations
13-4
Section 14 - Urban Reserve Zone
14-1
14.1 List of Applicable Zones
14-1
14.2 Permitted Uses
14-1
14.3 Special Use Regulations
14-1
14.3.1 Urban Reserve (UR) Zone
14-1
14.4 General Use Regulations
14-2
Section 15 - Zone Exceptions
15-1
15.1 Residential First Density (R1) Zone
15-1
15.2 Residential Secondary Density (R2) Zone
15-15
15.3 Residential Third Density (R3) Zone
15-34
15.4 Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone
15-39
15.5 Residential Fifth Density (R5) Zone
15-58
15.6 Mixed Use Residential (MUR) Zone
15-67
15.7 Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) Zone
15-71
15.8 Highway Commercial (C2) Zone
15-74
15.9 Central Commercial (C3) Zone
15-87
15.10 Shopping Centre Commercial (C4) Zone
15-91
15.11 Corridor Commercial (C5) Zone
15-96
15.12 Grand Trunk Anchor District (AD) Zone
15-97
15.13 Prime Industrial (I1) Zone
15-98
15.14 General Industrial (I2) Zone
15-101
15.15 Secondary Industrial (I3) Zone
15-123
15.16 Factory District (I4) Zone
15-124
15.17 Institutional Community (IN1) Zone
15-126
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Page ix
15.18 Institutional Neighbourhood (IN2) Zone
15-128
15.19 Theatre District (TH) Zone
15-129
15.20 Parks (P) Zone
15-130
15.21 Open Space (OS) Zone
15-131
15.22 Agricultural (A) Zone
15-132
15.23 Urban Reserve (UR) Zone
15-142
Schedules
Schedule "A" - Maps
Schedule "B" - Street Classification and Existing and Design
Street Widths
Schedule "C" - Wellhead Protection Areas
PREAMBLE
HOW TO READ THIS BY-LAW
Page x
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
PREAMBLE
The preamble is intended to assist the reader in understanding and interpreting the
Zoning By-law for the City of Stratford. It does not form part of the Zoning By-law.
1.0
Overview of Zoning By-laws
A Zoning By-law is a detailed municipal by-law that regulates the types of land uses and
activities that may occur on a property or within buildings; and the height, location,
massing and character of buildings and structures.
Section 34 of the Ontario Planning Act, as amended, gives local municipalities the
authority to pass Zoning By-laws, and identifies the specific matters that may be regulated
by a Zoning By-law. Zoning By-laws are used by most municipalities in Ontario to manage
land use compatibility and manage the character and appearance of neighbourhoods and
communities. Zoning By-laws are also prepared to implement the policies of a
municipality's Official Plan, which establishes goals and policies respecting the types of
permitted land uses and desired built form within different geographic areas of the
municipality. The Zoning By-law is used to translate these policies into more specific
permitted land uses, and requirements for lot and buildings by establishing zone
categories and regulations which apply to all lands in the municipality.
A Zoning By-law is primarily implemented through the building permit application process.
Where a property owner or occupant wishes to construct something on their property,
and applies for a building permit, the proposal must conform to the provisions of the
Zoning By-law. If the proposal does not conform to the Zoning By-law, the applicant can:
a) apply for a minor variance to seek relief from the provisions of the Zoning By-law;
b) apply for a rezoning (Zoning By-law Amendment) to change their zone or seek
major relief from the provisions of the Zoning By-law; or
c) the applicant can rework their proposal so that it complies with the Zoning By-law.
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City of Stratford
Page xi
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
2.0
Authority to Prepare this By-law
The Zoning By-law is prepared in accordance with Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O.,
1990, c.P.13, as amended. Generally speaking, the Planning Act allows the Council of the
City of Stratford to pass zoning by-laws to restrict the use of land, and to regulate the
size, location and character of buildings and structures within the City.
3.0
Overview of the City of Stratford Zoning By-law
This Zoning By-law regulates the use of land and buildings and the massing, location,
height and character of buildings and structures for all lands within the City of Stratford.
All properties in the City of Stratford as shown on Schedule "A" are subject to the
provisions of this Zoning By-law. This By-law replaces the City of Stratford Zoning By-law
201-2000, as well as the portions of the Township of Perth East By-law 30-1999 and
Township of Perth South By-law 4-1999, as they relate to lands which are now within the
corporate limits of the City of Stratford.
3.1
Structure of this By-law
The City of Stratford Zoning By-law consists of the following sections:
Section 1.0 - Interpretation and Administration
Section 1.0 describes how the Zoning By-law is to be interpreted, and how the
By-law is to be administered by the City of Stratford. All buildings and structures
and land uses within the City are required to conform to the provisions of this
By-law. Section 1.0 also contains important details regarding how development
applications in process are to be administered.
Section 2.0 - Establishment of Zones
Section 2.0 of the Zoning By-law establishes the zone categories and zone
symbols which are applied to all lands within the City of Stratford as shown on
Schedule "A" to this By-law. This section also describes how zone boundaries
are to be interpreted and identifies special zone regulations which may apply to
certain properties.
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City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Certain lands may be subject to holding provisions, which are denoted by the
symbols "-H1, -H2", etc., as a suffix to the zone. Where a holding symbol is
shown, the provisions of Section 2.5.2 apply. Where a holding symbol is applied
to lands, the lands may not be used or developed according to the requirements
in the underlying zone until such time as the holding symbol is removed. Lands
subject to a holding symbol are typically only permitted to be used for those
uses which legally existed prior to the addition of the holding symbol. The by-
law which was passed to add the holding symbol may contain special conditions
for removing the holding symbol, such as the provision of municipal wastewater
servicing for the land. City Council must pass a by-law to remove the holding
symbol once they are satisfied that the conditions for removing the holding
symbol have been met.
Certain lands may be subject to bonus provisions, which are denoted by the
symbols "-B1, -B2", etc. as a suffix to the zone. Where a bonus provision is
shown, the provisions of Section 2.5.3 apply. Where a bonus provision is applied
to lands, increases in the height and/or density are permitted, beyond that
which is typically permitted in this By-law, in exchange for the provision of
certain facilities, services, or other matters which provide a community benefit.
An amendment to this By-law is required to establish the development standards
that would apply when bonusing is granted.
Certain lands may be subject to a temporary use permission, which are denoted
by the symbols "-T1, -T2", etc. as a suffix to the zone. Where a temporary use
permission is shown, the provisions of Section 2.5.4 apply. Where a temporary
use permission is applied to lands, through a Temporary Use By-law, the subject
lands may be used for such temporary uses as set out in the By-law for a limited
period of time, notwithstanding the permitted uses of this By-law. An
amendment to this By-law is required to establish the temporary use provisions
related to the subject lands.
Certain lands may also be subject to compound zoning (i.e., I2/UR), in which
case the provisions of this By-law with respect to each zone shall apply to the
subject lands, and any building, structure or use shall conform to the provisions
of this By-law which are applicable to such building, structure or use.
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Page xiii
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Section 3.0 - Definitions
Section 3.0 provides specific definitions for commonly used terms in the By-law.
The permitted uses, and other technical terms used in the Zoning By-law are
defined to ensure the Zoning By-law is being interpreted and applied
consistently. For the convenience of the reader, if a term is italicized in the text
of the Zoning By-law, then the term is defined in Section 3.0.
Section 4.0 - General Provisions
Section 4.0 of the Zoning By-law provides general provisions which may be
applicable to all zones, one or more categories of zones, or to specific uses,
depending on the proposed use of the lot or the context of the lot. These
provisions include detailed requirements for swimming pools, home
occupations, accessory buildings, short term rental accommodations, bed and
breakfasts and many more subjects that will be applicable depending on the
context.
Section 5.0 - Parking and Loading Requirements
Section 5.0 identifies the minimum number of parking spaces that a use must
provide on-site to accommodate vehicles. Some uses are also required to have
loading spaces to accommodate the use. In this By-law, some uses are also
required to provide and maintain a certain number of barrier free parking spaces
and bicycle parking spaces. This section also provides requirements for the size
of parking spaces, drive aisles, and parking lots.
Sections 6.0-14.0 - Zone Categories (Permitted Uses, Special Use
Regulations, and General Use Regulations)
Sections 6.0 through 14.0 outlines the zone categories which establish the
permitted uses within each zone, as well as the general use regulations which
identify the lot and building requirements, including minimum lot area and lot
frontage requirements, building setbacks from lot lines, maximum building
heights, and requirements for accessory buildings or structures. In certain
instances, a zone category may contain multiple zone variations which apply
different general use regulations. Certain zones may also contain special use
regulations which apply additional requirements to a specific use, such as a
boarding house dwelling, gas bar, and open storage.
The zones are organized into similar categories, in the following sections:
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City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Section 6.0 - Residential Zones
Section 7.0 - Commercial and Mixed Use Zones
Section 8.0 - Grand Trunk Anchor District Zone
Section 9.0 - Industrial Zones
Section 10.0 - Institutional Zones
Section 11.0 - Theatre District Zone
Section 12.0 - Parks and Open Space Zones
Section 13.0 - Agricultural Zone
Section 14.0 - Urban Reserve Zone
Section 15.0 - Zone Exceptions
Most lands in the City of Stratford are zoned by a base zone, which are
represented by symbols such as R1(1), I2, etc. However, some lands are also
zoned by a site-specific zone exception, which is denoted as a base zone symbol
followed by a hyphenated numeric suffix in Section 15.0. For example, I2-1 is
zone exception number 1 to the General Industrial (I2) Zone. The zone
exceptions provide special provisions related to that specific property or
properties, and establish specific requirements related to that zone exception.
Section 16.0- Enactment of By-law
Section 16.0 includes the particulars for the enactment of the Zoning By-law,
including the effective date.
Schedule "A" Maps
Schedule "A" to the Zoning By-law is comprised of a series of Maps which
identify the zone categories for all lands in the City of Stratford. In addition, the
maps also identify areas which are subject to specific provisions which may
include zone exceptions and Holding Provisions. The mapping is subject to
change and may be amended from time to time to reflect amendments to the
zoning by-law as well as mapping changes due to technical adjustments.
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulation Area
(Schedule "A" Overlay)
The Regulated Area of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is
illustrated as an overlay on the Schedule "A" maps. The Regulated Area includes
lands within the jurisdiction of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority,
and may relate to lands associated with flooding or other hazard lands.
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Page xv
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Development within the Regulated Area may require a permit from the
Conservation Authority before a building permit can be issued. This overlay is
primarily intended for information purposes only, as the Regulated Area of the
Conservation Authority may change from time to time. The reader should
consult with the City of Stratford and the Upper Thames River Conservation
Authority to confirm whether a permit will be required from the Conservation
Authority prior to any development or site alteration. Section 4.29 (Upper
Thames River Conservation Authority Regulation Area) in the general provisions
provides additional information about the meaning of this overlay.
Schedule "B" - Street Classification and Existing and Design Street
Widths
Schedule "B" establishes the classification of streets, including Arterial, Collector
and Local Streets. It also identifies the existing street width and the design (or
planned) street width, which may identify where additional land may be required
for a future road widening. The Zoning By-law makes reference to Schedule "B"
when referring to the classification of streets and the existing and design (or
planned) street widths.
Schedule "C" - Wellhead Protection Areas
Schedule "C" identifies wellhead protection areas which include vulnerable areas
in which a significant drinking water threat could occur, in accordance with the
Clean Water Act. The general provisions of Section 4.28 (Source Protection
(Wellhead Protection Areas)) identify uses and activities which may be
prohibited within the defined wellhead protection areas. The intent of these
provisions is to protect the quality of groundwater resources by prohibiting
certain uses which may cause adverse impacts on groundwater, such as the
storage and handling of hazardous wastes.
All provisions of the By-law are intended to be read in conjunction with one another. It is
always important, when reading a Zoning By-law, to identify all provisions throughout the
document which may apply to a particular property or use.
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City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.0
How to Check Zoning and Identify Applicable Regulations for a
Property
Zoning By-law users are a diverse audience. Some readers will want to examine how the
Zoning By-law addresses a certain issue or regulates a certain use (e.g., how does the
Zoning By-law regulate home occupations? In which zones are apartment buildings, short
term rental accomodations, or bed and breakfasts permitted?). Other users are
responsible for administering the By-law and must understand it in great detail.
The Zoning By-law is required to implement the City's Official Plan, and the reader should
also refer to the Official Plan to determine the existing land use designation and any
relevant policies which may be applicable to a specific property or development proposal.
Readers are encouraged to consult with the City, to assist in confirming and interpreting
the Zoning By-law.
Most readers, however, will use a Zoning By-law in order to determine what they are
permitted to do on their property. Following is an outline of the steps one may typically
take to determine what types of regulations apply to their property:
1.
Locate the property on the applicable Schedule "A" Map and identify the
zone symbol that applies to the property (e.g., R1(1)). In addition to the applicable
zone symbol, the following property specific regulations may also apply, as
denoted by a mapping overlay or a zone suffix:
1.1 Regulated Area: If the property is located in the Regulated Area of
the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, as shown as an overlay on
Schedule "A", the reader will need to refer to Section 4.29 (Upper Thames
River Conservation Authority Regulated Area), which identifies associated
regulations and permit requirements from the Conservation Authority which
may be required to permit development on the property.
1.2 Stratford Airport Federal Regulations: If the property is located
within the Stratford Municipal Airport Zoning Area, as shown as an overlay
on Schedule "A" the reader will need to refer to Section 2.5.6 (Stratford
Airport Federal Regulations). The federal zoning regulations for the
Stratford Municipal Airport regulate, within the defined area, the height of
the buildings, structures, objects and natural growth; and communication
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City of Stratford
Page xvii
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
signals which may cause interference with an aircraft or the airport. The
regulations apply to all lands within the defined area, including private
property and municipal road allowances.
1.3 Zone Exception: If a zone exception number (i.e., "-1") follows the
zone symbol, the zone symbol includes a zone exception (i.e., R1(1)-1),
refer to the applicable zone exception provisions contained in Section 15.0.
The zone exception will provide alternative permitted use or zone
regulations than what would typically by required by the base zone. In most
cases, the exception zone will only address one or more provisions, and at
least some of the zone regulations in the base zone in Sections 6.0-12.0
and the general provisions in Section 4.0 and the parking and loading
requirements of Section 5.0 will still apply.
1.4 Holding Symbol: If a holding symbol (i.e., "-H1") follows the zone
symbol (i.e., R1(1)-H1), refer to Section 2.5.2 regarding the criteria for
removal of the holding symbol, and what uses may be permitted prior to
the removal of the holding symbol. The reader should consult with the City
to confirm the permitted uses and the requirements for removing the
holding symbol.
1.5 Bonus Provisions: If a bonus provision (i.e., "-B1") follows the zone
symbol (i.e., R1(1)-B1), refer to Section 2.5.3 regarding the increases in the
height and/or density that are permitted, beyond that which is typically
permitted in this By-law, in exchange for the provision of certain facilities,
services, or other matters which provide a community benefit.
1.6 Temporary Use Permission: If a temporary use permission (i.e., "-
T1") follows the zone symbol (i.e., R1(1)-T1), refer to Section 2.5.4
regarding the use(s) for which the subject lands may be used for such
temporary use(s) as set out in the By-law for a limited period of time,
notwithstanding the permitted uses of this By-law.
1.7 Lots with Compound Zoning: If a property has compound zones,
such as (i.e., I2/FR), refer to Section 2.3.3. In these instances, the
provisions of this By-law with respect to each zone shall apply to the subject
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lands, and any building, structure or use shall conform to the provisions of
this By-law which are applicable to such building, structure or use.
2.
Locate the road(s) on which the property is located on Schedule "B."
Schedule "B" lists all of the Roads in the City and identifies its classification (i.e.,
collector, local or arterial) as well as the existing and planned width of each road.
This information is referred to by certain provisons of the By-law (see Step 5).
3.
Wellhead Protection Area: If the property is located within a wellhead
protection area as shown on Schedule "C", the reader will need to refer to the
general provisions in Section 4.28 (Source Protection (Wellhead Protection Areas)),
which identifies certain uses and activities which may be prohibited within the
wellhead protection area in order to protect the quality of groundwater resources.
4.
Identify the permitted uses and general use regulations for the zone
category: Every zone category includes a table of permitted uses and general use
regulations in Section 6.0 through Section 14.0 of the By-law. For Residential
Zones (R1, R2, R3, etc.) you will find the list of permitted uses in Section 6.2
(Permitted Uses) of the By-law, and the general use regulations in Section 6.4,
which are further divided into zone variations (i.e., R1(1), R1(2), R1(3)). The
permitted uses for each zone are organized in a table. The uses permitted on your
property are represented by the symbol "✓" in the column applicable to that zone
and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use. For each zone, the
general use regulations establish the lot and building requirements applicable to
that zone or zone variation, including the required minimum lot area, minimum lot
frontage, minimum and/or maximum yard setbacks, building heights, and other
lot and building requirements, which the use of the lot must comply with.
It is important to read the definitions associated with the terminology used in this
By-law. All of the uses permitted in this By-law are associated with a definition.
Many technical terms are also defined, such as lot frontage, lot coverage, and front
yard setback, for example. Where a term is defined, you will see it appear in italics
in this text for convenience.
5.
Identify Other Provisions that May Apply: The types of uses and lot and
building requirements are principally regulated by the zone requirements.
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However, Section 4.0 (General Provisions) contains provisions that apply to certain
permitted uses. For example, there are provisions that are specifically applicable
to swimming pools, bed and breakfast establishments, accessory buildings, home
occupations, short term rental accommodations, and many other uses.
Furthermore, Section 5.0 (Parking and Loading Requirements) contains provisions
that apply to parking spaces, loading areas, drive aisle and parking lot
requirements, and barrier free parking space and bicycle parking space
requirements.
6.
Consider the Administrative Provisions of the Zoning By-law: Section 1.0
(Interpretation & Administration) of the Zoning By-law contains some provisions
that can help you understand how to read and use the By-law. A reader should be
familiar with these provisions as they may be essential depending on your
circumstance.
5.0
Confirming with the City
It is always a good idea to consult with the City about your construction project, as City
staff will help you determine whether your project will comply with the applicable
provisions of the Zoning By-law. For significant developments, consultation with the other
applicable agencies may also be required.
Additionally, there may be approved minor variances which are applicable to the property
which may provide relief from certain zone regulations, permitted uses or general
provisions. The City of Stratford's Planning Staff can assist in identifying any approved
minor variances.
6.0
Relationship to Other By-laws, Regulations, Legislation, etc.
The Zoning By-law does not supersede or trump any other legislation, regulations or
municipal by-laws. In fact, depending on your proposal or the use of your property, other
laws may apply. It is the property owner's responsibility to understand what laws will
apply to their land use or their construction project.
The municipality administers other by-laws that are related to this Zoning By-law. For
example the City administers a sign by-law to regulate signs. The City also administers
by-laws that regulates and provides a process for licensing certain businesses, subject to
conditions, such as bed and breakfast establishments and short term rental
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accommodations. These by-laws essentially 'build' on the Zoning By-law's requirements,
and should be considered "in addition to" the Zoning By-law's requirements.
The laws and regulations of the Province, the Federal Government and other agencies
may also apply. Some uses may be subject to Provincial/Federal licensing or regulation.
It is not the role of the Zoning By-law to integrate with the regulations or laws of other
government. The City can help you identify what other laws and regulations might apply
to your project.
7.0
Subsequent Zoning By-law Amendments
The Zoning By-law may be consolidated from time to time to include subsequent
amendments to the Zoning By-law. However, there may have been amendments to the
Zoning By-law or removals or additions of holding symbols which are not consolidated in
the current office consolidation of the Zoning By-law. In all cases, the reader should
contact City planning staff to confirm the most current zoning of a property and applicable
regulations. Additionally, the maps contained in Schedule "A" may not reflect the latest
zoning, or any recent changes to the parcel fabric.
8.0
Minor Variances
The Committee of Adjustment has the authority to approve minor variances to the Zoning
By-law, which may provide minor relief from specific zoning provisions or minor changes
to the permitted uses of one or more properties. Minor variances previously granted are
not reflected in the Zoning By-law and are not indicated in the zone exceptions. The
reader should contact the City to identify whether there are any approved minor variances
applicable to a property.
SECTION 1.0
INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
City of Stratford
Page 1-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 1
INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
1.1
Title
This By-law shall be known as the "City of Stratford Zoning By-law".
1.2
Lands Affected
The provisions of this By-law shall apply to all lands within the corporate limits of the
City of Stratford.
1.3
Repeal of Former By-laws
The following By-laws, and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed:
a) City of Stratford By-law 201-2000 and all amendments thereto;
b) Township of Perth East By-law 30-1999 and all amendments thereto, as it
relates to lands within the corporate limits of the City of Stratford, are hereby
repealed; and
c) The Township of Perth South By-law 4-1999 and all amendments thereto,
as it relates to lands within the corporate limits of the City of Stratford, with
the exception of the 2020 annexation lands, are hereby repealed.
1.4
Conformity with this By-law
No building or structure shall hereafter be erected or altered, no land shall be used, nor
shall the use of any building, structure or lot hereafter be changed, in whole or in part,
except in conformity with the provisions of this By-law.
1.5
Compliance with Other Legislation
a) Nothing in this By-law shall serve to relieve any person from any obligation
to comply with the requirements of any other By-law of the City of Stratford,
Province of Ontario, or Government of Canada that may otherwise affect the
use of land, buildings, and structures.
b) Without limiting the generality of subsection (a) above, this includes the
Building Code Act (Ontario Regulation 332-12), the Ontario Heritage Act, and
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INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
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City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
the permitting procedures of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
(Ontario Regulation 157/06).
1.6
Penalties
Every person who contravenes a provision of this By-law and, if the person is a
corporation, every director or officer of the corporation who knowingly concurs in the
contravention, is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to fines under the Planning
Act.
1.7
Severability
A decision of a court of competent jurisdiction that one or more of the provisions of this
By-law or any portion of the Zoning Schedules to this By-law are invalid in whole or in
part does not affect the validity, effectiveness, or enforceability of the other provisions or
parts of the provisions of this By-law.
1.8
Clarification and Convenience
a) Examples, side notes, and illustrations are for the purpose of explanation,
clarification, and convenience, and do not form part of this By-law.
b) Any numbers in circles following any item in any Table indicates that one or
more additional regulations apply to the use, zone, or standard indicated.
These additional regulations are listed below the applicable Table.
c) Any geographic, biographic, referential, or identifying information and any
list of amending by-laws contained in this By-law is provided for the purpose
of clarification and convenience and does not form part of this By-law.
d) The following character styles are provided for the purpose of convenience.
Their usage or omission shall not be considered an interpretive statement
by the City:
i) Terms that are defined in Section 3.0 (Definitions) of this By-law have
been italicized.
ii) Titles of Federal or Provincial legislation have been italicized.
SECTION 1.0
INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
City of Stratford
Page 1-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
e) Any reference to Federal or Provincial Act or Regulation shall include any
amendments or revisions made thereto or any subsequent Act or Regulation
enacted in its place.
f) Where a defined term listed in Section 3.0 (Definitions) of this By-law is
reversed anywhere in this By-law, it is done for the ease and convenience of
locating the term with other like terms (e.g., single detached dwelling, or
dwelling, single detached). Such a reversal or lack thereof shall not be
considered an interpretive statement by the City.
g) Where another By-law number is cited in this By-law, that reference shall be
interpreted to include reference to any and all applicable amendments to
that By-law.
h) Revisions may be made to this by-law without the need for a zoning by-law
amendment in the following cases:
i) correction of numbering, cross-referencing, grammar, punctuation or
typographical errors or revisions to format in a manner that does not
alter the meaning or intent of the provision;
ii) adding or revising technical information on maps or schedules that
does not affect the zoning of lands including, but not limited to,
matters such as updating and correcting infrastructure information,
keys, legends or title blocks; and
iii) changes to appendices, footnotes, headings, indices, marginal notes,
tables of contents, illustrations, historical or reference information,
page numbering, footers and headers, which do not form a part of
this by-law and are editorially inserted for convenience of reference
only.
1.9
Measurements and Rounding Provisions
Where the rounding of a calculation is required by the provisions of this By-
law, all measurements of length or area used in this By-law shall be subject to
the normal rules of rounding numbers, within the degree of precision specified
by the number of digits following the decimal point (if any), so that:
SECTION 1.0
INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
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City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
a) For a whole number:
i) Measurements of less than 0.5 shall be rounded downward to the
next whole unit (e.g., 8.49 metres is rounded downward to 8 metres);
and
ii) measurements of 0.5 and greater shall be rounded upward to the
next whole unit (e.g., 8.51 metres is rounded upward to 9 metres).
b) For a number having one decimal place:
i) measurements of less than 0.05 shall be rounded downward to the
next one-tenth unit (e.g., 8.049 metres is rounded downward to 8.0
metres); and
ii) measurements of 0.05 and greater shall be rounded upward to the
next one-tenth unit (e.g., 8.051 metres is rounded upward to 8.1
metres).
Ratios and percentage figures shall not be subject to the above rounding
provisions.
The calculation of required parking spaces, barrier free parking spaces,
loading spaces and bicycle parking spaces shall be subject to the rounding
provisions of Section 5.0 (Parking and Loading Requirements).
1.10
Transition Protocol
Notwithstanding Section 1.3 (Repeal of Former By-laws) and 1.4 (Conformity with this
By-law) of this By-law, a building permit may be issued for the following scenarios in
accordance with Section 1.10 of the By-law.
1.10.1 Building Permit Applications
Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the erection or use of any building or structure that
does not conform with one or more of the provisions of this By-law if a building permit
was issued prior to the effective date of passing of this By-law provided that the erection
of such building or structure is commenced not more than 6 months after the date of
SECTION 1.0
INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
City of Stratford
Page 1-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
passing of this By-law and continues without unnecessary interruption, and prior to the
expiration of any such building permit or termination of such site plan agreement.
1.10.2 Minor Variance and Consent Applications
a) Where the Committee of Adjustment of the City, the Townships of Perth East
or Perth South, the Ontario Municipal Board or Local Planning Appeal
Tribunal has authorized a minor variance from the provisions of By-law 201-
2000, By-law 30-1999 and By-law 4-1999 in accordance with Section 45(1)
of the Planning Act, in respect of any land, building or structure and the
decision has come into effect on or prior to the effective date of passing of
this By-law, the provisions of this By-law, as they apply to such land, building
or structure, shall be deemed to be modified to the extent necessary to give
effect to such minor variance. This provision shall apply only to minor
variances that have been granted since November 9, 2000.
b) The requirements of this By-law do not apply to a lot where a provisional
consent has been given by the Committee of Adjustment of the City or the
Ontario Municipal Board or Local Planning Appeal Tribunal or the applicable
authority that grants consents on or before the effective date of this By-law
and a building permit for the applicable project has not yet been issued, the
lot has not yet been registered at the Land Registry Office, or the applicable
easement or agreement has not yet been registered on title.
1.10.3 Site Plan Applications
The requirements of this By-law do not apply to a lot where Site Plan Approval has been
granted by the City or the Ontario Municipal Board or Local Planning Appeal Tribunal on
or before the effective date of this By-law and a building permit for the applicable project
has not yet been issued.
1.10.4 Previous Zoning to Apply
a) For the purposes of determining zoning compliance for matters subject to
Section 1.10 of this By-law, the applicable provisions of the City of Stratford
Zoning By-law 201-2000, Township of Perth East Zoning By-law 30-1999,
and Township of Perth South Zoning By-law 4-1999, as amended, as it read
on the effective date of this By-law shall apply.
SECTION 1.0
INTERPRETATION & ADMINISTRATION
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City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
1.10.5 Cessation of Section 1.10 Relief
a) The relief provided by Section 1.10 of this By-law shall not continue beyond
the issuance of the permit, approval, or agreement upon which the
exemption is founded, unless otherwise provided for in this By-law. Once the
permit, agreement, or approval has been granted, the provisions of the
former applicable Zoning By-law shall cease to be in effect.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 2
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
2.1
Establishment of Zones
For the purpose of this By-law, the following zones are established in Table 2.1 and all
lands subject to this By-law are placed into one or more of the following zones:
Table 2.1: Establishment of Zones
Zone Category
Zone Symbols
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Residential First Density
R1
Residential Second Density
R2
Residential Third Density
R3
Residential Fourth Density
R4
Residential Fifth Density
R5
Mixed Use Residential
MUR
COMMERCIAL ZONES
Neighbourhood Commercial
C1
Highway Commercial
C2
Central Commercial
C3
Shopping Centre Commercial
C4
Corridor Commercial
C5
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
Grand Trunk Anchor District
AD
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Prime Industrial
I1
General Industrial
I2
Secondary Industrial
I3
Factory District
I4
INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
Institutional Community
IN1
Institutional Neighbourhood
IN2
THEATRE DISTRICT ZONE
Theatre District
TH
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.1: Establishment of Zones
Zone Category
Zone Symbols
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ZONES
Parks
P
Open Space
OS
AGRICULTURAL ZONE
Agricultural
A
URBAN RESERVE ZONE
Urban Reserve
UR
2.2
Zone Symbols
Zones and zone boundaries are shown on Schedule "A" of this By-law. The lands identified
on the schedules as being within a zone are subject to the provisions of this By-law
applicable to that zone or zones.
2.3
Interpretation of Zone Boundaries
2.3.1
Determination of Boundary
Where the boundary of any zone is shown on the Schedules:
a) As following the centre-line or limit of a street, lane, railway, right-of-way,
transmission line, unopened road allowance, or watercourse, the boundary
shall be the centre-line of the applicable feature;
b) As following the front lot line on a future lot in a draft approved Plan of
Subdivision or Condominium, the boundary shall be the centre-line of the
future street being constructed;
c) As following any other lot line on an existing lot or on a future lot in a draft
approved Plan of Subdivision or Condominium, the boundary shall be the
existing or future lot line;
d) As running substantially parallel to a lot line abutting any street and the
distance from that street is not indicated, the boundary shall be parallel to
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
the applicable lot line and the distance shall be determined according to the
scale shown on the Schedules;
e) As following the limits of the City, the boundary shall be the corporate limits
of the City; and,
f) Where none of the above provisions apply, the zone boundary shall be scaled
from the Schedules.
2.3.2
Lots with More Than One Zone
a) Where a lot is divided into two or more zones, each such portion of the said
lot shall be considered a separate lot as defined herein and shall be used in
accordance with the provisions of this By-law which are applicable to the
zone wherein such portion of the said lot is located.
b) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph a) to the contrary, where the use or
uses of a lot divided into two or more zones are permitted in all such zones,
the said lot shall be considered to be a single lot as defined herein and the
highest or most restrictive zone requirements pertaining to such use or uses
applicable to the zones shall apply throughout the said lot.
2.3.3
Lots with Compound Zoning
Where a lot has a compound zone, it is indicated by a zone symbol followed by a
forward slash ("/"), and a second zone symbol, such as I2/UR (General Industrial /
Urban Reserve), then the provisions of this By-law with respect to each such zone shall
apply to the said lot, and any building, structure or use shall conform to the provisions
of this By-law which are applicable to such building, structure or use. The Mixed Use
Residential (MUR) Zone shall be compounded with an R2 or R3 zone.
2.4
Interpretation of Use
Where a use is defined or permitted in a zone, the interpretation of that use shall not
include any other use specifically referred to or otherwise defined in this By-law.
2.5
Special Zone Regulations
Where the zone symbol zoning certain lands on the Schedules is preceded or followed by
any combination of parentheses, a hyphen, number, or letter, provisions relating to one
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
or more of the following special zone regulations apply to the lands so designated on the
Zoning Maps. Lands so identified shall be subject to all of the provisions and restrictions
of the applicable parent zone, except as otherwise provided by the special zone.
2.5.1
Zone Exceptions (Defined Areas)
Where a zone symbol is followed by a hyphen and number, the symbol refers to a zone
exception that applies to the identified lands, which is included in Section 15.0 (Zone
Exceptions).
2.5.2
Holding Provisions
Where a zone symbol applying to any lot or area on Schedule "A" is followed by the
holding symbol "-H" and a number, such as R1(1)-H1, no building, structure or use shall
be erected or altered, save and except for existing buildings or structures permitted in
the applicable zone, until such time as the (H) symbol has been removed in accordance
with the provisions of the Planning Act.
Application of the holding symbol (H) indicates that development of the lands is
premature at the present time, and indicates the use to which lands, buildings or
structures may be used at such time in the future as the holding symbol is removed by
amendment to this By-law. Section 9.2.4 of the Official Plan outlines the criteria to be
satisfied in order to remove the holding symbol (H); however, more specific criteria or
holding provisions may be included in the Zoning By-law, provided that such criteria is
in conformity with the City of Stratford Official Plan.
Table 2.5.2 establishes the holding provisions, including the extent of permitted uses
while the holding symbol (H) is in place, and the conditions that must be satisfied for the
removal of the holding symbol (H). Additional holding symbol criteria may be established
through site specific zone exceptions as outlined in the applicable zone exceptions to this
By-law.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
H1
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
That the City of Stratford has confirmed
that sufficient water, sanitary sewer
and storm sewer facilities are available,
to the satisfaction of the City.
H2
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
That site plan approval has been
granted by the City of Stratford and a
site plan agreement has been entered
into, pursuant to the provisions of the
Planning Act.
H3
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
That draft plan of subdivision approval
has been granted by the City and a
subdivision agreement has been
entered into, pursuant to the provisions
of the Planning Act.
H4
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
That the City of Stratford is satisfied in
consultation with the Upper Thames
River Conservation Authority that an
appropriate analysis of the
environmental feature(s) has been
completed and the area of development
has been approved.
H5
- hotel apartment building
(maximum of 240 hotel
rooms/apartment
building)
- auditorium
- eat-in restaurant
- professional office
- clinic
- apartment building
- hotel (maximum of 120
rooms)
- theatre
That the City of Stratford has confirmed
that sufficient water, sanitary sewer
and storm sewer facilities are available,
to the satisfaction of the City.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
- business office
- private club
- retail store (maximum
gross floor area all retail
stores combined 1,000m2)
in accordance with
subsection (d) of zone
exception C2-7
- tavern
- spa in accordance with
subsection (d) of zone
exception C2-7
- fitness club in accordance
with subsection (d) of
zone exception C2-7
- personal care
establishment in
accordance with
subsection (d) of zone
exception C2-7
- personal service
establishment in
accordance with
subsection (d) of zone
exception C2-7
- clinic in accordance with
subsection (d) of zone
exception C2-7.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
H6
- Until such a time as the
Holding provision is
removed only existing
uses and a maximum of
9,718 m2 of new
commercial uses shall be
permitted on the lands to
which the Highway
Commercial-Special
Holding (C4-2) zone
applies. The new
commercial uses that are
permitted in this zone
include a maximum of
7,581 m2 gross floor area
of supermarket and non-
supermarket retail uses,
with the supermarket to
occupy a maximum gross
floor area of 4,630 m2 and
the remainder to consist
of other permitted
commercial uses including
non-supermarket retail
uses, personal service,
office and restaurant uses.
Upon application to
Council, the (H) provision
may be removed to permit
additional non-
supermarket retail uses
and other permitted
Until such time as a market study is
submitted to the satisfaction of the City
that such additional uses and gross
floor area can be accommodated
without impacts on the role, planned
function and economic viability of
existing and planned commercial areas
in the City.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-8
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
commercial uses, to the
maximum permitted by
c)(i) of zone exception
(C4-2).
H7
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as a Traffic Impact
Study has been approved to the
satisfaction of the City.
H8
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as an Urban and
Sustainable Design Study, or Urban
Design Brief has been approved to the
satisfaction of the City.
H9
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as a Heritage Impact
Assessment has been approved to the
satisfaction of the City.
H10
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as an Archaeological
Assessment has been approved to the
satisfaction of the City.
H11
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as a Tree Analysis or
Tree Preservation Plan has been
approved to the satisfaction of the City.
H12
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as a Noise and/or Light
Impact Study has been approved to the
satisfaction of the City.
H13
Existing, legally established
uses in existence on the date
of passing of this By-law.
Until such time as a Market Impact
Study, Financial Impact Study, or
Capital Impact Assessment has been
approved to the satisfaction of the City.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-9
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
H14
Until such time as the (H14)
is removed, a brewery on the
lands zoned C4-3 is permitted
to have a maximum floor
area of 465 m2.
The (H14) shall not be removed until a
noise and odour study has been
submitted and approved for a brewery
with a floor area of over 465 m2 to the
satisfaction of the City.
H15
Until such time as the (H15)
is removed, the separation
distance between a brewery
(with a maximum floor area
of 465 m2), self-storage
establishment, scientific or
medical laboratory and
warehouse is to have a
minimum separation distance
of 70m between a dwelling
unit, retirement home, place
of worship, day care centre or
private school (measured in a
straight line from the nearest
part of the building or
structure containing the uses)
on any lands zoned C4-3 or
C4-4.
The (H15) shall not be removed until a
noise and odour study is submitted
and approved for a brewery with a floor
area of less than 465 m2 or a noise
study is submitted and approved for a
scientific or medical laboratory, self-
storage establishment, or warehouse to
the satisfaction of the City.
H16
Until such time as the (H16)
is removed, a maximum of
707 dwelling units are
permitted on the lands zoned
R4(2)-16 and R4(2)-17.
The (H16) shall not be removed until
servicing has been addressed to the
satisfaction of the City of Stratford
Engineering Division.
H17
Until such time as the (H17)
is removed, no buildings or
structures are permitted on
lands zoned R4(2)-16.
The (H17) shall not be removed until
the works have been completed and
accepted to the floodplain to the
satisfaction of the City of Stratford
Engineering Division.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-10
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
H18
Until such time as the (H18)
is removed in accordance
with the provisions of the
Planning Act a restaurant
drive through shall not be
permitted on the property.
The (H18) shall not be removed until a
Traffic Impact Study has been
completed to the satisfaction of the
City.
H19
Until such time as the (H19)
is removed, no building
structure or use shall be
erected or altered save and
except for existing buildings
or structures permitted in the
applicable zone, until such
time as the (H) symbol has
been removed in accordance
with the provisions of the
Planning Act.
The (H19) shall not be removed until
the remediation works have been
completed for the McNamara Drain to
the satisfaction of the Upper Thames
River Conservation Authority and the
City.
H20
Until such time as the (H20)
is removed, only the following
uses are permitted:
legally established uses in
existence on the July 27,
2020.
The (H20) shall not be removed for the
subject lands until consent application
B06-17 is in full effect and that the
heritage designation process as set out
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage
Act be completed, with no further
appeals.
H21
Until such time as the (H21)
is removed, permitted uses
shall be limited to existing,
legally established uses in
existence on the date of
passing of this By-law.
The (H21) shall not be removed for the
subject lands until all work under
building permit 2017-104771 has been
completed and inspected to the
satisfaction of the Chief Building Official
and the building permit file is closed.
H22
Until such time as the (H22)
is removed, permitted uses
shall be limited to existing,
legally established uses in
The Holding Provision (H22) shall not
be removed from the subject lands until
the remediation works have been
completed for the McNamara Drain to
the satisfaction of the Upper Thames
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-11
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 2.5.2: Holding Provisions
Holding
Symbol
Permitted Uses Until the
Holding Symbol is
Removed
Conditions for Removal of the
Holding Symbol
existence on the date of
passing of this By-law.
River Conservation Authority and the
City.
2.5.3
Bonus Provisions
The following sections outline the general provisions that provide direction for the
determination of the permitted increases in height and/or density, beyond that permitted
in this By-law, in exchange for certain facilities, services, or other matters which provide
a community benefit. The City may consider bonus provisions for other matters not
expressly defined in this By-law, and in accordance with the Official Plan. An amendment
to this By-law shall be required to establish the development standards that would apply
when bonusing is granted in exchange for the provision of certain facilities, services, or
other matters which provide a community benefit. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
section, the bonus provisions applicable to a lot may be revised through the site-specific
zoning by-law amendment in view of the proposed application and development
circumstances.
2.5.3.1 Heritage Building Designation
For buildings and/or structures designated as historically significant by the City of
Stratford, under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act, in consideration for their heritage
designation, the following regulations shall apply:
a) Where Non-Residential Uses are Proposed:
i) a 30% increase in the gross floor area of the existing building and/or
a 30% decrease in the required minimum parking for a permitted use
on the lot. Where a maximum gross floor area is not specified in this
By-law it shall be calculated based on the maximum permitted
building envelope; or;
b) Where Residential Uses are Proposed:
i) for every 15 m2 of existing gross building floor area of a designated
heritage building, 1 additional dwelling unit shall be permitted for a
permitted use on the lot to a maximum increase of 30% of the
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-12
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
permitted maximum density (upnh) or dwelling units permitted in the
zone. Where a maximum density (upnh) or number of dwelling units
is not specified in this By-law it shall be calculated based on the
maximum permitted building envelope.
Where an increase in the gross floor area and/or dwelling units is permitted, the
development shall be in accordance with all other regulations of the applicable zone.
Where the proposed building is a combination of residential and non-residential permitted
uses, the additional height and/or density permitted shall not exceed a combined total
percentage of a 30% increase in the maximum number of dwelling units and non-
residential gross floor area for the lot, and a maximum increase of one additional storey
may be permitted.
2.5.3.2 Public Open Space
For every 100.0 m2 of public open space which is dedicated to the City (in excess of the
required parkland dedication), the maximum permitted density (upnh) or total number of
units of the residential development may be increased by one unit per each 100.0 m2 of
public open space, up to 30% of the maximum permitted density (upnh) or total number
of units that would otherwise be permitted by this By-law.
2.5.3.3 Day Care Facilities
Where day care facilities are provided within commercial or mixed-use buildings of larger
than 1,800.0 m2, the floor area devoted to the day care facilities shall not be included in
the maximum gross or gross leasable floor area permitted.
2.5.3.4 Underground or In-Building Structured Parking
Where underground or in-building structured parking is provided to accommodate all the
required parking on a lot, with the exception of visitor parking, within a residential,
commercial or mixed-use building, and complies with the requirements of Section 5.3.9
(Structured and Underground Parking) of this By-law, notwithstanding any density or
height provisions of this By-law to the contrary, the permitted building height may be
increased by 1 storey.
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 2-13
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
2.5.3.5 Affordable Housing
Where affordable housing in the form of ownership housing or rental housing is provided
in a residential or mixed-use building, for every 2 affordable dwelling units, 1 additional
dwelling unit may be permitted on the lot to a maximum increase of 20% of the permitted
maximum density (upnh) or maximum dwelling units permitted in the zone. Where a
maximum density (upnh) or number of dwelling units is not specified it shall be calculated
based on the permitted building envelope. The affordable housing shall be maintained on
the lot for a period of no less than 15 years through an agreement with the City.
Where a zone symbol applying to any lot or area on Schedule "A" is followed by the bonus
provision symbol "-B" and a number, such as R1(1)-B1, an increase in the height and/or
density, beyond that permitted in this By-law, is permitted in exchange for certain
facilities, services, or other matters which provide a community benefit, in accordance
with Table 2.5.3.
Table 2.5.3: Bonus Provisions
Bonus
Provision
Symbol
Property
Description and
Base Zone
Bonus Provision Regulations
B1
Lands bounded by
St. Patrick Street,
Downie Street, the
railway right-of-
way and Cooper
Street - Grand
Trunk Anchor
District Zone
Despite the maximum height specified in Section
8.4, a height limit of 45m is permitted if a
combination of the following community benefits
are provided to the satisfaction of the City:
- Child care centre
- Bicycle sharing infrastructure/program
- Significant public realm improvements
- Public art contributions
- Heritage conservation
- Pedestrian improvements
- Public art contributions
- Heritage restoration
- Zero-carbon buildings (as-built)
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Affordable housing
- Accessibility design beyond minimum
legislative standards
- Smart technology implementation
SECTION 2.0
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
Page 2-14
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
2.5.4
Temporary Use Permission
Where a zone symbol applying to any lot or area on Schedule "A" is followed by the
temporary use permission symbol "-T" and a number, such as R1(1)-T1, the symbol refers
to a temporary use permission that applies to the lands so zoned. The provisions of this
By-law are modified for the lands to which the temporary use permission applies as set
out in this Section of this By-law and Table 2.5.4, until the permission granted by the
applicable Temporary Use By-law expires, in accordance with Section 39 of the Planning
Act.
Table 2.5.4: Temporary Use Permissions
Temporary
Use Symbol
Property
Description and
Base Zone
Temporary Use Zone Provisions and Expiry
Date
None
2.5.5
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulated Area
Where lands are located within the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulated
Area as illustrated as an overlay on Schedule "A" they are susceptible to flooding or
erosion hazards, as mapped by the Conservation Authority, and are subject to the general
provisions of Section 4.29 (Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulated Area)
of this By-law and the requirements of the Conservation Authority with respect to the
erection of buildings and structures and/or the placement or removal of fill.
2.5.6
Stratford Municipal Airport and Adjacent Area
Within the area identified in Schedule "A" as being subject to Federal Zoning
Regulations for Stratford Municipal Airport, all developments and land uses shall comply
with Stratford Municipal Airport Zoning Regulations as amended, pursuant to the
Canada Aeronautics Act and shall comply with all provisions of the underlying zone and
shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this By-law.
The owner/applicant of the lot upon which
facilities, services, or matters are to be provided
or contributed in return for a bonus provision shall
enter into an agreement with the City pursuant to
Section 37 of the Planning Act, to be registered on
title.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 3
DEFINITIONS
ABUT or ABUTTING, when used in reference to a lot, means a lot which shares a boundary
with another lot, a street allowance or a lane and when used in reference to a zone means
a zone which shares a boundary with a lot line.
ACCESSORY, when used in reference to a use, building or structure, means a use, building
or structure that is clearly incidental, secondary or subordinate to, and exclusively
devoted to, a main use, building or structure, and located on the same lot therewith.
ACCESSORY GUEST ROOM means a habitable room intended for sleeping
accommodation, with or without meals, that is clearly incidental, secondary and
subordinate to the dwelling unit within which it is situated.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT means any premises or part thereof in which,
in pursuance of a business, a live performance or act appealing, or designed to appeal,
to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations is provided.
AFFORDABLE means:
a) in the case of ownership housing, the least expensive of:
i) housing
for
which
the
purchase
price
results
in
annual
accommodation costs which do not exceed 30 per cent of gross
annual household income for low and moderate-income households;
or
ii) housing for which the purchase price is at least 10 per cent below the
average purchase price of a resale unit in the regional market area;
b) in the case of rental housing, the least expensive of:
i) a unit for which the rent does not exceed 30 per cent of gross annual
household income for low and moderate-income households; or
ii) a unit for which the rent is at or below the average rent of a unit in
the regional market area.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT SALES OR RENTAL ESTABLISHMENT means an
establishment having as its main use the sale, rental or leasing of farm equipment,
including tractors.
AGRICULTURE USE means the growing of crops such as nursery and horticultural crops;
aquaculture; apiaries; agro-forestry; maple syrup production; and associated on-farm
buildings and structures and may include a farm dwelling.
AGRICULTURE-RELATED USE means those farm-related commercial and farm-related
industrial uses that are directly related to farm operations in the area, support agriculture,
benefit from being in close proximity to farm operations, and provide direct products
and/or services to farm operations as a primary activity.
ALTER, when used in reference to:
a) a building or structure, means:
i) to change any one or more of the external dimensions of such building
or structure, or,
ii) to make any change in the supporting members or to the type of
construction of the exterior walls or roof thereof;
b) a lot, means:
i) to change the lot area, lot frontage or lot depth thereof,
ii) to change the width, depth or area of any required yard, landscaped
open space or parking area, or
iii) to change the location of any boundary of such lot with respect to a
street or lane, whether such alteration is made by conveyance or
other means of any portion of such lot or otherwise; or
c) a use, means;
i) to discontinue and replace with a use defined herein as being distinct
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
from the discontinued use.
AMUSEMENT ARCADE means a building where any number of coin-operated amusement
devices (meaning a machine or device operated by means of the insertion of a coin, token
or similar object for the purpose of amusement or skill but does not include vending
machines, musical devices, billiard tables or pool tables) are available for use by the
public, whether or not the use of any such coin-operated amusement device is temporarily
prohibited or made unavailable for a limited period of time, but does not include any
establishment, or place where the primary activity or form of amusement is not the
operation of coin-operated amusement devices such as hotels, roller rinks, auditoriums
or bowling lanes.
ANIMAL SHELTER means premises, including outdoor areas, used for the care of lost,
abandoned, rescued or neglected animals, but does not include any establishment
engaged primarily in the retail sale of animals or in breeding animals, or a veterinary
clinic.
ART GALLERY means premises used for the exhibition, collection or preservation of works
of art for public viewing.
ATTIC means the area of a building between the roof and the ceiling of any storey or
between a dwarf wall and a sloping roof.
AUCTION SALES ESTABLISHMENT means an establishment where articles are collected,
stored and sold by public auction.
AUDITORIUM means a building or structure where facilities are provided for athletic, civic,
educational, recreational, religious or social events including, without limiting the
generality thereof, an arena, a community centre, a recreation centre, an assembly hall,
a gymnasium or a stadium.
BALCONY means a platform other than a porch or deck projecting from and supported
by the wall of a building above ground level, and accessible from inside such building by
means of a door.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
BARRIER FREE PARKING SPACE means a parking space designated and signed for the
exclusive use of motor vehicles on which the applicable motor vehicle permit is properly
displayed.
BASEMENT means any portion of a building situated below the first storey.
BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT means a dwelling unit that includes the living
accommodations of the principal resident of the establishment, and containing at least 1
bedroom for their exclusive use and containing at least one (1) accessory guest room for
the purposes of supplying temporary overnight living accommodation for the traveling or
vacationing public throughout any part of a calendar year. Bed and breakfast
establishments shall not include a restaurant, hotel, inn, short term rental
accommodation, boarding house dwelling, nursing home, or any home licensed, approved
or supervised under any general or special Act. The principal use of the dwelling shall be
for residential purposes and the bed and breakfast establishment shall be an ancillary use
to the main residential use. Guest rooms shall not be suites, and shall not include separate
dining areas or facilities for the preparation of food.
BERM means a mound of earth.
BICYCLE PARKING SPACE means a designated area for the exclusive parking of bicycles
equipped with a rack/stand designed to lock the wheel and/or frame of a bicycle.
BREW-PUB means a small-scale brewery producing beer for sale on the premises or for
distribution beyond the premises, with the floor area devoted to the production of beer
not to exceed 35% of the total floor area of the brew-pub, and includes an accessory
drinking establishment or restaurant and accessory retail sales.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
BREW YOUR OWN ESTABLISHMENT means a service use where members of the public
can make their own beer, wine or other beverages, for consumption off the premises,
and where the owner or operator may retail related equipment or ingredients.
BREWERY means a building used for the production of alcoholic beverages including beer,
wine, and cider but does not include a distillery as defined herein.
BUILDING means any structure, or part thereof, consisting of walls and a roof which is
used or intended to be used for the shelter, accommodation or enclosure of persons,
animals or chattels, and includes any structure defined as a building in the Building Code
Act, or in the Corporation's Building By-law, but does not include any vehicle as defined
herein other than a vehicle which has been permanently placed on land and is not
intended for use as a vehicle.
BUILDING LINE, ESTABLISHED means the setback of an existing main building on a lot,
measured between the street line of the said lot and the nearest part of such building,
excluding any decks, porches, verandahs, sun rooms, balconies, exterior steps or
architectural adornments.
BUILDING PERMIT means a permit required under the Corporation's Building By-law.
BUILDING MATERIALS YARD means an establishment, the primary use of which is the
wholesaling of lumber and other building construction materials and supplies, but does
not a large format retail store.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
BUS TRANSPORTATION TERMINAL means a premises or area of land used for storing,
parking or dispatching of buses, including servicing or repair within an enclosed building.
BUSINESS OFFICE means a building in which persons are engaged in the management,
direction or conduct of the affairs of a public or private agency, business, or labour or
fraternal organization, but does not include a professional office or a clinic.
CANNABIS has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Cannabis Act (Canada), as
may be amended and/or replaced from time to time.
CANNABIS PRODUCTION FACILITY means any building or structure licensed and/or
authorized to possess, sell, provide, ship, deliver, transport, destroy, produce, export
and/or import cannabis, including related research under, the Cannabis Act (S.C. 2018,
c. 16) and Cannabis Control Act, 2017 (S.O. 2017, c.26, Sched. 1).
CARPORT means a building or structure that is open at each end and at least on one
side, having a roof supported by columns or piers, intended to shelter a motor vehicle.
CAR WASH means a building or structure containing facilities used or intended to be used
primarily for washing, cleaning or drying of motor vehicles, which includes a self-service,
automatic or coin-operated car wash.
CEMETERY means land that is used or intended to be used as a place for the interment
of the dead or deceased or in which human bodies have been buried, and includes an
animal or pet cemetery.
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT or CBD means the area designated Central Business
District on Schedule "A".
CLINIC means a building designed and used for the diagnosis, examination, and
treatment of human patients by a Provincially-recognized medical professional, including
pharmacies and dispensaries, waiting rooms, treatment rooms, blood testing clinics, but
shall not include overnight accommodation for in-patient care.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
CLINIC, METHADONE means a clinic used for the dispensing of methadone and
associated treatment of addiction patients and is licensed in accordance with
Provincial legislation.
CLUSTER means a grouping of buildings on a lot in close proximity to each other.
COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE means a building for the growing of flowers, plants, shrubs,
trees and similar vegetation which are not necessarily transplanted outdoors on the same
lot containing such greenhouse, but are sold directly from such lot at wholesale or retail.
CONDOMINIUM means a building or grouping of buildings in which units are held in
private ownership and floor space, facilities and outdoor areas used in common are
owned, administered and maintained by a corporation created pursuant to the provisions
of the appropriate statute.
CONDOMINIUM, COMMON ELEMENT means spaces and features owned in common by
all shareholders in a condominium and may include common element roadways,
walkways, sidewalks, parking and amenity areas.
CONDOMINIUM, COMMON ELEMENT ROADWAY means a right-of-way for vehicular and
pedestrian access that is privately maintained by a corporation created pursuant to the
provisions of the appropriate statute.
CONSERVATION USE means a use dedicated towards the preservation, protection and/or
improvement of components of the natural environment through management and
maintenance.
CONSERVATION AUTHORITY or UPPER THAMES RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
(UTRCA) means a conservation authority established under the Conservation Authorities
Act having jurisdiction in the City of Stratford.
CONTRACTOR'S YARD OR SHOP means the use of land, buildings or structures for the
purpose of storing equipment, vehicles, or material, or for performing shop works or
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-8
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
assembly work by any building trade or other construction contractor.
CONVENIENCE STORE means a retail store wherein a variety of items of a convenience
or day-to-day nature including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, food,
beverages, tobacco products, drugs or periodicals are kept for sale, and may include the
incidental rental of videos or other similar items up to a maximum size of 300m2.
CORPORATION means The Corporation of the City of Stratford.
COUNCIL means the Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford.
COUNTY means The Corporation of the County of Perth.
CREMATORIUM means a premises used for the cremation of human or animal remains.
CULTURAL INSTITUTION means the use of a premises for the promotion and enjoyment
of music, art, theatre and literature.
DATA CENTRE means a building in which persons are engaged in the management or
record keeping of the affairs of a corporation such as a data processing or computer
centre or a records management centre, and where no services for business transactions
are provided to the general public.
DAY CARE CENTRE means a building used for the day-time care of children licensed by
the Province under the Child Care and Early Years Act, and includes a licensed child care
or licensed day care centre.
DECK means a structure other than a porch or balcony accessory to a building, consisting
of a platform raised above and supported from ground level.
DENSITY means the number of dwelling units on a lot expressed as units per net hectare.
DISTILLERY means a building used for the distilling of alcoholic beverages or beverage
products with high alcoholic content, where the use may involve the milling of grain, rice
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-9
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
or malt but does not include a brewery.
DRIVE THROUGH means the use of buildings and structures for the provision of
prepared food and beverages where the food or drink is served to customers who are
inside their vehicles, or the provision of self-serve facilities which are accessed by
customers who are inside their vehicles, such as an Automated Teller Machine as part
of a financial institution, a drive-through pharmacy, automatic car wash, or similar use.
DRIVEWAY means a vehicle access provided between a street or lane and a parking area
or a loading or unloading space or between two parking areas but does not include a
parking aisle.
DRY CLEANING DROP OFF ESTABLISHMENT means a building or part of a building used
for the purpose of receiving articles of clothing, goods or fabric to be dry cleaned, dyed
or laundered elsewhere and for the pressing and distribution of any such articles of
clothing, goods or fabric.
DRY CLEANING ESTABLISHMENT means a building where dry cleaning, laundering,
cleaning or pressing of articles or goods of fabric is undertaken.
DWELLING or DWELLING UNIT means a building containing 1 or more self-contained
suites of habitable rooms in a building, occupied by a person, for no less than 30 days in
a calendar year, as its principal residence as independent and separate living quarters in
which kitchen and sanitary facilities are provided and which is independently accessible
from outside the building or from a common hallway or stairway inside the building. A
dwelling unit shall contain no more than five bedrooms.
APARTMENT BUILDING means a building containing 5 or more dwelling units,
owned or rented as a principal residence, each unit of which is independently
accessible from a corridor system connecting with a common entrance from
outside the building or from an independent entrance from outside the building,
and where the occupants of such units have the common right to use halls, stairs,
elevators and yards.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-10
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
BOARDING HOUSE DWELLING means a single detached dwelling occupied by the
owner or principal tenant thereof as their principal residence and contains two or
more guest rooms rented or intended to be rented for a weekly or longer period,
and includes a rooming house.
CONVERTED DWELLING means a purpose-built single detached dwelling that has
been altered or otherwise converted to contain more than 1 dwelling unit, which
may be divided horizontally or vertically.
DUPLEX DWELLING means a building other than a converted dwelling or semi-
detached dwelling which is divided horizontally into 2 dwelling units, each of which
has an independent entrance either directly from a yard or from a common
vestibule.
QUADRUPLEX DWELLING means a building other than a converted dwelling or a
townhouse dwelling containing 4 dwelling units, each of which has an independent
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-11
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
entrance either directly from a yard or from a common vestibule.
LINKED DWELLING means a building containing 2 dwelling units which are
attached together in whole or in part solely below finished grade, each of which
has a private independent entrance directly from a yard, the said pair of dwelling
units being freestanding, separate and detached from other main buildings or main
structures.
SEMI-DETACHED DWELLING means a building containing 2 dwelling units which
are attached together in whole or in part above finished grade and divided
vertically from each other by a common wall, each of which has a private
independent entrance directly from a yard, the said pair of dwelling units being
freestanding, separate and detached from other main buildings or main structures.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-12
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING means a dwelling containing not more than 1
dwelling unit.
TOWNHOUSE DWELLING:
TOWNHOUSE DWELLING, BACK-TO-BACK means a building containing four or
more dwelling units divided by vertical common walls above grade, including a
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-13
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
common rear wall, with each dwelling unit having a private independent entrance
from a yard.
TOWNHOUSE DWELLING, CLUSTER means a building containing a row of 3 or
more dwelling units which are attached vertically, in whole or in part, above grade
and divided vertically from each other by a common wall, with each dwelling unit
having a private independent entrance from a yard. A cluster townhouse dwelling
includes a stacked townhouse dwelling and a back-to-back townhouse dwelling.
TOWNHOUSE DWELLING, STACKED means a building containing 3 or more
dwelling units, with each dwelling unit separated from the other both horizontally
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-14
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
and vertically that may have a private independent entrance from a yard or a
shared entrance from a common corridor, vestibule, or landing.
TOWNHOUSE DWELLING, STREET means a building containing a row of 3 or more
dwelling units which are attached vertically, in whole or in part, above grade and
divided vertically from each other by a common wall, with each dwelling unit
situated on a lot with each said lot containing thereon a parking area, said parking
area having direct access from a street over the said lot, and having a private
independent entrance from a yard.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-15
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
TRIPLEX DWELLING means a building, other than a converted dwelling or a
townhouse dwelling, which is divided into 3 dwelling units, each with independent
entrances directly from a yard or from a common vestibule.
DWELLING UNIT AREA means the aggregate of the floor areas of all habitable rooms,
bathrooms, kitchen areas, lobbies and hallways within a dwelling unit, and the thickness
of any exterior walls.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL ESTABLISHMENT means an establishment for the rental of
equipment used or intended for use for purposes other than general household
maintenance and repairs, and where outdoor storage may be required, and includes,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, farm equipment, construction equipment,
but excludes a merchandise rental shop.
EQUIPMENT SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT means an establishment wherein equipment and
machinery are repaired or serviced and includes, without limiting the generality thereof,
appliances, industrial toolage, or commercial, farm, industrial or construction machinery
and equipment, but excludes, a merchandise service shop.
ELEVATION or BUILDING ELEVATION means the height of a building or structure, above
the finished grade.
ERECT means to build, place, construct, reconstruct, locate, relocate or alter by means
of an addition, enlargement, extension, or placement of a structure, including any
preliminary physical operation preparatory to such building, construction, reconstruction,
relocation, or placement of a structure, including, but not so as to limit the generality of
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-16
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
the foregoing, excavating, filling or draining, and erected or erection have corresponding
meanings.
EXISTING, when used in reference to a lot, building or structure, means a lot, building or
structure lawfully in existence on the date of the passing of this By-law and continually
used since its lawful establishment. Existing, when used in reference to a use, means a
use lawfully in existence on the date of the passing of this By-law and continually used
since its lawful establishment.
FACTORY STORE means a building or structure, wherein products which are
manufactured, produced, or processed therein are kept or displayed for wholesale or
retail sale, or wherein orders are taken for the delivery of such products.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION means a building where money is deposited, withdrawn, kept,
loaned, invested, and/or exchanged and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
includes a bank, trust company, credit union or an investment or brokerage firm.
FITNESS CLUB means a building where facilities, machines and equipment are provided
for use by the public or to members, for the purposes of physical training and improving
physical health and fitness.
FLOOR AREA:
GROSS FLOOR AREA means the aggregate of the floor areas of all storeys of a
building or structure, excluding an attic, and excluding the floor area of any
attached private garage.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-17
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
GROUND FLOOR AREA means the floor area of the ground or first storey of a
building, excluding the floor area of any attached private garage.
NET FLOOR AREA means that portion of the gross floor area of a building which is
used exclusively for a non-residential use defined herein, but excluding:
a) any part of such building used for any other non-residential use defined
herein;
b) any part of such building used as a dwelling unit, a public concourse, or a
common hallway or stairway not used exclusively by the said non-residential
use;
c) any part of such building used solely for the storage of electrical equipment
or of equipment to heat, cool, or otherwise control the environment of, such
building or a portion thereof; and
d) the thickness of any exterior walls of such building.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-18
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
FOOD PROCESSING ESTABLISHMENT means a building in which agricultural products
intended for human consumption are prepared, processed, preserved or stored, and
includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a butchering establishment, a
dairy, a hatchery, a soft drink manufacturing establishment, or a brewery or distillery, but
excludes a restaurant or other establishment where foods are prepared for immediate
consumption or retail sale.
FUEL STORAGE DEPOT means a lot, with or without buildings or structures, whereon fuel
tanks are kept or stored on a permanent or temporary basis for the purpose of storing
fuels to be used for wholesale or retail distribution, but excludes a gas bar or motor
vehicle service station or other distributor of motor vehicle fuels.
FUEL STORAGE TANK means a tank used or intended to be used for the bulk storage of
combustible, corrosive or inflammable liquids, gases or other material, including, but not
so as to limit the generality of the foregoing, petroleum or petroleum products, fuels, or
chemicals.
FUNERAL HOME means a building wherein the deceased are preserved or otherwise
prepared for bereavement display or interment by an undertaker, and may include
deceased animals, or a chapel for funeral services, but does not include a crematorium.
GARAGE means an attached or detached building or structure which is used or intended
to be used for the sheltering of vehicles, and which there are no facilities for repairing or
servicing such vehicles, and includes a carport.
MUTUAL GARAGE means a private garage which:
a) contains sufficient space for the parking of not less than two permitted
vehicles for common use by occupants of two adjoining lots;
b) contains sufficient space for the parking of not less than two permitted
vehicles for common use by occupants of two adjoining lots;
c) is situated astride the common side lot line between two adjacent lots; and
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-19
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
d) is accessory to a main use on each of such lots.
PRIVATE GARAGE means a garage that is not intended for use by the general
public.
GARDEN CENTRE means an establishment wherein plants, shrubs, trees, lawn and garden
equipment, furnishings and related supplies are offered for retail sale.
GARDEN SUITE means a small independent building, physically separate from the
principal dwelling unit with which it is associated, which may be used as a dwelling unit,
or for activities accessory to those permitted in the principal dwelling unit, and which may
have a primary access from a rear lane abutting the lot upon which both the garden suite
and its associated principal dwelling unit are located.
GAS BAR means an establishment wherein motor vehicle fuels and lubricants are offered
for retail sale including, without limiting the generality thereof, gasoline, diesel, propane
and other such fuels, any may include a convenience store for the retail sale of
convenience items as an accessory use, but excludes a motor vehicle service station.
GOLF COURSE means the use of land for the purposes of playing golf and without limiting
the generality of the foregoing may include a par three golf course, a driving range as an
accessory use, a miniature golf course, club house or combination thereof, and structures
devoted to the maintenance and operation of the golf course.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-20
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
GRADE, FINISHED, when used in reference to a building or structure, means the elevation
of the finished surface of the ground adjoining the base of all exterior walls of a building
or the elevation of the finished surface of the ground at the base of a structure, exclusive
of any artificial embankment at the base of such building or structure.
GRADE, AVERAGE, when used in reference to a building or structure, means the average
elevation of the finished grade.
GROUND FLOOR means the first storey above average grade level and includes a level
situated partially below grade where the height of such storey is more than fifty (50) per
cent above average grade level, such height being measured from top of the floor to the
bottom of the ceiling joists of that storey.
GROUP HOME means a building that is licensed or funded under an Act of the Parliament
of Canada or the Province of Ontario for the accommodation of persons exclusive of staff,
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-21
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
living under supervision and who, by reason of their emotional, mental, social or physical
condition or legal status, require a group living arrangement for their well-being, but does
not include a place maintained and operated primarily for the care of or occupation by
inmates or persons placed on probation or released on parole or for any other correctional
purpose.
HABITABLE ROOM means a room which can be used at all times throughout the year and
is designed for living, sleeping or dining, and, when used in reference to a dwelling,
includes any other room not defined herein as a non-habitable room.
NON-HABITABLE ROOM when used in reference to a dwelling, means any room
or other area in a dwelling, other than a habitable room, and includes, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, a laundry room, a pantry, a kitchen, kitchen
space or alcove, a bathroom, a lobby or vestibule, a communicating corridor, a
stairway, a closet, a basement recreation room, an unfinished attic or basement,
a sunroom, verandah, porch or balcony, a garage, or any space used for the
service and maintenance of such dwelling or for vertical travel between storeys.
HAZARD LANDS means lands which exhibit a hazardous condition as a result of their
instability; susceptibility to flooding, erosion, subsidence; or the presence of organic soils;
or instability associated with ravine, river valley or stream processes and includes lands
lying below the regulatory flood line and below the fill line as established from time to
time by the Conservation Authority and shall include lands lying within the one to two
hundred and fifty (1:250) year erosion limit as established by the Conservation Authority.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES means substances which, individually, or in combination with
other substances, are normally considered to pose a danger to public health, safety and
the environment. These substances generally include a wide array of materials that are
toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, radioactive or pathological.
HEIGHT when used in reference to a building or structure or any part thereof specifically
referred to herein, means the vertical dimension between the average grade at the base
of such building or structure and the highest point of such building or structure or part
thereof, exclusive of any permitted height exceptions.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-22
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
HOBBYIST means a person who makes goods, wares or merchandise such as toys, crafts,
sewn items or similar products, or who repairs or refinishes antiques or other items, or
who collects and/or restores goods, wares or merchandise, but excludes an motor vehicle
mechanic, baking, or the retail display and/or selling of such products to the public from
the dwelling of such hobbyist, or any open storage.
HOME OCCUPATION means an occupation conducted as an accessory use, entirely within
a dwelling or accessory building or structure providing the proprietor carrying on the
activity resides within the dwelling unit containing the home occupation, and includes,
without limiting the generality thereof:
a) the workplace of a hobbyist;
b) a teacher, or a person engaged in consultation, treatment or instruction;
c) the provision of a personal care service;
d) the workplace of a person engaged in a profession, but excludes a business
or professional office, or a studio;
e) private home day care; and
f) the workplace of an author or an artist.
HOSPICE means a premises providing palliative care or respite to resident patients.
HOSPITAL means any public or private institution under Provincial legislation established
for the treatment of convalescent or chronically ill persons afflicted with sickness, disease
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-23
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
or injury, that is approved under the applicable statute, and may include research and
educational facilities.
HOSTEL means a building accredited or recognized by a hostelling association or operated
by a non-profit organization in which rooms intended for sleeping accommodation only
are offered, and which contains common washrooms and which may contain accessory
rooms for dining, recreational, educational or other similar purposes and may include 1
accessory dwelling unit for the owner or operator thereof.
HOTEL means a building containing guest rooms for the temporary lodging of the
travelling public and may include meeting facilities, recreation facilities, a restaurant,
public hall, and retail stores, which are incidental and subordinate to the primary hotel
function and located in the same building.
INDUSTRIAL MALL means a building designed and constructed as a unit containing at
least 3 physically separate and independent establishments and provided with common
parking areas, driveways, and other shared accessory facilities and services and which is
held under single ownership, condominium ownership, co-operative or similar
arrangement.
INDUSTRIAL USE means the use of land, buildings or structures for manufacturing,
assembling, preparing, processing, inspecting, finishing, treating, altering, ornamenting,
repairing, refinishing, restoring, producing, or adapting for sale of any goods, substances
or articles, and includes the warehousing or storing of such products.
INFRASTRUCTURE means physical structures (facilities and corridors) that form the
foundation for development. Infrastructure includes: sewage and water systems, septage
treatment systems, waste management systems, electric power generation and
transmission, communications/ telecommunications, transit and transportation corridors
and facilities, oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-24
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
INN means a building used for the purposes of supplying temporary living accommodation
to the public, and containing a maximum of 10 guest rooms, dwelling units or combination
thereof wherein such dwelling units are not restricted to occupancy by a person as their
principal residence and may include 1 accessory dwelling unit for the owner or operator
thereof.
INNOVATION INCUBATOR means the use of a premises for an organization related to
providing a hub for health, technology, arts, culture, environmental, social, or other like
uses.
INSTITUTIONAL USE means the use of land, buildings or structures for non-commercial,
non-industrial and non-residential purposes, and shall include a public or private school,
place of worship, day care centre, nursing home, fire station, police station, ambulance
dispatch office, ambulance terminal, administrative office of a municipal, provincial or
federal government agency, auditorium, hospice, hospital, library, museum, park, and
recreational park, or other similar type uses.
LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE means land which is:
a) unoccupied by any enclosed space within building or structure;
b) situated at ground level;
c) used or intended to be used for landscaping which includes the growth and
maintenance of grass, flowers, shrubs, bushes, trees or other vegetation,
and for the provision of other landscaping features including, but not
necessarily restricted to, planting strips, decorative fencing, recreational or
play areas, gardens, rooftop gardens, fountains, fish ponds, uncovered
swimming pools, uncovered decks, porches, terraces and walkways but
excluding driveways and parking areas.
LANE means a right-of-way not intended for general traffic circulation that provides motor
vehicle access to an abutting lot and does not include a private road or a public road.
LARGE MERCHANDISE OUTLET means a building in which large items including, without
limiting the generality thereof, furniture, appliances, machinery, floor coverings, or other
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-25
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
items not appropriate for carrying out of such outlet by customers, are offered or kept
for retail sale or rent to the public, but excludes food items and building materials.
LAUNDROMAT means a building containing machines for washing and drying clothes by
the general public, but excludes a laundry room intended for use only by specified
persons.
LIBRARY means a library branch or distributing station as defined in the Public Libraries
Act.
LICENSED GAMING ESTABLISHMENT means a building used exclusively as a gambling or
gaming hall established by, and under the control of, the Province.
LIVESTOCK FACILITY means one or more barns or permanent structures with livestock
occupied portions, intended for keeping or housing of livestock. A livestock facility also
includes all manure or material storages and anaerobic digesters.
LOADING DOCK means that area of a platform or other structure adjacent to or within a
building or structure that is used or intended to be used for unloading from, or loading
onto, a truck, railway car or other vehicle, goods, articles, things or substances.
LOADING SPACE means that area located on the same lot as the use it serves or is
intended to serve, and used for the parking of a vehicle for the loading or unloading of
goods, articles, things or substances pertinent to such use.
LOT means a parcel of land, described in a registered deed or other document legally
capable of being conveyed.
CORNER LOT means a lot situated at the intersection of two or more streets or
upon two parts of the same street having an angle of intersection not exceeding
135 degrees. In the case of a curved corner, the corner of the lot shall be that
point on the flankage lot line and front lot line nearest to the point of intersection
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-26
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
of the continued projections of the flankage lot line and the front lot line.
INTERIOR LOT means any lot, other than a corner lot or through lot.
THROUGH LOT means any lot, other than a corner lot, having separate lot lines
abutting at least 2 separate streets.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-27
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
LOT AREA means the total surface area within the lot.
LOT COVERAGE means that portion of the area of a lot covered by the perpendicular
projections of all buildings, including accessory buildings and structures, unless otherwise
specified, on that lot onto a horizontal plane, excluding balconies, uncovered decks,
porches, terraces, and canopies and overhanging eaves which are 2.0 m or more in height
above finished grade, and uncovered swimming pools and hot tubs.
LOT DEPTH means:
a) the shortest distance between the rear lot line and the front lot line of a lot,
where such front and rear lot lines are parallel;
b) the average distance between the rear lot line and the mid-point of the front
lot line of a lot, where such front and rear lot lines are not parallel;
c) the distance between the mid-point of the front lot line and the point of
intersection of the side lot lines of a lot, where there is no rear lot line.
LOT FRONTAGE means the horizontal distance between the side lot lines of a lot, such
distance being measured along a line which is parallel to the front lot line and measured
at the required setback.
a) In cases where the front lot line is narrower than the line at the required
setback, the lot frontage shall be the shortest distance between the side lot
lines measured at the front yard setback.
b) In the case of a corner lot where the front lot line and the flankage lot line
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-28
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
do not intersect because of a curved corner or daylight triangle, the front lot
line and flankage lot line shall be deemed to extend to their hypothetical
point of intersection where the horizontal distance between the interior side
lot line and hypothetical flankage lot line is measured parallel to and
measured at the front yard setback.
LOT LINE means any boundary of a lot, and includes the vertical projection therefrom.
FRONT LOT LINE means:
a) in the case of an interior lot, the lot line that abuts a street or a reserve
owned by the Corporation on the opposite side of which is a street;
b) in the case of a corner lot, the shorter lot line that abuts a street or a reserve
owned by the Corporation on the opposite side of which is a street, whereas
the other lot line shall be deemed an exterior side lot line; or
c) in the case of a through lot, the lot line that abuts the wider street allowance,
as identified as the design width on Schedule "B" shall be deemed to be the
front lot line, but where the streets are of equal width, the lot line which
abuts the higher street classification as identified on Schedule "B", shall be
deemed to be the front lot line, and in the case of both streets being under
the same jurisdiction, street width, or road classification, the City may
designate which street line shall be the front lot line.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-29
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
REAR LOT LINE means the lot line opposite to, and most distant from, the front
lot line, but where the side lot lines intersect, as in the case of a triangular lot, the
rear lot line shall be represented by the apex of the triangle formed by the
intersection of the side lot lines.
SIDE LOT LINE means a lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-30
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
EXTERIOR SIDE LOT LINE means a side lot line that abuts a street line or reserve
owned by the Corporation that abuts a street.
INTERIOR SIDE LOT LINE means a side lot line other than an exterior side lot line.
MAIN, when used to describe a use, building or structure, means a use which constitutes,
or a building or structure in which is conducted, the primary use of the lot on which such
use, building or structure is located.
MECHANICAL ROOF TOP PENTHOUSE means a room or enclosure on the roof of a
building exclusively used for mechanical equipment, a stair tower, elevator equipment,
or any combination thereof.
MERCHANDISE RENTAL SHOP means a building wherein the main use is the rental of
goods, wares or merchandise and includes, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, videos, clothing, costumes, party supplies or equipment intended for personal
use or household maintenance, but excludes any open storage, or an equipment rental
establishment or a vehicle rental establishment.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-31
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
MERCHANDISE SERVICE SHOP means a building wherein articles, small appliances or
goods, or equipment or machinery used for construction or industrial purposes, are
repaired or serviced, or where replacement parts for such articles or goods are offered
for sale.
MICROBREWERY means a building or part thereof used for the small-scale production of
beverages including beer, wine and cider.
MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATION (MDS) FORMULAE means formulae and guidelines
developed by the province, as amended from time to time, to separate uses so as to
reduce incompatibility concerns about odour from livestock facilities.
For reference:
MDS I - provides the minimum distance separation between proposed new
development and any existing livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic
digesters; and
MDS II - provides the minimum distance separation between proposed new,
expanding or re-modelled livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic
digesters and existing or approved development.
MODEL HOME means a building which is used on a temporary basis as a sales office or
as an example of the type of dwelling that is for sale in a related development and which
is not occupied or used as a residential dwelling.
MOTOR VEHICLE BODY SHOP means a building where motor vehicles are kept, stored,
or repaired, including the complete repair to motor vehicle bodies, frames and motors,
and the painting, upholstering, washing and cleaning of such vehicles.
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP means a building which contains facilities for the repair
and maintenance of vehicles on the premises and in which vehicle accessories are sold
and vehicle maintenance and repair operations are performed and may include minor
repairing or minor painting of vehicle bodies.
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES OR RENTAL ESTABLISHMENT means an establishment for the
sale, rental or leasing of motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and motor vehicles.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-32
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE STATION means a building where motor vehicle fuels,
lubricants and related accessories are offered for sale to the general public and which
contains facilities for the minor incidental repair and maintenance of motor vehicles and
does not include a gas bar.
NURSERY means a place where plants, trees or shrubs are grown or stored for the
purpose of transplanting, for use as stocks for building or grating or for the purpose of
retail or wholesale together with the sale of soil, planting materials, fertilizers or similar
materials and includes a commercial greenhouse.
NURSING HOME means a building wherein lodging, meals, personal care, nursing
services, and medical care and treatment are provided and may include a hospice, but
excludes a hospital or retirement home.
OFFICES means a business office, a professional office, a clinic, or a veterinarian clinic,
as defined in this By-law.
OFFICES, FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL OR MUNICIPAL means a building in which persons are
engaged in the management, direction or conduct of the affairs of a federal, provincial
or municipal agency.
ON-FARM DIVERSIFIED USE means uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural
use of the property and are limited in area. On-farm diversified uses include: but are not
limited to, home occupations, home industries, agri-tourism uses, and uses the produce
value-added agricultural products.
OUTDOOR AMENITY SPACE means an area of land, balcony, deck, terrace, the roof of a
private garage or the roof of a parking structure, which includes landscaped open space
and may include areas of decorative paving or other similar surface, provided such surface
is not used for vehicular use.
PARK means an area of land consisting primarily of natural or landscaped open space
which may be publicly or privately owned, and may include, without limiting the generality
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-33
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
of the foregoing, a conservation or natural area, a playground, or a picnic area, a nursery
or a commercial greenhouse.
AMUSEMENT PARK means an area of land, with or without accessory buildings or
structures, wherein the primary use is the provision of rides, slides, play
equipment, games of chance or skill, or a water park, including the sale of food,
beverages, toys and souvenirs accessory thereto, and may include a recreational
entertainment establishment or an amusement arcade.
RECREATIONAL PARK means a park which, without limiting the generality thereof,
also contains facilities for cultural, leisure, sports or recreational activities.
PARKING AISLE means a portion of a parking area which abuts, on one or more sides,
parking spaces to which it provides direct access, and which is not used for the parking
of motor vehicles.
PARKING AREA means an area provided for the parking of motor vehicles, and includes
any related parking aisles and parking spaces, including a private garage or a parking
area located within a building or structure, but does not include any part of a street or
lane or driveway.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-34
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
PARKING LOT, COMMERCIAL means a parking area or structure, other than a street or
driveway, that is available for public use on a lot for the parking of motor vehicles and
either:
a) is the principal use of the lot; or,
b) where a charge is levied to occupy any parking space.
PARKING SPACE means a portion of a parking area, exclusive of any parking aisles, to be
used for the temporary parking of a motor vehicle.
PATIO means an open area of land covered by a slab or other material on grade, but
does not include a deck.
PERFOMING ARTS STUDIO means premises used for the rehearsal of performing arts,
such as music, dance or theatre.
PERSONAL CARE ESTABLISHMENT means a building wherein a service is performed
directly to an individual, and includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-35
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
barber shop, a beauty salon, a tanning salon, a tattoo parlour, a manicurist or a
beautician's establishment, but does not include a massage or body-rub parlour or any
adult entertainment establishment as defined in the Municipal Act.
PERSONAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT means a building wherein a service is provided for
the alteration, care, making of, and repair of wearing apparel, and includes, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, a shoe repair shop, a tailor or dressmaking shop,
a furrier, but does not include a massage or body-rub parlour or any adult entertainment
parlour as defined in the Municipal Act.
PET GROOMING ESTABLISHMENT means a building wherein pets are washed and
groomed for a fee, but does not include an establishment where animals are housed,
bred, boarded, trained or sold and does not include an, animal shelter or veterinarian
clinic as defined in this by-law.
PLACE OF WORSHIP means a building or structure used by a congregation or organization
dedicated to worship and related religious, social and charitable activities, with or without
an auditorium, convent or monastery, or clergy residence as uses accessory thereto.
PLANTING STRIP means landscaped open space which is located adjacent to a lot line or
portion thereof and which comprises a continuous hedgerow or row of shrubs, a berm, a
wall, an opaque fence, or combination thereof.
PORCH means a structure, with or without steps, consisting of a platform with a roof and
enclosed walls or partially enclosed walls that are 1.2 m in height or greater from the top
of the platform, and connected to an entrance to a building.
PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE or PRINCIPAL RESIDENT means the customary or usual place of
residence of a person, for which the municipal address of the dwelling unit is most likely
to be identified by that person as his or her place of residence for financial, legal and
government related purposes.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-36
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
PRIVATE CLUB means an association or group of people who pay membership dues or
fees, and own, lease or rent a premises, the use of which is restricted to members and
their guests for social, recreational or athletic purposes, but does not include a fitness
club.
PRIVATE HOME DAY CARE means the temporary care and custody for reward or
compensation of not more than six persons in a provincially licensed home day care, or
not more than five persons in an unlicensed home day care in a private residence other
than the home of a parent or guardian of any such person for a continuous period not
exceeding 24 hours. Care may be provided for children, seniors and/or persons with
disabilities.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE means a building in which a legal, or other professional service
is performed or consultation given, including, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the office of a lawyer, an architect, a surveyor, an engineer, a chartered
accountant, or a consultant, but does not include a business office, a studio, a pet or
veterinarian's clinic, a clinic, an animal shelter, a massage or body-rub parlour or any
adult entertainment establishment.
PUBLIC, when used in reference to a building, structure, use or lot, means a building,
structure, use or lot used by a public agency to provide a service to the public.
PUBLIC AGENCY means
a) the Corporation;
b) any department, commission, corporation, authority, board or other agency
other than a hospital board established from time to time by the Corporation;
c) any public utility;
d) railroad company;
e) the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Perth, Upper
Thames River Conservation Authority, and School Boards.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-37
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
PUBLIC UTILITY means
a) any agency, corporation, board or commission providing electricity, gas, oil,
steam,
water,
communications/telecommunications,
transportation,
stormwater drainage or sewage or waste collection and disposal services to
the public; or
b) a use pertaining to any such agency, corporation, board or commission.
OPEN PORCH means a porch without walls or partial walls.
RAILWAY LINE means the permanently placed railway lines of a railway company used
for traveling over, or temporary storage on, by railway company cars or engines, but does
not include rail lines located on land not owned or leased by the railway company.
RECREATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT means an establishment wherein
games of skill or chance are offered to the public as the main use therein, and includes,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a billiard or pool hall and a bowling alley,
but excludes an amusement arcade establishment or an amusement park, or a massage
or body-rub parlour or any adult entertainment establishment as defined in the Municipal
Act.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SALES OR RENTAL ESTABLISHMENT means an establishment
having as its main use the sale, rental or leasing of recreational vehicles.
REDEVELOPMENT means the removal of buildings or structures from land and the
construction or erection of other buildings or structures thereon.
REGISTERED means registered in the Registry Office of the County.
REGULATED AREA shall mean the area in which the Upper Thames River Conservation
Authority has jurisdiction for hazard issues covered in Section 28 of the Conservation
Authorities Act, R.S.O 1990, C.C.27, as amended.
RESERVE means land set apart from other lands and registered as a reserve.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-38
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
RESTAURANT means a building where food is prepared and offered for sale to the public
for immediate consumption either on or off the premises, but does not include a tavern
or any building where prepackaged foods or beverages requiring no further preparation
before consumption are offered for retail sale.
DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT means a restaurant where the public consumes such food
or beverages within vehicles parked on the same lot therewith.
EAT-IN RESTAURANT means a restaurant which contains seating for the public to
consume the food or beverages of the restaurant therein, and may contain take-
out or drive through take-out services accessory thereto.
TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT means a restaurant, other than a drive-in restaurant,
which does not contain seating or any other facilities for the consumption of food
or beverages therein.
RETAIL STORE means a building in which goods, wares, merchandise, substances,
articles or things in limited quantities are stored, offered or kept for retail sale to the
public, and uses accessory thereto.
RETIREMENT HOME means a building containing dwelling units or other rooms used for
the accommodation of primarily elderly persons as their residence, and which contains a
common dining area for the residents thereof, and may contain a common lounge,
recreation room and medical care facilities.
SALVAGE YARD means a lot which may contain buildings or structures, used for wrecking,
dismantling, storing or selling used goods, wares or materials including, but not so as to
limit the generality of the foregoing, glass, bottles, metals, clothing, plastics, furniture,
paper, machinery, building or other materials, vehicles and parts thereof.
SCHOOL:
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-39
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
COMMERCIAL SCHOOL means a school operated for a fee for the purposes of,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, instruction in the performing arts,
martial arts, sports or technical, vocational or academic subjects.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL means an establishment, including outdoor areas, where
academic instruction in a full range of the subjects of the elementary school
courses of study is provided under the jurisdiction of a school board established
by the Province of Ontario for students up to, and including grade 8.
PRIVATE SCHOOL means an establishment accredited by the Province, including
outdoor areas, where academic instruction in a full range of the subjects of the
elementary or secondary school courses of study is provided.
SECONDARY SCHOOL means an establishment, including outdoor areas, where
academic instruction in a full range of the subjects of the secondary school courses
of study is provided under the jurisdiction of a school board established by the
Province of Ontario.
POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL means a public school primarily for the instruction of
students or adults receiving a post-secondary education and, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, includes an adult retraining school, a community
college and a university.
SCIENTIFIC OR MEDICAL LABORATORY means a building wherein scientific or medical
experiments, tests or investigations are conducted, and where drugs, chemicals,
glassware or other substances or articles pertinent to such experiments, tests or
investigations are manufactured or otherwise prepared for use on the premises.
SECOND SUITE means a self-contained living accommodation for an additional person or
persons living together as a separate single housekeeping unit, in which both food
preparation and sanitary facilities are provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of
the suite, located within the principal dwelling on the lot.
SELF-STORAGE ESTABLISHMENT means a building containing individual storage units
accessible by the user, used for the storage of goods, wares, merchandise, food-stuff,
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-40
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
substances, articles or other things, but does not include a fuel storage tank.
SETBACK means the horizontal distance between the lot line and the nearest part of any
building or structure on such lot, and includes the front yard depth, rear yard depth,
interior side yard and the exterior side yard width of a lot.
SERVICE TRADE means an establishment, other than an automotive use, that provides a
non-personal service or craft to the public, including, but not necessarily restricted to, the
shop of a printer, a plumber, a painter, a carpenter, an electrician, a welder, a furrier, an
upholsterer, a custom engraver, a monument engraver, a merchandise service shop, a
battery storage and recharging shop, a small engine repair shop, a workshop for the
physically challenged, a catering establishment, a tool or small equipment rental
establishment.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT means the use of land, buildings and structures by a public
agency, where domestic or industrial waste is collected and treated, and includes a
sewage pumping station.
SHIPPING CONTAINER means an article of transportation equipment, including one that
is carried on a chassis, that is strong enough to be suitable for repeated use and is
designed to facilitate the transportation of goods by one or more means of transportation
and includes intermodal containers, bodies of transport trucks, or straight truck boxes.
SHOPPING CENTRE means a lot or building designed, constructed, operated or
maintained as a unit containing at least 4 physically separate and independent
commercial and/or business uses which may be connected by a common corridor or wall
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-41
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
and which is provided with common parking areas, driveways, landscaped open space
and other shared accessory facilities and services and which is held under single
ownership, condominium ownership, co-operative or similar arrangement.
SHORT TERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATION means an entire dwelling unit that is used to
provide sleeping accommodations for any period of less than 28 consecutive days and is
operated by the principal resident. Short term rental accommodation shall not include a
inn, hotel, bed and breakfast establishment, boarding house dwelling or similar
commercial or institutional use. The principal use of the dwelling shall be for residential
purposes and the short term rental accommodation shall be an ancillary use to the main
use.
SIGN means a name, identification, description, device, display or illustration which is
affixed to or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or lot and which
directs attention to, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an object, product,
place, activity, person, institution, organization or business.
SPECIAL EVENT SPACE means a portion of the building used for event programming for
community, cultural and social purposes, including but not limited to, receptions,
conferences, meetings, weddings, festivals, and informational and/or instructional
programs (or similar functions for which food and/or beverages may or may not be
prepared and served).
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-42
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
STACKING LANE means a continuous on-site queuing lane that includes tandem parking
spaces for motorized vehicles which is separated from other vehicular traffic and
pedestrian circulation, by barriers, markings or signs.
STACKING SPACE means a motor vehicle space which provides standing room for vehicles
in a queue in a stacking lane.
STORAGE, OPEN means storage of goods or materials outside a building or structure.
STOREY means a horizontal division of a building from a floor to the ceiling directly above
such floor, and includes an attic wherein at least fifty (50) percent of the space above
the floor is more than 2.1 m in height and meets the minimum floor area requirements
of the Ontario Building Code but does not include a mezzanine, gallery, balcony or other
overhang, the floor area of which does not exceed forty (40) percent of the floor area of
the storey directly below such overhang, provided that the space beneath such overhang
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-43
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
is not enclosed and the extent of such overhang does not exceed forty (40) percent of
the least dimension of the room in which the said overhang is located.
FIRST STOREY or GROUND LEVEL means the storey having its floor level closest
to finished grade and having its ceiling more than 1.8 m above average finished
grade.
SECOND STOREY or SECOND FLOOR means the storey directly above the first
storey.
STREET means a public highway or public road as defined in the Municipal Act, under the
jurisdiction of either the Corporation, the County or the Province but does not include a
lane or right-of-way.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-44
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
STREET ALLOWANCE means land held by the Corporation, the County or the
Province for the purpose of providing a street, and includes a street and an
improved street.
STREET LINE means the limit of the street allowance and is the dividing line
between a lot or reserve and a street.
STREET WIDTH means the horizontal distance between the street lines of a street
allowance, measured along a line perpendicular to the said street lines.
ARTERIAL STREET means a street designated as such on Schedule "B" of this By-
law.
COLLECTOR STREET, TWO LANE AND FOUR LANE means a street designated as
such on Schedule "B" of this By-law.
IMPROVED STREET means a street that is improved for the passage of motor
vehicles and is owned and maintained by the Corporation, the County or the
Province.
LOCAL STREET means a street designated as such on Schedule "B" of this By-law.
PRIVATE STREET means a street which affords the principal means of vehicular
access to a lot and which is not assumed, for the purposes of providing
maintenance, or in title, by the Corporation, the County or the Province.
WIDENED STREET means a street widened to its design width in accordance with
Schedule "B" of this By-law.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-45
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
STRUCTURE means anything constructed or erected, in whole or in part, which is located
on, or in, the ground, or attached to something located on, or in, the ground, and includes
anything pre-made or prefabricated, but does not include a fence, sign, air conditioning
unit, retaining walls, pergolas, temporary tents or similar uses, railway line, or any hard
surface located directly on the ground.
STUDIO means a building used as the work place of a photographer, musician, artist or
craftsman, without limiting the generality thereof, photographs are taken, music or film
is recorded, or instruction is given in art, music, dance, craft making or similar disciplines.
SUNROOM means a porch or part thereof which is fully enclosed by walls containing
windows, the glazed area of each exterior wall being not less than one-third of the area
of such wall between the floor and the roof.
SUPERMARKET means a building in which a balanced line of prepared food, bakery and
dairy products; candy and confectionery; soft drinks and other food products are sold to
the public and, in addition, where pharmaceuticals, health and beauty aids, housewares,
newspapers, paper products, tobacco products, flowers and plants and other non-food
items may be sold or services rendered to the public provided such items or services are
incidental and subordinate to the sale of food items described herein.
TANDEM PARKING means the parking of a vehicle directly behind another vehicle in a
driveway.
TAVERN means a building in which the primary use is the serving of alcoholic beverages.
TAXI DISPATCH ESTABLISHMENT means a premises where taxis or limousine taxis are
dispatched from and where such vehicles may be parked or stored for short periods of
time when not engaged in transporting persons or goods.
THEATRE means a building or structure used for the production and viewing of the
performing arts or for the screening and viewing of motion pictures by the public.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-46
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
THEATRE CLASSROOM means a room or series of rooms in the theatre where groups of
students are taught and/or educational sessions are held including but not limited to the
business operations of the theatre, acting, and administration.
THEATRE RESTAURANT means a restaurant that operates exclusively during such periods
as the theatre and/or its ancillary uses are in operation.
THEATRE RETAIL STORE means a building in which theatre products or products
associated with the theatre including goods, wares, merchandise, substances, articles or
things are stored, offered or kept for retail sale to the public.
TRAILER means any vehicle designed to be towed by another vehicle.
TRANSIT CENTRE means a lot, with or without buildings or structures, where buses are
used to pick-up or drop-off of persons but excludes a bus stop.
TRAVEL TRAILER means a trailer capable of being used for the temporary or permanent
living, sleeping or eating accommodation of one or more persons, including a travel trailer
that has been temporarily or permanently fixed or attached to the ground on a foundation
or other base or has become in any other manner so adapted and affixed to the land
upon which it is situated that it is, or has become, an immobile structure, and includes,
without limiting the generality thereof, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, park models
or campers.
TRAILER CAMP means a lot used for the temporary or short term parking of travel trailers
and other apparatus capable of being used for the temporary or permanent living,
sleeping or eating, including tents, but excludes a recreational vehicle sales or rental
establishment.
TRAILER PARK means a lot used or intended for use for the permanent placement of
travel trailers.
TRIANGLE, DAYLIGHT means the triangular space formed by the street lines of a corner
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-47
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
lot, where such lot is located at the intersection of 2 or more streets, and a line drawn
from a point in one street line to a point in the other street line, each such point being a
specified distance from the point of intersection of the street lines measured along the
said street lines, and where the two street lines do not intersect at a point, the point of
intersection of the street lines shall be deemed to be the intersection of the projected
tangents of the street lines. Where required by this By-law, a daylight triangle shall be
dedicated as part of the abutting street allowance to the appropriate agency having
jurisdiction of the abutting street.
TRIANGLE, DRIVEWAY VISIBILITY shall be measured from the point of intersection of a
street line and the edge of a driveway a distance from the street line and a distance from
the edge of the driveway.
TRIANGLE, VISIBILITY means the triangular space formed by the street lines of a corner
lot, where such lot is located at the intersection of 2 or more streets, and a line drawn
from a point in one street line to a point in the other street line, each such point being a
specified distance from the point of intersection of the street lines measured along the
said street lines, and where the two street lines do not intersect at a point, the point of
intersection of the street lines shall be deemed to be the intersection of the projected
tangents of the street lines. Where required by this By-law, a visibility triangle shall be
free of obstructions in accordance with the provisions of this By-law.
TRUCK TERMINAL means an establishment where trucks and/or transports are stored,
rented, leased, kept for hire, or parked or from which trucks and/or transports are
dispatched as common carriers, or where goods are stored temporarily for further
shipment.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-48
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
USE means, when used as a noun, the purpose for which a lot, building or structure, or
any combination or part thereof, is designed, arranged, occupied or maintained and,
when used as a verb, means to put to such purpose.
VEHICLE means anything driven or capable of being driven or drawn on wheels by any
kind of power other than solely by muscular power and includes, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, an automobile, motorcycle, moped, motor-bike, truck, farm
tractor, tractor trailer, bus, boat, jet-ski, motor home, recreational vehicle, snowmobile,
but excludes a street car or other vehicle running only upon rails.
AUTOMOBILE VEHICLE means a vehicle designed or intended for use for personal
transportation on highways and includes, without limiting the generality thereof, a
car, pick-up truck, jeep, van, motorcycle, or motor assisted bicycle, but excludes
a recreational vehicle.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE means a vehicle licensed by the Province as a public
vehicle pursuant to the Public Vehicles Act, or as a commercial motor vehicle
pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act.
MOTOR VEHICLE means an automobile vehicle and any other vehicle propelled or
driven otherwise than by muscular power, but does not included a vehicle running
only upon rails, or a motorized snow vehicle, traction engine, farm tractor, self-
propelled farm implement, or road-building machine.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE means a vehicle designed and intended to be used for
recreational purposes and includes, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, motor homes, recreational vehicles, trailers, campers, all-terrain
vehicles or motorized snow vehicles, but excludes bicycles, motorcycles, and motor
assisted bicycles.
VERANDAH means a porch or part thereof, with or without walls or railings, such walls or
railings not exceeding a height of 1.2 m.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-49
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
VETERINARIAN CLINIC means a building wherein animals are treated or kept for
treatment by a veterinarian, but excludes an animal shelter, a pet shop or an
establishment engaged primarily in the retail sale of animals or in breeding animals.
VIDEO RENTAL ESTABLISHMENT means a building where videos, cassettes, tapes or
similar items intended for home entertainment are rented to the general public.
WALKWAY means a surface treated area that is designed and intended to be used
principally for pedestrian or bicycle access.
WAREHOUSE means a building used for housing, storing, packaging wholesaling or
distributing goods, wares, merchandise, food-stuff, substances, articles or things, and
may include the residence of a caretaker or watchman.
WATER TREATMENT FACILITY means a building or structure, approved by a public
agency, where water is purified or treated for human consumption, and includes a water
pumping station.
WAYSIDE PERMIT AGGREGATE OPERATION (WAYSIDE PIT) means a temporary pit or
quarry opened and used by or for a public authority solely for the purpose of a particular
project or contract of road construction and not located on the road right-of-way.
WELLHEAD PROTECTION AREA means shall mean the geographic area designated on
Schedule "C" of this By-law. Three wellhead protection areas are described as follows:
a) Wellhead Protection Area A (WHPA-A): The geographic location of the 100m
fixed radius around a wellhead with a vulnerability score of 10, as described
in the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan for the
purposes of describing a vulnerable area.
b) Wellhead Protection Area B (WHPA-B): The geographic location of the area
around a wellhead with a 2-year time of travel to the wellhead, excluding
the area of WHPA-A, as described in the Thames-Sydenham and Region
Source Protection Plan for the purposes of describing a vulnerable area.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-50
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
c) Wellhead Protection Area C (WHPA-C): The geographic location of the area
around a wellhead with a 2 to 5 year time of travel to the wellhead, as
described in the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan for
the purposes of describing a vulnerable area.
YARD means an area of land which is appurtenant to and located on the same lot as a
building or structure, and which is open, uncovered and unoccupied from the ground up,
except for such accessory buildings, structures or other uses as are specifically permitted
thereon elsewhere by this By-law.
FRONT YARD means a yard extending across the full width of a lot between the
front lot line of such lot and the nearest part of any wall of any building or structure
on such lot.
FRONT YARD DEPTH means the shortest horizontal dimension of a front yard
between the front lot line of a lot and the nearest part of any building or structure
on such lot.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
City of Stratford
Page 3-51
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
REAR YARD means a yard extending across the full width of a lot between the rear
lot line of such lot or, where there is no rear lot line, the junction point of the side
lot lines, and the nearest part of any building or structure on such lot.
REAR YARD DEPTH means the shortest horizontal dimension of a rear yard
between the rear lot line of a lot or, where there is no rear lot line, the junction
point of the side lot lines, and the nearest part of any building or structure on such
lot.
SIDE YARD means a yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard of a lot
and from the side lot line of such lot to the nearest part of any building or structure
on such lot.
SIDE YARD WIDTH means the shortest horizontal dimension of a side yard
between the side lot line of a lot and the nearest part of any building or structure
on such lot.
AGGREGATE SIDE YARD WIDTH means the sum of the side yard widths of the
side yards of a lot.
SECTION 3.0
DEFINITIONS
Page 3-52
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
EXTERIOR SIDE YARD means a side yard immediately adjoining a street allowance
or abutting a reserve on the opposite side of which is located a street allowance.
INTERIOR SIDE YARD means a side yard other than an exterior side yard.
REQUIRED YARD means that part of a yard which contains the rear yard depth or
side yard width or setback from the lot lines of a lot as required herein by this By-
law.
ZONE means an area delineated on a Zoning Map and established and designated by this
By-law for a specific use.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 4
GENERAL PROVISIONS
4.1
Accessory Buildings, Structures and Uses
4.1.1
Uses Permitted
An accessory building or structure may be erected or used in accordance with the
following:
a) Where this By-law permits a lot to be used or a building or structure to be
erected or used for a purpose, that purpose shall include any building,
structure or use accessory thereto, other than an accessory guest room or
an accessory dwelling unit unless otherwise specified by this By-law.
b) An accessory building or structure shall not be used for human habitation or
an occupation for gain or profit, unless otherwise permitted by this By-law.
4.1.2
Location
An accessory building or structure may be erected in any yard other than a required yard,
except that nothing in this By-law shall apply to prevent the erection of:
a) an accessory building or structure in accordance with Table 4.1.2.
Table 4.1.2 Accessory Building or Structure Locations
Interior
Lot Zoned
C1 or
Residential
R
Corner lot
Zoned C1
or
Residential
R
Interior
Lot not
zoned C1
or
Residential
R
Corner Lot
not zoned
C1 or
Residential
R
Distance
from a
front lot
line
6.0 m or
existing
building
setback,
whichever is
the greater
6.0 m or
existing
building
setback,
whichever is
the greater
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
Distance
from an
exterior
side lot line
N/A
6 m or
existing
building
setback
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.1.2 Accessory Building or Structure Locations
Interior
Lot Zoned
C1 or
Residential
R
Corner lot
Zoned C1
or
Residential
R
Interior
Lot not
zoned C1
or
Residential
R
Corner Lot
not zoned
C1 or
Residential
R
whichever is
the greater
Distance
from an
interior side
lot line
1.0 m
1.0 m where
a 1.5 m
continuous
unobstructed
path is
provided,
otherwise
1.5 m
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
Distance
from a rear
lot line
1.0 m
1.0 m where
a 1.5 m
continuous
unobstructed
path is
provided,
otherwise
1.5 m
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
Setback as
set out in
the zone or
Table 4.1.4
b) a car port attached to a single detached dwelling or a semi-detached dwelling
in an interior side yard, not closer than 1.0 m to the interior side lot line;
c) a swimming pool in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.18 (Outdoor
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs);
d) an accessory building or structure in a rear yard setback of a through lot in
a residential zone, where such lots are subject to a reserve across the rear
lot line prohibiting access to the street, provided that such accessory building
or structure is not located closer to any lot line than 1.0 m, or, in the case
of a corner lot, not in the required exterior side yard setback, nor in a
required visibility triangle.
e) an accessory building or structure within 1.0 m of a lot line in a residential
zone, provided that in no case shall an accessory building or structure be
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
erected within a front yard, an exterior side yard or within the minimum
setback.
4.1.3
Lot Coverage
The lot coverage for accessory buildings or structures shall be calculated to be included
in the maximum lot coverage requirements for the lot, unless otherwise specified.
4.1.4
Regulations
No person shall use or permit the use of any lot or erect, alter or use any accessory
building or structure except in accordance with the accessory use regulations in Table
4.1.4. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular regulation, zone heading, or
applicable standard indicates that one or more additional regulations apply to accessory
buildings and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 4.1.4: Accessory Use Regulations
Zone Category
Maximum
Lot
Coverage
1
Maximum
Floor Area
1
Maximum
Height 2
Maximum
Wall
Height
Minimum
Side Yard
Width /
Rear Yard
Depth 3
RESIDENTIAL
ZONES
R1(1)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R1(2)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R1(3)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R1(4)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R1(5)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R2(1)
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R2(2)
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R3
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R4(1)
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R4(2)
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R4(3)
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R4(4)
10%
75 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R5(1)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R5(2)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
R5(3)
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
COMMERCIAL
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.1.4: Accessory Use Regulations
Zone Category
Maximum
Lot
Coverage
Maximum
Floor Area
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Wall
Height
Minimum
Side Yard
Width /
Rear Yard
Depth
ZONES
C1
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
C2
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
C3
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
C4
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
C5
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
GRAND TRUNK
ANCHOR DISTRICT
ZONE
AD
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
INSTITUTIONAL
ZONES
IN1
10%
-
5.0 m
-
1.0 m
IN2
10%
-
5.0 m
-
1.0 m
THEATRE DISTRICT
ZONE
TH
10%
100 m2
4.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
PARKS AND OPEN
SPACE ZONES
P
10%
-
5.0 m
-
1.0 m
OS
10%
-
5.0 m
-
1.0 m
AGRICULTURAL
ZONE
A
10%
100 m2
5.0 m
3.0 m
1.0 m
Additional Regulations for Table 4.1.4
The maximum lot coverage or maximum floor area applies, whichever is the
lesser.
Maximum height or one (1) storey, whichever is the lesser.
Subject to the regulations of Section 4.1.2, whichever is the greater.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.2
Access Required to a Street
4.2.1
Lot Frontage Requirements
No person shall erect any building or structure or use any lot in any zone unless such lot
meets one of the following requirements:
a) The lot has frontage on a public street which is assumed by By-law by a
public agency;
b) The lot will have frontage on a future public street that is currently being
constructed pursuant to a Subdivision Agreement or other Development
Agreement with a public agency;
c) The lot is legally tied to a condominium having frontage on a condominium
common element roadway that provides direct access to a public street or
which connects with another condominium common element roadway
having access to a public street; and
d) The lot is legally tied to a condominium having frontage on a future
condominium common element roadway that is currently being constructed
pursuant to a Condominium Agreement or other Development agreement
with a public agency that provides direct access to a public road or which
connects with another condominium common element roadway having
access to a public street.
For greater clarity, no person shall erect any building or structure or use any lot in any
zone on a private street unless otherwise specified in this By-law.
4.3
Bed and Breakfast Establishments and Short Term Rental
Accommodation
No person shall use a building or operate a bed and breakfast establishment or short
term rental accommodation unless they hold a valid license issued by The Corporation of
the City of Stratford in accordance with all of the applicable provisions of this by-law and
the provisions set out in this section 4.3. Where there is a conflict between the general
provisions and this section 4.3, the specific provisions relating to bed and breakfast
establishment and short term rental accommodation shall apply.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.3.1
Bed and Breakfast Establishment
The regulations below applicable to bed and breakfast establishments apply within the
Residential R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 Zones, the Mixed Use Residential MUR Zone, the
Commercial C1, C2, and C3 Zones, the Urban Reserve UR Zone and the Agricultural A
Zone.
Permitted Dwelling Types, Permitted Zones and Maximum Number of Bedrooms
Bed and breakfast establishments and short term rental accommodation shall be in
accordance with the requirements of Table 4.3.2:
Table 4.3.2: Bed and Breakfast Establishments and Short Term
RentalAccommodation Requirements
Type of Dwelling
Single
Detached
Dwelling
Semi-
Detached
Dwelling
(each unit)
Converted
Dwelling
Street
Townhouse
Dwelling
(each unit)
Permitted
Dwelling
Type
bed and
breakfast
establishment
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
short term
rental
accommodation
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Operated by
bed and
breakfast
establishment
Principal
Resident
Principal
Resident
Principal
Resident
Principal
Resident
short term
rental
accommodation
Principal
Resident
Principal
Resident
Principal
Resident
Principal
Resident
Permitted
Zones
bed and
breakfast
establishment
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, MUR, C1, C2, C3, UR, and A
Zones
short term
rental
accommodation
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, MUR, C1, C2, C3, UR and A
Zones
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.3.2: Bed and Breakfast Establishments and Short Term
RentalAccommodation Requirements
Type of Dwelling
Single
Detached
Dwelling
Semi-
Detached
Dwelling
(each unit)
Converted
Dwelling
Street
Townhouse
Dwelling
(each unit)
Maximum
Number by
Type of
Dwelling
bed and
breakfast
establishment
1
1
1
1
short term
rental
accommodation
1
1
1
1
Maximum
Number of
Bedrooms
bed and
breakfast
establishment
R1 Zone (Local Street): 2 bedrooms
R1 Zone (Collector or Arterial Street): 4 bedrooms
R1 Zone (Erie Street, Huron Street or Ontario Street):
no maximum
R2 and R3 Zones (Local, Collector or Arterial Street):
4 bedrooms
R2 and R3 Zones (Erie Street, Huron Street or
Ontario Street): no maximum
R4 and R5 Zones: 2 bedrooms
MUR, C2, and C3 Zones: no maximum
UR Zone: 4 bedrooms. No expansion to an existing
dwelling shall be permitted to accommodate a Bed
and Breakfast Establishment in an UR Zone.
A Zone: 4 bedrooms
short term
rental
accommodation
Not Applicable
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-8
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.3.2: Bed and Breakfast Establishments and Short Term
RentalAccommodation Requirements
Type of Dwelling
Single
Detached
Dwelling
Semi-
Detached
Dwelling
(each unit)
Converted
Dwelling
Street
Townhouse
Dwelling
(each unit)
Business
License
bed and
breakfast
establishment
Required
Required
Required
Required
short term
rental
accommodation
Required
Required
Required
Required
Maximum
Number of
Days
bed and
breakfast
establishment
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(No limit)
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(No limit)
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(No limit)
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(No limit)
short term
rental
accommodation
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(Maximum
of 180
Days)
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(Maximum
of 180
Days)
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(Maximum
of 180
Days)
Regulated
through
Licensing
By-law
(Maximum
of 180
Days)
4.3.2
Parking Requirements
The following parking requirements are applicable to a bed and breakfast establishment
or short term rental accommodation:
a) The minimum number of parking spaces shall be accommodated on the lot
in accordance with the following:
i) bed and breakfast establishment - 1 parking space per bedroom plus
the minimum number of parking spaces required for the dwelling in
accordance with Section 5.0 (Parking and Loading Requirements)
ii) short term rental accommodation - 0.66 parking spaces per bedroom
b) Tandem parking for bed and breakfast establishments and short term rental
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-9
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
accommodations may be permitted to a maximum of two vehicles, provided
such parking does not in any way block, obstruct or otherwise hinder the
sidewalk.
c) No parking shall be permitted in a required front yard or required exterior
side yard other than in a driveway, in accordance with the provisions of this
zoning by-law.
d) No parking shall be permitted in a rear yard unless a separation distance of
1.0 m is maintained from a lot line.
e) A planting strip having a minimum width of 1.5 m and a minimum height of
2.0 m shall be provided and maintained adjacent to a parking area and
driveway abutting a lot line, where 4 or more parking spaces are required in
accordance with Section 5.0 (Parking and Loading Requirements).
f) The requirements of Section 5.0 (Parking and Loading Requirements), with
the necessary changes, apply to bed and breakfast establishments and short
term rental accommodations.
g) No required parking spaces are to be provided within a common element
area or designated visitor parking areas.
h) Private Street
A bed and breakfast establishment or short term rental accommodation shall not be
permitted on a lot having a frontage on and access to a private street, except in
accordance with Section 4.3.7.
4.3.3
Other Requirements
a) A bed and breakfast establishment or short term rental accommodations
shall have a minimum outdoor amenity space in accordance with the
following dwelling unit types
i) Single detached dwelling: 37 m2
ii) Semi-detached dwelling: 37 m2
iii) Converted dwelling: 30 m2
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-10
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
iv) Townhouse dwelling: 30 m2
b) A required outdoor amenity space which is located within 6.0 m of a
Residential zone shall be appropriately screened by a planting strip having a
minimum width of 1.5 m and a minimum height of 1.5m, and provided and
maintained adjacent to the outdoor amenity space and abutting lot line.
c) When a dwelling unit is used as a bed and breakfast establishment or short
term rental accommodation, no other uses of the property are permitted,
including a second suite, or a garden suite.
d) A
bed
and
breakfast
establishment
or
short
term
rental
accommodation,including any accessory guest room, shall be licensed with
the City.
e) All City by-laws including but not limited to the Property Standards By-law,
Noise By-law, Fence and Hedge By-law, licensing by-law apply to a bed and
breakfast establishment or short term rental accommodation.
f) When a short term rental accommodation is occupied continuously as a
principal residence, (i.e., for more than 28 consecutive days) it shall be
considered a dwelling unit as defined herein.
4.3.4
Accessory Guest Room
Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the location of one (1) accessory guest room in a
dwelling unit, which may have frontage on and access to a private street, provided 1
parking space is provided for the accessory guest room in addition to any other required
parking.
4.3.5
Accessory Guest Rooms in Accessory Buildings
Notwithstanding anything in this By-law to the contrary, accessory guest rooms are
permitted in an existing accessory building in conjunction with a bed and breakfast
establishment located on Ontario Street, Huron Street and Erie Street, provided they are
not located within the front yard and exterior side yard, and a minimum interior side yard,
and rear yard setback of 1.2 m is provided.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-11
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.4
Cannabis Production Facility
A cannabis production facility shall comply, with the following provisions:
a) A cannabis production facility shall be subject to site plan control pursuant
to Section 41 of the Planning Act.
b) A cannabis production facility shall be prohibited on a lot containing a
dwelling unit.
c) No building or structure or portion of land thereof used for cannabis
production facility purposes may be located closer to any Residential or
Institutional Zone or Park Zone than 150 m.
d) Where a cannabis production facility is located on a lot, no other use shall
be permitted on the lot or within the building as a whole.
e) A building or structure used for security purposes for a cannabis production
facility may be located in the front yard and does not have to comply with
the required minimum front yard setback.
f) Loading spaces for a cannabis production facility must be in a wholly
enclosed building.
g) All uses associated with the cannabis production facility must take place
entirely within a building.
4.5
Consents Subject to an Agreement
In the case of a parcel of land for which a Development Agreement, Plan of Condominium,
and/or a Site Plan has been approved and registered against title pursuant to Section 41
or Section 50 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended from time to time,
then the single parcel of land to which the Development Agreement and/or plan applies
shall be deemed to be the lot for application of this Section, notwithstanding that part of
the parcel may be in separate ownership; does not otherwise satisfy the definition of lot;
or does not abut an improved street.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-12
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.6
Construction Uses
Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the use of a lot or part thereof other than a visibility
triangle, for the erection or use of a building or structure where such building or structure
is incidental to, and necessary for, construction work but not necessarily restricted to, a
construction camp, a work camp, a tool shed or a scaffold, but only for so long as such
building or structure is necessary for the work in progress and until the work is completed
or abandoned, and only while a building permit for the said construction remains in force.
4.7
Daylight Triangles and Visibility Triangles
4.7.1
Minimum Daylight Triangle Requirement
A daylight triangle shall be provided and dedicated as part of the abutting street allowance
to the appropriate agency having jurisdiction of the abutting street, in accordance with
Table 4.7.1, and the street classification as identified in Schedule "B":
Table 4.7.1: Minimum Daylight Triangle Requirements
Street Classification Intersecting Street
Classification
Minimum Daylight
Triangle (m)
Local
Local
0
Collector
0
Arterial
10.0
Collector
Local
0
Collector
10.0
Arterial
10.0
Arterial
Local
10.0
Collector
10.0
Arterial
10.0
4.7.2
Minimum Visibility Triangle Requirements
a) A visibility triangle shall be maintained in accordance with Table 4.7.2, and
the street classification as identified in Schedule "B":
b) Any driveway access to a street shall maintain a visibility triangle in
accordance with Table 4.7.2:
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-13
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.7.2: Minimum Visibility Triangle Requirements and Minimum
Driveway Visibility Triangle Requirements
Street Classification Intersecting Street
Classification
Minimum Visibility
Triangle (m) 1
Driveway
Any Street
3.0
Local
Local
3.0
Collector
3.0
Arterial
12.0
Collector
Local
3.0
Collector
12.0
Arterial
12.0
Arterial
Local
12.0
Collector
12.0
Arterial
15.0
Additional Regulations for Table 4.7.2
Where a daylight triangle has been provided, it shall be included within the
visibility triangle requirements.
4.7.3
Prohibition of Obstructions within Visibility Triangles
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph b) of this subsection, within any visibility
triangle or driveway visibility triangle:
a) no building or structure shall be erected and no parking space shall be
established;
b) no sign, save and except a pole sign, or any feature including, but without
limiting the generality thereof, fences, walls, berms, trees, hedges or bushes,
shall be greater than 0.75 m in height above the elevation of the highest
point of the street adjacent thereto, regardless of whether or not any such
features form part of a required planting strip; and
c) no finished grade shall exceed the elevation of the highest point of the street
adjacent thereto by 0.75 m.
4.7.4
Exemptions
Daylight triangle requirements and visibility triangle requirements shall not apply to the
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-14
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
following:
a) any corner lot located within the Central Business District, or
b) any corner lot located in the C3 zone, where no setbacks are required in
accordance with the zone provisions, except that, where a corner lot has a
setback on one street only, then the provisions of Section 4.7.3 (Prohibition
of Obstructions within Visibility Triangles), paragraph a) shall apply to that
part of the lot upon which such setback is required, only over that part of
the lot between the lot line and the setback line.
4.8
Drive Throughs, Stacking Lanes and Stacking Spaces
A drive through may be permitted in association with a commercial use, where it is
permitted by this By-law, provided that:
a) The minimum number of stacking spaces shall be in accordance with the
following:
i) For an automatic drive through car wash, a minimum of 10 stacking
spaces shall be provided in advance of the car wash, and a minimum
of 2 stacking spaces shall be provided at the terminus of each line;
ii) For a non-drive through or coin-operated car wash, a minimum of 2
stacking spaces shall be provided in advance of the car wash bay,
excluding the car wash bay and egress from the car wash bay;
iii) For a restaurant, a minimum of 10 stacking spaces shall be provided
for each drive-through service window or self-serve facility, including
the space at the pick-up window; or
iv) For all other uses with drive-through service, such as a financial
institution or pharmacy, a minimum of 4 stacking spaces shall be
provided for each drive-through service window or self-serve facility,
including the space at the pick-up window.
b) Stacking spaces shall be 5.6 m in length and 3.0 m in width. In the case of
a car wash intended for commercial vehicles or buses, stacking spaces shall
be a minimum of 10.0 m in length and 3.5 m in width.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-15
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
c) A stacking lane or stacking spaces shall not be permitted within 15.0 m of a
Residential, Park and Open Space, or Institutional Zone.
d) Stacking lanes or stacking spaces shall not be located within a required
minimum front yard or required minimum exterior side yard.
e) Stacking lanes and stacking spaces shall not be located within a parking area
or parking aisle, and shall not obstruct parking spaces.
f) A drive through shall not be permitted in association with a commercial use
in the Central Business District as designated on Schedule "A".
4.9
Dwellings Per Lot
Except where specifically provided by this By-law, only one dwelling unit shall be
permitted on a lot.
4.10
Garden Suites
A garden suite may be permitted by way of a site-specific Zoning By-law amendment to
allow the temporary use of a garden suite on a lot, in accordance with the following
provisions:
a) A garden suite shall only be permitted on a lot with a purpose designed
single detached dwelling or existing semi-detached dwelling, which is legally
permitted within the zone.
b) A maximum of one garden suite shall be permitted on a lot.
c) Where a garden suite is located on a lot, a bed and breakfast establishment,
short term rental accommodation, group home, boarding house dwelling,
second suite, or home occupation shall be prohibited on the same lot.
d) The maximum building height of a garden suite shall be 5.0 m.
e) A garden suite shall only be permitted in the rear yard, and shall be setback
a minimum of 2.5 m from the rear lot line.
f) The minimum interior and exterior side yard setbacks of the zone shall apply
to the garden suite.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-16
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
g) A garden suite shall have a maximum lot coverage of 35% of the rear yard.
A garden suite shall not be included in the calculation of any other maximum
lot coverage requirements.
h) A garden suite shall be setback a minimum distance of 1.2 m from all
buildings located on the lot.
i) No driveways, other than the driveway(s) existing on the lot prior to the
installation of the garden suite shall be permitted.
j) The garden suite shall not exceed a maximum gross floor area of 50% of
the gross floor area of the principal dwelling located on the lot.
k) One additional parking spaces shall be required to accommodate a garden
suite.
l) Notwithstanding the requirements of this Section, the zone regulations may
be varied on a site-specific basis through the Zoning By-law Amendment.
4.11
Group Homes
No person shall operate a group home except in accordance with the following:
a) A group home shall be permitted in a single detached dwelling, where it is
permitted by this By-law, and provided that it complies with the regulations
of the zone within which the group home is located.
b) No other uses shall be permitted on a lot used as a group home;
c) Parking for a group home shall be provided in accordance with Section 5.0
(Parking and Loading Requirements); and
d) The maximum number of occupants in a group home shall be 10 persons,
exclusive of staff.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-17
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.12
Height Exceptions
Nothing in this By-law shall apply to restrict the height of the following structures:
a) antenna;
b) belfry;
c) chimney;
d) towers occupiable for access only, such as a spire or clock tower, in all zones
except for a place of worship where permitted in a Residential Zone;
e) electric power transmission tower;
f) flag pole;
g) construction crane;
h) ornamental structure;
i) roof-top elevator shaft or roof-top stairway enclosure;
j) silo;
k) steeple;
l) a mechanical roof top penthouse containing heating, cooling or other
mechanized equipment;
m) tele-communications tower;
n) water storage tower; and
o) windmill.
provided that no such structure, other than a structure of a public use, occupies in excess
of 5 per cent of the lot area of the lot on which such structure is situated or, where such
structure is situated on the roof of a building, ten (10) per cent of the area of such roof,
and provided no such structure contains any habitable floor area.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-18
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.13
Home Occupations
A home occupation shall:
a) be permitted as an accessory use in any single detached dwelling, semi-
detached dwelling, converted dwelling, or a townhouse dwelling, except
where specifically provided otherwise,
b) not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total gross floor area of the
dwelling to a maximum of 30 m2 of a dwelling;
c) not alter the exterior of the dwelling as a residence;
d) not include any open storage unless specifically permitted otherwise;
e) permit the retail sales of products produced on the premises or those
products directly associated with the home occupation but are restricted to
a maximum of 15% of total gross floor area associated with the home
occupation;
f) not include the display of any advertising signage visible from the exterior
of the dwelling, unless in accordance with the City's Sign By-law;
g) require the provision of 1 parking space for each home occupation requiring
visitation by a client not a resident therein, which may be located in a
driveway in tandem with another required parking space;
h) a maximum of one employee who does not reside in the dwelling is permitted
on a given shift. Where an employee who does not reside in the dwelling is
employed, one additional parking space shall be required; and,
i) Notwithstanding paragraph a) and b) to the contrary, any dwelling or
accessory building in any zone may be used by a resident of the said dwelling
as the work place of:
i) an author or an artist;
ii) a teacher or tutor where instruction is given on a one-to-one basis,
but excluding singing or dance lessons or instruction where musical
or other instruments which create a nuisance are used, and provided
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-19
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
not more than 1 person is taught, consulted, treated or instructed at
any one time;
iii) a personal care service, provided that not more than 1 of the
necessary apparatus or appurtenances, such as a barber or
hairdressing or other necessary chair, sink, or table required to serve
1 person at any one time is provided for use in such personal care
service;
iv) a person engaged in a business or profession or performing work
related thereto where no person other than a resident of the said
dwelling is required to travel to or from such dwelling and shall not
involve the use of the lot as the base of operation for persons other
than residents thereof who are employed by or associated with the
home occupation, or shall not involve the use of the lot to assemble
or rally employees or other persons for transportation to another
location off the lot; or
v) a hobbyist, provided that:
a)
no part of the lot or dwelling is used to display any goods,
wares or merchandise, except where such lot is in a
commercial or industrial zone.
b)
no part of any required floor area or required parking area
is eliminated for such use;
c)
not more than 25 per cent of the total ground floor area of
the dwelling is used for such use; or
d)
such use does not exceed, in total, 30 m2 of any dwelling or
accessory building.
4.14
Landscaped Open Space
Landscaped open space shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of the zone
in which it is required, and shall be subject to the following general provisions:
a) No part of any driveway, parking area, loading space, roof top terrace, or
covered structures or enclosed structures or space enclosed within a
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-20
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
building, other than a landscaped area located above an underground
parking area, shall be considered part of any required landscaped open
space.
b) Except as otherwise provided herein, no part of any required front yard or
required exterior side yard shall be used for any purpose other than
landscaped open space.
c) Where landscaped open space is required abutting any lot line or elsewhere
on a lot, nothing in this By-law shall apply to prevent such landscaped open
space from being traversed by walkways or permitted driveways, except
where prohibited in a required front yard.
4.15
Minimum Distance Separation Requirements
a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law no livestock facility shall
be erected or enlarged unless it is in compliance with the Minimum Distance
Separation II (MDS II) Formulae and guidelines developed by the province,
as amended from time to time.
b) No dwelling shall be erected or located on any lot in the Agricultural (A) Zone
unless it complies with the requirements of the Ontario Nutrient
Management Act and the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS I) Formulae
and guidelines developed by the province, as amended from time to time.
c) The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document issued by the Ministry
of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall be the formulae used for this
calculation.
4.16
Model Homes and Temporary Sales Offices
a) Model homes are permitted on lands that have received draft plan of
subdivision or condominium approval for residential purposes provided that:
i) the number of model homes does not exceed 20 units or 10% of the
dwelling units draft approved in the plan of subdivision or
condominium whichever is the lesser;
ii) the model home is built within a lot defined by the draft approved
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-21
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
plan of subdivision or condominium;
iii) the model home complies with all other requirements of this By-law
for the applicable type of dwelling unit with the exception of the
parking requirements; and,
iv) the buildings are used for the purpose of model homes only and shall
not be occupied prior to the date of registration of the subdivision,
condominium, or similar development agreement.
b) Temporary sales offices for the sale of residential, employment or
commercial lots or units in a plan of subdivision or condominium are
permitted, subject to the following provisions:
i) the temporary sales office shall not be permitted until an applicable
plan of subdivision or condominium has received draft plan approval
or the property is in a zone that permits the proposed development;
ii) the temporary sales office shall only be permitted for such period that
work within a relevant plan of subdivision or condominium remains in
progress, having not been finished or discontinued for 60 days;
iii) the temporary sales office shall comply with the minimum yards for
the applicable zone;
iv) if parking spaces are provided, the temporary sales office shall comply
with the parking provisions of this By-law; and,
v) the temporary sales office is located in the plan of subdivision or
condominium where the lots or units are being sold.
4.17
Non-Conformity with this By-law
4.17.1 Continuation
Nothing in this By-law shall apply to prevent the use of any existing lot, building or
structure for any purpose prohibited by this By-law if such lot, building or structure was
lawfully used for such purpose on the day of passing of this By-law, so long as it continues
to be used for that purpose.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-22
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.17.2 Repair
Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the repair of an existing building or structure that
was lawfully used on November 9, 2000, even though such building or structure or the
lot on which such building or structure is located does not conform to one or more of the
provisions of this By-law, provided that the dimensions of the original building or structure
are not increased, the use thereof is not altered and the yards appurtenant thereto are
not reduced except in accordance with the provisions of this By-law.
4.17.3 Extensions
Nothing in this By-law shall prevent a vertical or horizontal extension or addition from
being made to an existing building or structure, that was lawfully used on November 9,
2000, even though such building, structure or the use thereof, does not conform to one
or more of the provisions of this By-law, provided such extension or addition itself is
designed, located, used, and is otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this By-
law.
4.17.4 Legal Existing Lots
Where an existing lot having a lesser lot area, lot frontage or lot depth than that required
herein is or has been legally held under distinct and separate ownership from abutting
lots in existence prior to the effective date of this By-law, then the said lot shall be deemed
to conform to the requirements of this By-law with respect to lot area, lot frontage or lot
depth, and the provisions hereof respecting lot area, lot frontage and lot depth shall not
apply to prevent the use of such lot, or the erection, alteration or use of a building or
structure thereon in accordance with all other provisions hereof. Where this provision
applies, and where more than one use or dwelling unit type is permitted and are subject
to different lot area, lot frontage or lot depth requirements, then the only permitted uses
or dwelling unit shall be the uses or the dwelling unit type with the most restrictive lot
area, lot frontage or lot depth requirement.
4.17.5 Reduction in Lot Area
Where a lot, building, structure or required parking space is deemed to be deficient of
any requirement of this By-law, and that deficiency is expressly the result of acquisition
or expropriation of land by a public agency, the lot, building, structure or required parking
space shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this Bylaw.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-23
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.17.6 Lots Created Through Plan of Subdivision or Consent
Where a lot is created through a plan of subdivision or consent and where such lot
creation, causes the lot as reduced, or any building or structure lawfully erected thereon,
as of the date of such lot creation to become non-conforming with any of the
requirements of this By-law, then the lot as reduced and any building or structure thereon
shall be deemed to conform to the general use regulations of the applicable zone, and
provided that no building or structure is erected or altered on the lot subsequent to the
lot creation except in accordance with this By-law.
4.18
Outdoor Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
a) No outdoor swimming pool or hot tub, or related walls, deck or exterior
walkways adjacent to such swimming pool or hot tub shall be erected
anywhere except:
i) in an interior side yard or rear yard on a residential lot; or
ii) in a rear yard setback of a through lot in a residential zone where
such lot is subject to a reserve across the rear lot line prohibiting
access to the street; or
iii) in any yard other than a required yard on a lot containing a hotel or
private club and located within any zone other than a residential zone;
and,
iv) provided that such swimming pool or hot tub, or related walls, or deck
are not closer than 1.0 m to any lot line or, closer to any street than
the required setback, nor in any visibility triangle.
b) Water circulating or treatment equipment, such as pumps, heaters or filters
or accessory structures, such as a change area or storage shed, shall not be
located closer than 1.0 m to any lot line.
c) No outdoor swimming pool or hot tub shall be considered part of the lot
coverage of a lot.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-24
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.19
Outside Display and Sale of Goods, Materials and
Merchandise
Outside display and sale of goods, materials or merchandise, including vehicles, shall only
be permitted, in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Outside display and sale shall be accessory to a commercial use in a building
provided that:
i) no required parking space is used for such purposes;
ii) any area used for outside display and sale shall be maintained as
landscaped open space or provided and maintained with a stable
surface, treated so as to prevent the raising of dust or loose particles
and adequately drained;
iii) no outside display or sale shall occupy lands within 3.0 m of a lot line
except within the Central Business District as designated on Schedule
"A"; and,
iv) the outside display or sale of motor vehicles shall be setback a
minimum distance of 7.5 m from the lot line of an abutting Residential
Zone.
4.20
Permitted Yard Encroachments
4.20.1 Projection into Required Yards
No part of any required yard shall be obstructed by any building or structure or part
thereof except one or more of the following:
a) accessory buildings or structures specifically permitted in a required yard
elsewhere in this By-law;
b) architectural adornments including, but not necessarily restricted to, sills,
belt courses, chimneys, cornices, eaves, gutters, parapets and pilasters,
projecting not more than 0.5 m into any required yard , except that no eaves
of any building located within a residential zone shall be located closer than
0.6 m to any lot line;
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-25
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
c) functional and ornamental structures including, but not necessarily restricted
to:
i) drop awnings, clothes poles, ornamental fountains, statues,
monuments, cenotaphs, memorials, planters or garden trellises, not
closer than 0.6 m to any lot line,
ii) fences, boundary and retaining walls, planting strips and legal signs;
iii) porches, decks, verandahs, sunrooms, balconies on top of porches or
verandahs, terraces and exterior steps providing access between
finished grade and either the basement or the first storey of a
building, where such structures project not more than 2.5 m into a
required front yard, a required exterior side yard or a required rear
yard, provided such structures do not project into a visibility triangle,
and shall not be located closer than 1.5 m to any lot line;
iv) uncovered terraces, with or without walls, fences or planting strips,
provided such terrace or any walls, fences or planting strips do not
exceed 0.75 m in height, where such terrace, wall, fence or planting
strip projects not more than 3.0 m into a required front yard or
required exterior side yard, and shall not be located closer than 1.5
m to any front lot line or exterior side lot line;
v) uncovered decks, patios or terraces, not exceeding 0.5 m in height
above grade level, where such structures project not more than 2.5
m into a required rear yard, provided such structure is not closer than
1.0 m to any lot line;
vi) uncovered decks, patios or terraces, equal to or exceeding 0.5 m in
height above grade level, where such structures project not more
than 2.5 m into a required rear yard, provided such structure is not
closer than 3.0 m to any lot line.
d) patios associated with a restaurant and other commercial uses shall comply
with the following:
i) patios shall have a minimum separation distance of 20 m from any
residential zone;
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-26
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
ii) patios may have a minimum setback of 0 m in the C3 zone;
iii) in other zones where a restaurant is a permitted use, a patio may
encroach into the required front yard provided the patio is setback a
minimum 1 m from the front lot line;
iv) patios shall not be located with the visibility triangle; and
v) parking shall be provided for the patio at the rate of the associated
use.
e) porches or steps connecting to a porch, sunrooms or verandahs where the
size of such structure is not more than the minimum required by the Ontario
Building Code, projecting into a required front yard, a required exterior side
yard or a required rear yard in residential zones, except for the R5 zones;
f) cantilevered bays having a maximum width of 3.0 m and projecting not more
than 1.0 m, exclusive of eaves and cornices, into a required front yard or a
required exterior side yard in residential zones;
g) unenclosed fire escapes in which the stair steps and floors are latticed in
such a manner that the proportion of voids to solids is not less than two to
one and in which guards consist only of hand rails and the structural
members necessary to their support, and which do not project more than
1.5 m into any required yard , provided such fire escape is not closer to any
lot line than 0.5 m;
h) balconies, other than balconies on top of porches or verandahs projecting
not more than 1.5 m into any required front yard, or required exterior side
yard and which do not project into any visibility triangle, and shall not be
located closer than 3.0 m to a front lot line, or exterior side lot line;
i) barrier free ramp required as an access to a building provided that no part
of the ramp or landing are closer to any lot line than 0.8 m, is not located in
a visibility triangle, and does not project more than 3.5 m into any required
yard;
j) window or wall-mounted furnaces, heat pumps and outdoor free-standing
air conditioning units may project into any required rear yard, interior side
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-27
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
yard, or exterior side yard a distance of not more than 1.0 m and provided
it is no closer than 0.9 m to an interior or 1.5 m to a exterior lot line or 6.0
m to a rear lot line;
k) window bays may project into any required front yard, rear yard or exterior
side yard a distance of 0.9 m, provided the width is no greater than 3.0 m.
4.21
Planting Strips
a) Where a lot occupied by a non-residential use other than a park abuts a lot
in a residential zone, or where a lot in the Residential Fourth Density (R4) or
Residential Fifth Density (R5) Zone abuts a lot in another residential zone,
then that part of the said lot abutting such residential lot shall be used for
no purpose other than a planting strip having a minimum width of 1.5 m,
measured perpendicularly to the said lot line, except that where an opaque
fence or wall, hedgerow or row of shrubs or combination thereof, constitutes
a required planting strip, the planting strip shall have a minimum width of
0.15 m.
b) Where a fence, wall, hedgerow or row of shrubs or combination thereof
constitutes a required planting strip, such fence or wall shall have a minimum
height of 1.5 m, and such hedgerow or row of shrubs shall have a minimum
height of 1.5 m at maturity, unless otherwise required by this By-law. Within
a visibility triangle, the maximum height of any such feature shall be
governed by Section 4.7 (Daylight Triangles and Visibility Triangles).
c) Nothing in this By-law shall apply to prevent a required planting strip from
being traversed by a walkway or a permitted driveway provided that the
minimum angle of intersection between such driveway and the said planting
strip shall be 60 degrees.
4.22
Public Uses
Nothing in this By-law, save and except for Section 4.29 (Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority Regulated Area), shall apply to prevent the following uses,
buildings, or structures in any zone:
a) a public use where used by a public agency to provide a service to the public.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-28
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
b) public utility uses and infrastructure, including, but not limited to: the
installation of a watermain, sanitary sewer main, storm sewer main, pumping
station, gas main, pipeline, lighting fixture or overhead or underground
electrical, cable television, communications/telecommunications or other
lines or associated transformers, together with any installations or structures
appurtenant thereto, excluding an office or other work related structures by
a public utility.
c) Notwithstanding a) and b) above, new public agency and public utility uses
which have noise, odour, vibration and/or dust impacts including sewage
treatment plants and water intake / filtration plants shall not be permitted in
a Residential Zone, except through a Zoning By-law Amendment.
provided that any lot, building or structure so used shall be designed, landscaped and
maintained in general harmony with neighbourhood uses.
4.23
Rooftop Mechanical Equipment and Mechanical Penthouses
The following provisions shall apply where rooftop mechanical equipment is provided on
any lot, not located in any Residential First Density (R1), Residential Second Density (R2),
Residential Third Density (R3) or Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone:
Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be set back a minimum of 5.0 m from all edges of a
roof if it is not fully enclosed within a mechanical roof top penthouse or screened by an
architectural feature.
4.24
Second Suite Regulations
A second suite may be permitted as an accessory use within a single-detached dwelling
or semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse dwelling where permitted by this By-law, and
subject to the following provisions:
4.24.1 Permitted Use Requirements
a) Only one second suite shall be permitted per lot. The principal dwelling shall
be a legally permitted use on the lot.
b) A second suite shall not be greater than 50% of the gross floor area of the
principal residential dwelling on the lot, up to a maximum size of 100 m2.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-29
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
c) A second suite shall have a maximum of 3 bedrooms.
d) A second suite shall not be permitted on a lot with a boarding house dwelling,
group home, bed and breakfast establishment, short term rental
accommodation, garden suite or home occupation.
e) A second suite shall only be permitted on a lot serviced by a public water
supply system and a public sanitary sewer system where adequate capacity
has been confirmed by the City.
f) A second suite shall not be severed from the lot of the principal dwelling or
converted into a separate dwelling unit through a Plan of Condominium.
g) A second suite shall be permitted above the Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority regulatory area.
4.24.2 Parking Requirements
a) In addition to the parking requirements for the principal dwelling in
accordance with the provisions of Section 5.0 (Parking and Loading
Requirements), 1 additional parking space for a second suite shall be
required and shall be located on the same lot.
b) The required second suite parking space shall not be permitted in tandem
with the required parking spaces for the principal dwelling.
c) A minimum of forty (40) percent of the front yard of a lot used for a second
suite shall be provided and maintained as landscaped open space and such
open space shall not be utilized for parking space and/or driveway purposes.
4.24.3 Entrance Requirements
a) The entrance to a second suite must be independently accessible from a
common hallway or stairway inside the building or from an independent
entrance from outside the building.
b) Where only one entrance to the second suite is provided, it must not be from
the inside of a garage, unless the garage has a separate entrance that
provides direct outdoor access.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-30
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
c) Where the only entrance to a second dwelling unit is provided from the rear
yard or interior or exterior side yard, the entrance must be accessed by a
continuous, unobstructed walkway of at least 1.0 m in width between the
main wall of the building and the side lot line and a municipal number posted
in accordance with City by-laws.
4.24.4 Restricted Areas
a) Second suites and associated parking areas shall not be permitted within
hazard lands.
b) Second suites shall not be permitted on a lot that is only accessible by a
private street.
4.25
Servicing Requirements
a) No building shall be erected or enlarged unless the applicable lot is serviced
by a public water supply system and a public sanitary sewer system.
b) Notwithstanding subsection a) above, in the Agricultural (A) Zone, no
building shall be erected or enlarged unless the requirements for service
connections defined by the Ontario Building Code are provided.
4.26
Setbacks
4.26.1 Required Setbacks
a) The minimum front yard setback and exterior side yard setback is measured
from the design width of the street listed in Schedule B.
b) No building or structure shall be erected closer to a street than as set out in
Table 4.26.1:
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-31
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.26.1: Minimum Required Setbacks
Street Classification Street Allowance
Minimum Required
Setback 1
Local Street
-
7.5 m
Arterial Street
30 m or greater
7.5 m
30 m or less
7.5 m plus the street
widening required for
that side of the existing
street necessary to
create a 30 m wide
street allowance
Two Lane Collector
Street
23 m or greater
7.5 m
23 m or less
7.5 m plus the street
widening required for
that side of the existing
street necessary to
create a 23 m wide
street allowance
Four Lane Collector
Street
30 m or greater
7.5 m
30 m or less
7.5 m plus the street
widening required for
that side of the existing
street necessary to
create a 30 m wide
street allowance
Additional Regulations to Table 4.26.1
Except where the setback of such building or structure is otherwise specifically
set out in the zone provisions, in which case, the lesser setback shall apply, or
where such building or structure is specifically permitted in a required front
yard or a required exterior side yard elsewhere herein provided; however, in
no case shall a private garage be setback less than 6.0 m from any street.
4.26.2 Setback Dimension Considered a Required Yard
Any part of a building situated closer to a street than the required setback shall be
considered a required yard for the purpose of this By-law.
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-32
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
4.26.3 Street Widenings
a) Where the width of a street or part thereof as shown on Schedule "B" is
increased hereafter and the increased width is greater that the design width
of the street allowance as shown on Schedule "B", the setback required
adjacent to such street or part thereof, shall be reduced by the amount of
the said increase that is greater than the design width of the street
allowance, provided that no required setback determined in accordance with
this provision shall be less than that as set out in Section 4.7 (Daylight
Triangles and Visibility Triangles).
b) Where an abutting street width is less than the design width of the street
allowance as indicated on Schedule "B" to this By-law, one-half of the
required design width of the street allowance shall be dedicated to the
agency having jurisdiction of the abutting street.
4.26.4 Established Building Lines in Residential and MUR Zones
In any residential or mixed use residential zone where the lot has a frontage of not more
than 20m, the required front yard depth may be reduced:
a) where a vacant interior lot abuts lots on which dwellings have setbacks from
the front lot line or exterior side lot line of a lesser depth than that required
by this by-law, the minimum setback from the front lot line for any dwelling
to be erected on the said vacant interior lot is equal to the average of the
setbacks from the front lot line of the dwellings on the abutting lots but shall
not be greater than the minimum front yard setback required for the zone;
b) the average of the established building line on the lot, where such lot is
occupied by an existing dwelling, and on the two lots between which the lot
is located, in the case of a lot other than a corner lot; or
c) where a vacant corner lot abuts a lot on which a dwelling has setbacks from
the front lot line of a lesser depth than that required by this by-law, the
minimum setback from the front lot line for any dwelling to be erected on
the corner lot is equal to the setback from the front lot line of the dwelling
on the abutting lot;
Provided it does not conflict with Section 4.7 (Daylight Triangles and Visibility
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-33
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Triangles) of this By-law.
4.26.5 Exterior Side Yard
Notwithstanding the minimum exterior side yard requirements of this By-law, where a
corner lot is sited so that the rear yard of the lot abuts an adjacent rear yard, the exterior
side yard shall be subject to the minimum setback requirement of the interior side yard.
4.26.6 Front Yard Setbacks for Specific Streets
No building or structure shall be erected closer to a local street or any local street
created after the date of the passing of this By-law than as setout in the applicable
zone except where the setback of such building or structure is otherwise specifically
listed below:
Table 4.26.2: Front Yard Setback for Specific Streets
Street
From
To
Side
Setback (m)
Brant
4.5
Cherry
5
Cobourg Lane
4.5
Crooks
Louise
Blake
4.5
Daly
5
Dawson
within the cul-de-sac
3
Denison
within the cul-de-sac
3
Duke
4.5
Elm
Nelson
Dufferin
north
5
Elm
Railway
Dufferin
south
5
Grange
south
5
Grange
Nile
Front
north
4.5
Guelph
south
4.5
High
4.5
Joffre
within the cul-de-sac
3
Kent Lane
4.5
Kent Street
4.5
Morison
within the cul-de-sac
3
Perth
5
Rebecca
Nile
Front
4.5
Ross
5
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-34
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.26.2: Front Yard Setback for Specific Streets
Street
From
To
Side
Setback (m)
T.J. Dolan
4.5
Worsley
Birmingham
115 m westerly
4.5
4.27
Shipping Containers
a) Shipping containers shall only be permitted on a lot as an accessory use
within an, Institutional, Industrial, Agriculture, Theatre, Grand Trunk Anchor
District or Commercial Zone, except in a C1 or C3 Zone.
b) Shipping containers shall not be permitted in the front yard or exterior side
yard.
c) Shipping containers shall not be permitted within any required yard setback.
4.28
Source Protection (Wellhead Protection Areas)
a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, on any lot located within
each of the following geographic areas as delineated on Schedule "C", the
corresponding uses or activities identified in Table 4.28 shall be prohibited.
b) Notwithstanding, subsection a), where a use or activity is prohibited in
Wellhead Protection Area A, Wellhead Protection Area B or Wellhead
Protection Area C, as indicated in Table 4.28, and the use or activity was
legally existing prior to the effective date of this By-law, the use or activity
shall continue to be permitted in conformity with the Source Protection Plan
and the permitted uses of the underlying zone, but no expansion of any
building or structure or increased activity for the prohibited use or activity
as indicated in Table 4.28 shall be permitted.
Table 4.28: Prohibited Uses and Activities in Wellhead Protection Areas
Area (as
delineated on
Schedule "C")
Prohibited Uses and Activities
Wellhead
Protection Area A
(WHPA-A)
i)
Land application of untreated septage;
ii)
The storage, treatment or discharge of tailings from
mining operations;
iii)
The storage of hazardous or liquid industrial waste;
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-35
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 4.28: Prohibited Uses and Activities in Wellhead Protection Areas
Area (as
delineated on
Schedule "C")
Prohibited Uses and Activities
iv)
The storage of sewage;
v)
Uses, buildings or structures that would require a new
septic system or septic system holding tank, with the
exception of those required for a municipal water supply
well;
vi)
Application of Non-Agricultural Source Material (NASM) to
land;
vii)
The handling and storage of commercial fertilizer that
would be stored at facilities where it would be sold or
used;
viii)
The application of pesticides to land;
ix)
The handling and storage of pesticides (greater than 2500
kg) at a facility where they are manufactured, distributed
or processed;
x)
The handling and storage of road salt in any form (solid,
liquid, mixed with sand and including for the use as a dust
suppressant);
xi)
The handling and storage of fuel;
xii)
The handling and storage of dense non-aqueous phase
liquids (DNAPLs), through all phases of its life cycle
including disposal; and
xiii)
The handling and storage of organic solvents, through all
phases of its life cycle including disposal.
Wellhead
Protection Area B
(WHPA-B)
All of the uses and activities prohibited in WHPA-A area.
Wellhead
Protection Area C
(WHPA-C)
i)
The storage of hazardous or liquid industrial waste; and
ii)
The storage of sewage.
4.29
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Regulated
Area (Schedule "A" Overlay)
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's Regulated Area, as illustrated on
Schedule "A" as an overlay, indicates the areas that are subject to Upper Thames River
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 4-36
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Conservation Authority regulation under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act,
1990, as amended, for any development (including site alteration), any interference with
wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses. In this regard, the Upper
Thames River Conservation Authority must be contacted prior to any such work taking
place in the Regulated Area. The underlying zone category on Schedule "A" shall apply in
addition to the provisions of this Section.
Development in the Conservation Authorities Act, 1990, as amended, is defined as (a)
the construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind;
(b) any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use
or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure
or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure; (c) site grading;
or (d) the temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material,
originating on the site or elsewhere.
The Regulated Area overlay may differ from the area delineated on Schedule "A", as it
may be subject to changes resulting from new environmental information obtained by
the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority over time. The boundaries of the
Regulated Area shall be determined by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority . In
case of a conflict between the description of the Regulated Area in the text of the
regulation and the areas as shown on Schedule A, the description of the Regulated Area
in the regulation prevails. An amendment to this By-law shall not be required to update
or revise the limits of the Regulated Area as illustrated on Schedule "A".
The following provisions shall apply to all lands within the Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority Regulated Area (on Schedule "A" or to lands that meet the
description of regulated areas in Upper Thames River Conservation Authority regulation):
a) Development (as defined above) is subject to Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority review and may require a permit pursuant to Upper
Thames River Conservation Authority regulation, prior to any works taking
place.
b) The Regulated Area shown on Schedule "A" may be subject to change. The
final boundaries of the Regulated Area shall be determined by the Upper
Thames River Conservation Authority.
c) The following uses shall be prohibited in lands identified as hazard lands, as
SECTION 4.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
City of Stratford
Page 4-37
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
determined by the Municipality in consultation with the Conservation
Authority:
i) institutional uses including hospitals, long-term care homes,
retirement homes, day cares centres, and schools;
ii) essential emergency services including fire, police, ambulance
stations and electrical substations; and
iii) uses associated with the disposal, manufacture, treatment or storage
of hazardous substances, but excluding public uses and public utility
uses where required.
4.30
Walkways
4.30.1 Location and Width
a) Walkways shall be permitted in any yard, including a required yard, except
that, where a front yard is less than 8.0 m in width, no walkway shall be
permitted in addition to a driveway within the front 4.5 m of any front yard
where such walkway would reduce the landscaped open space to less than
3.0 m in width.
b) No walkway leading to a dwelling, other than an apartment building, shall
exceed 1.5 m in width, except that, any walkway that is adjacent to, or is
within 0.5 m of and runs parallel to a driveway, shall not exceed 1.0 m in
width.
c) Any walkway adjacent to a driveway shall be separated from such driveway
by a minimum of 0.5 m of landscaped open space or by a minimum height
of 10 cm above the grade of such driveway where it abuts the walkway.
d) Where a walkway runs parallel to a driveway and is located directly adjacent
to a driveway, the walkway shall be considered part of the driveway.
e) Where a walkway runs parallel to a driveway and is located greater than
3.0m from the driveway, the walkway with a maximum width of 1.5m shall
be included in the calculation of landscaped open space.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 5
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
5.1
Minimum Parking Space Requirements
a) The minimum number of parking spaces for motor vehicles shall be provided
and maintained on a lot in accordance with Table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Minimum Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
adult entertainment
establishment
1.0 per 18 m2 of net floor area
agricultural equipment sales or
rental establishment
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
amusement arcade
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
amusement park
1.0 per 10 m2 of net floor area
animal shelter
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
auditorium
1.0 per 18 m2 of net floor area
auction sales establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
bed and breakfast establishment
Refer to Section 4.3
brew-pub
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
brew your own establishment
1.0 per 40 m2 of net floor area
building materials yard
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
bus transportation terminal
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
car wash
1.0 in addition to the required stacking spaces as
provided in Section 4.8 (Drive Through, Stacking
lanes and Stacking Spaces)
cemetery
no minimum requirement
clinic
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
conservation use
no minimum requirement
contractors' yard or shop
1.0 parking spaces per 80 m2 of net floor area
convenience store
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area 3
crematorium
1.0
data centre
1.0 per 50 m2 of net floor area
day care centre
1.0 per 35 m2 of net floor area
dry cleaning establishment
1.0 per 100m2 of net floor area
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.1: Minimum Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
dry cleaning drop off
establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
dwelling:
apartment building
1.25 per dwelling unit 1
back-to-back townhouse
dwelling
1.5 per dwelling unit 1 2
boarding house dwelling
1.0 plus 1 per 2 guest rooms
cluster townhouse dwelling
1.5 per dwelling unit 1 2
converted dwelling
1.0 per dwelling unit
duplex dwelling
1.5 per dwelling unit
quadruplex dwelling
1.0 per dwelling unit
semi-detached dwelling
2.0 per dwelling unit
single detached dwelling
2.0 per dwelling unit
stacked townhouse dwelling
1.5 per dwelling unit 1 2
street townhouse dwelling
2.0 per dwelling unit
triplex dwelling
1.0 per dwelling unit
equipment rental establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
equipment service establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
factory store
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
financial institution
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
fitness club
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
food processing establishment
1.0 per 80 m2 of net floor area
fuel storage depot
1.0
funeral home
1.0 per 20 m2 of net floor area
garden centre
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
garden suite
Refer to Section 4.10
gas bar
2.0
golf course
6.0 per hole, plus 1.0 per 25 m2 of net floor area for
any accessory uses
group home
2.0
hospice
1.0 per each resident care
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.1: Minimum Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
hospital
1.0 per 2 beds
hostel
1.0 per 4 beds plus, either 1.0 additional parking
space plus 1.0 loading space for the parking of a
bus or 4.0 additional parking spaces
hotel
1.0 per guestroom, plus 1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor
area outside of a guestroom
industrial mall
1.0 per 65 m2 of net floor area
industrial use
1.0 per 80 m2 of net floor area
inn
1.0 per guest room plus 1.0 per dwelling unit
large merchandise outlet
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
laundromat
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
library
1.0 per 28 m2 of net floor area
licensed gaming establishment
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
merchandise rental shop
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
merchandise service shop
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
motor vehicle repair shop
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
motor vehicle body shop
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
motor vehicle sales or rental
establishment
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
motor vehicle service station
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
nursery
1.0 per 70 m2 of net floor area
nursing home
1.0 per 3 beds
office:
professional office
1.0 per 50 m2 of net floor area
business office
1.0 per 50 m2 of net floor area
performing arts studio
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
personal care establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
personal service establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
pet grooming establishment
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
private club
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
private home day care
1.0 additional space
recreational entertainment
establishment
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.1: Minimum Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
recreational park
1.0 per 18.0 m2 of net floor area; plus 4 parking
spaces per outdoor playing court; plus 12 parking
spaces per outdoor playing field
recreational vehicle sales or
rental establishment
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
place of worship
1.0 per 4 persons capacity in the largest place of
assembly
restaurant:
drive-in restaurant
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
eat-in restaurant
1.0 per 10 m2 of net floor area
take-out restaurant
1.0 per 10 m2 of net floor area
retail store
Greater than 2,000 m2 - 1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor
area
less than or equal to 2000 m2 - 1.0 per 25 m2 of net
floor area
retirement home
1.0 space for every 2 dwelling units or rooms (if
units are not proposed) 1
salvage yard
1.0 per 30 m2 of gross floor area which
accommodates the office and retail components of
the use
second suite
Refer to Section 4.24
school:
commercial school
1.0 per 20 m2 of net floor area
elementary school
1.5 per classroom, not including any portables
private school
for elementary, 1.5 per classroom, not including any
portables
for secondary, 4.0 per classroom, not including any
portables
secondary school
4.0 per classroom, not including any portables
post-secondary school
1.0 per classroom plus 1 per 100 m2 of net floor
area
scientific or medical laboratory
1.0 per 80 m2 of net floor area
self-storage establishment
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
service trade
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.1: Minimum Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
shopping centre
Greater than 2,000 m2: 1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor
area
less than or equal to 2000 m2: 1.0 per 25 m2 of net
floor area
short term rental accommodation
Refer to Section 4.3
studio
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
supermarket
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
tavern
1.0 per 6.0 m2 of net floor area
taxi dispatch establishment
1.0 per 6.0 m2 of net floor area
theatre
1.0 per 4 persons seating capacity
theatre classroom
No additional parking required if on the same lot as
a theatre
theatre retail store
No additional parking required if on the same lot as
a theatre
theatre restaurant
No additional parking required if on the same lot as
a theatre
trailer camp
1.0 per 4 camp sites
truck terminal
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
veterinarian clinic
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
video rental establishment
1.0 per 15 m2 of net floor area
warehouse
1.0 per 100 m2 of net floor area
all other non-residential uses
permitted herein
1.0 per 30 m2 of net floor area
Additional Regulations for Minimum Parking Space Requirements of Table 5.1
Visitor Parking Requirements:
1
Of the total number of parking spaces required, 0.25 of the parking spaces
required per dwelling shall be designated as visitor parking spaces.
2
The visitor parking spaces for a townhouse dwelling and apartment building in a
condominium shall be located on a parcel of land tied to a common area.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Other:
3
The parking rate for a convenience store accessory to a gas bar is 1.0 per 20 m2
of net floor area.
5.1.1
Shared Parking Space Requirements for Mixed Use Developments
For mixed-use developments, such as apartment buildings and commercial uses, where
more than one of the uses listed in Table 5.1.1 are located on the same lot, the overall
parking space requirement may be reduced through the sharing of parking spaces, and
the cumulative total of parking spaces required for all the uses on the lot may be
calculated as follows:
a) Calculate the minimum required parking spaces for each use in the mixed-
use development in accordance with Section 5.1 (Minimum Parking Space
Requirements) of this By-law;
b) Multiply the number of parking spaces required in the By-law by the
occupancy rate for each use in each of the three time periods in Table 5.1.1;
c) For each time period add the parking space calculations for all the uses to
arrive at a cumulative total; and
d) The largest cumulative total of all the uses in any time period is the minimum
number of required parking spaces required for the lot.
All required parking spaces must be accessible for all uses at all times and may not be
reserved for any specific use.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.1.1: Shared Parking Space Formulae
Use
Morning
Occupancy
Rate
Afternoon
Occupancy
Rate
Evening
Occupancy
Rate
Office (including a
clinic, professional
office, or business
office)
1.00
0.95
0.10
Retail/Commercial
Use, Shopping Centre
0.60
1.00
0.85
Restaurant
0.20
0.60
1.00
Visitor Parking for an
Residential Dwelling
0.20
0.35
1.00
Hotel
0.70
0.70
1.00
5.1.2
Calculation of Required Parking Spaces
5.1.2.1 Rounding
Where part of a parking space is required, such part shall be considered one parking
space for the purpose of calculating the minimum total parking space requirements.
5.1.2.2 Multiple Uses on a Lot
Where a building or structure, other than a shopping centre or an industrial mall, or lot
accommodates more than one use, the parking space requirements for the lot shall be
the sum of the requirements for the individual uses, unless the Section 5.1.1 (Shared
Parking Spaces for Mixed Use Developments) apply.
5.1.2.3 Building Additions and Change of Use
Parking spaces shall be provided for any addition to a building or structure or a change
in use, except that, where a building or structure has less than the required parking
spaces as of the effective date of this By-law, this By-law shall not be interpreted to
require that the deficiency be made up in the event of an addition or change of use
provided that any parking required for such addition or change of use is provided.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-8
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
5.2
Parking Space Dimensions and Requirements
a) A parking space not located in a private garage shall have a minimum width
of 2.8 m and a minimum length of 5.6 m, except that:
i) the minimum width shall be 2.4 m for a parking space associated with
a single detached dwelling, converted dwelling, semi-detached
dwelling, or a townhouse dwelling;
ii) the minimum width for a parking space, other than for a single
detached dwelling, converted dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or a
townhouse dwelling, shall be 3.0 m where the side of such parking
space abuts either a lot line; a wall; or other obstruction or part
thereof which is 0.2 m or more in height above the surface of such
parking space in any area where a vehicle door would open;
iii) a parallel or angled parking space which is less than 59 degrees shall
have a minimum width of 2.8 m and a minimum length of 6.5 m.
b) The minimum dimensions of a parking space located in a private garage shall
be 5.6 m in length and:
i) the minimum width shall be 2.8 m;
ii) the minimum width of a private garage opening providing access to
a parking space shall be 2.4 m.
c) The minimum dimension of a parking space provided with the length parallel
to the aisle or driveway shall be 2.8 m in width and 6.8 m in length.
d) All required parking spaces shall be provided on the same lot occupied by
the building, structure or use for which such parking spaces are required.
Notwithstanding the above, in a Commercial, Industrial or Institutional zone,
any amount of the required number of parking spaces may be provided on
another lot that is located within 200 m of the subject lot. Where any parking
spaces are provided on another lot in which the use is located, a Site Plan
Agreement or other agreement shall be executed with the City. Such
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-9
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
agreement shall be registered on the title of the lands used for the parking
spaces to ensure the required number of parking spaces on the subject lot
are retained. Notwithstanding the above, required visitor parking spaces,
barrier free parking spaces, loading spaces and bicycle parking spaces,
where required by this By-law, shall not be accommodated on another lot.
5.3
Driveway, Parking Aisle and Parking Area Requirements
5.3.1
Driveway and Parking Aisles Dimensions
a) Driveways leading directly to a parking area, and parking aisles shall have a
minimum unobstructed width of 6.0 m where two-way traffic is permitted,
except that:
i) the minimum driveway width required for any driveway associated
with a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or
townhouse dwelling shall be 2.4 m;
ii) the minimum driveway width required for any driveway providing
access to no more than 4 parking spaces required for a residential
dwelling, exclusive of any right-of-way, shall be 3.0 m, regardless of
the direction of traffic flow;
iii) the minimum driveway width required for any driveway associated
with an existing building in the MUR zone, providing access to no
more than 8 parking spaces, shall be 3.0 m, regardless of the direction
of traffic flow. The minimum driveway width required for any
driveway associated with an existing building in the MUR zone,
providing access to 8 or more parking spaces, shall be 3.5 m; and
iv) where one-way direction of traffic flow is permitted and indicated by
signs and markings, where required the minimum parking aisle width
shall be as indicated in Table 5.3.1, and as illustrated on the following
figure:
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-10
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.3.1: Minimum Aisle Width for One-way Traffic
Angle of Parking Space
(A) Dimension
Minimum Aisle Width (m)
(B) Dimension
0° - 40° parking
3.5 m
41° - 55° parking
4.5 m
56° - 70° parking
5.5 m
71° - 90° parking
6.0 m
Illustration of one-way aisle width requirements based on angle of
parking space
b) The maximum width of a driveway associated with:
i) a dwelling shall be 8.0 m, except that:
- no driveways shall exceed in total width, one-half the width of
the lot facing the street; and,
- no driveway leading directly to a parking area shall exceed the
width of the parking area to which the driveway leads, within the
required yard setback. Notwithstanding, where a parking area is
5.5 m in width or less, the driveway may have a maximum width
of 5.5 m or 40% of the width of the lot, whichever is the lesser.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-11
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
ii) an industrial use in an Industrial Zone shall be 10.0 m; and
iii) any other use or building not specified herein shall be 9.0 m;
which shall be measured parallel to the street, at any point on the lot
closer to the street than the setback required.
5.3.2
Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles
a) Except as otherwise provided herein, driveways shall be permitted in any
yard, including any required yard.
b) The location of uncovered surface parking areas and parking aisles are
prohibited in required yard setbacks, except in accordance with Table 5.3.2,
and unless otherwise legally permitted prior to the passing of this By-law.
Table 5.3.2: Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles
Use
Where Parking Areas &
Parking Aisles are
Permitted
Special Requirements
i)
Single detached dwelling
Semi-detached dwelling
Boarding house dwelling
Converted dwelling
Group home
Street townhouse
dwelling
Permitted in a driveway in
the required front yard
setback, interior side yard
setback, or rear yard
setback.
none
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-12
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.3.2: Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles
Use
Where Parking Areas &
Parking Aisles are
Permitted
Special Requirements
ii)
Duplex dwelling
Triplex dwelling
Quadruplex dwelling
Cluster townhouse
dwelling
Stacked townhouse
dwelling
Back-to-back townhouse
dwelling
Permitted in a driveway in
the required front yard
setback, interior side yard
setback, or rear yard
setback.
Permitted in a parking
area in the required
interior side yard setback
or rear yard setback.
Permitted in a parking
area in the front yard or
exterior side yard, but not
within a required front
yard or exterior side yard
setback.
Cannot be located closer
than 0.5 m to any interior
side lot line or 1.5 m to a
rear lot line.
iii)
Apartment building
Permitted in a parking
area in the required
interior side yard setback
and required rear yard
setback.
Permitted in a parking
area in the front yard or
exterior side yard, but not
within a required front
yard or exterior side yard
setback.
Parking Areas and parking
aisles must be separated
from any lot line by a
planting strip in
accordance with Section
4.21 (Planting Strips).
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-13
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.3.2: Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles
Use
Where Parking Areas &
Parking Aisles are
Permitted
Special Requirements
iv)
All other uses
Permitted in a parking
area in the required
interior side yard setback
and required rear yard
setback.
Permitted in a parking
area in the front yard or
exterior side yard, but not
within a required front
yard or exterior side yard
setback.
Parking areas and parking
aisles must be separated
from any lot line by a
planting strip in
accordance with Section
4.21 (Planting Strips).
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-14
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.3.2: Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles
Use
Where Parking Areas &
Parking Aisles are
Permitted
Special Requirements
v)
Any use on a lot
abutting an arterial or
four lane collector street
on Schedule "B"
Permitted in a parking
area in the required front
yard, exterior side yard,
interior side yard and rear
yard setback.
Parking areas and parking
aisles must be separated
from any lot line by a
planting strip in
accordance with Section
4.21 (Planting Strips).
Parking areas and parking
aisles cannot be located
less than 7.5 m from the
street line where the
street is shown as having
a width of 30 m or greater
on Schedule "B," and
parking areas and parking
aisles cannot be located
less than 7.5 m plus the
amount required from that
side of the street to create
a 30 m wide street where
the street is shown as
having an existing width
of less than 30 m on
Schedule "B".
Additional Regulations for Table 5.3.2
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Table 5.3.2, for a through lot, driveways, parking
areas and parking aisles may be permitted in a required rear yard setback, provided
a parking area and parking aisle is located no closer than 0.5 m to an interior side lot
line and 1.5 m to a rear lot line or exterior side lot line.
2. A driveway, parking area, or parking aisle may be established closer than 1.5 m to
any lot line abutting a lot with an existing structure in the MUR Zone.
3. Nothing in this By-law shall prevent a driveway from crossing a lot line in order to
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-15
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
provide access to a lot from either an abutting lot or an improved street.
4. More than one of the provisions of Table 5.3.2. may apply to a lot.
5.3.2.1 Central Business District
Notwithstanding Section 5.3.2 (Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and Parking Aisles),
for any non-residential, mixed-use development, or apartment building in the CBD, no
parking area shall be permitted in any part of the front yard and/or exterior side yard
that is located between the front and/or exterior side face of the building and the front
lot line and/or exterior side lot line.
5.3.3
Access to Parking Areas and Parking Spaces
a) Access to parking areas shall be provided from an improved street by means
of one or more unobstructed driveways, provided that:
i) in any zone, other than a C4 zone, no lot shall have more than one
driveway located within 30 m of another driveway, measured along
the street line, and,
ii) in a C4 zone, the minimum distance between any driveway providing
access to one or more lots, shall not be located within 30 m of another
driveway, measured along the street line.
b) Every required parking space shall be accessible to a vehicle at all times and
vehicular access to any such parking space shall not be impeded by any
obstruction except as otherwise provided herein.
c) Nothing in this subsection shall apply to prevent the erection of a gate, a
temporary barrier or similar obstruction used solely to restrict access over a
driveway and designed to be raised, swung aside or otherwise opened or
removed when necessary to permit passage of a vehicle.
d) Nothing in this subsection shall apply to prevent tandem parking within a
driveway exclusively devoted to a single dwelling unit to a depth of two
vehicles, and in accordance with any other provisions of this By-law. Tandem
parking shall not be permitted for designated visitor parking spaces.
e) The minimum angle of intersection between a driveway and a street line
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-16
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
shall be 60 degrees.
f) The minimum distance between a point of intersection of street lines and a
driveway providing access to a lot from an improved street, measured along
the street line, shall be the greater of 7.5 m or the requirements of Section
4.7 (Daylight Triangles and Visibility Triangles), except that:
i) in a C4 zone, the minimum shall be 25 m;
ii) where an arterial street intersects an arterial street or a collector
street, the minimum for the arterial street shall be:
where the street allowance is 30 m or greater, 15 m, measured from
that intersection, and,
where the street allowance is less than 30 m, 15 m plus if applicable
the street widening required for that side of the existing street
necessary to meet the design width of the street in Schedule B
measured from that intersection;
iii) where a four lane collector street intersects an arterial street or a
collector street, the minimum for the four lane collector street shall
be:
where the street allowance is 30 m or greater, 10 m,
measured from that intersection, and,
where the street allowance is less than 30 m, 10 m plus if
applicable the street widening required for that side of the
existing street necessary to meet the design width of the
street in Schedule B measured from that intersection.
iv) where a two lane collector street intersects an arterial street or a
collector street and the street allowance is less than 23 m, the
minimum shall be 7.5 m plus if applicable the street widening required
for that side of the existing street necessary to meet the design width
of the street in Schedule B measured from that intersection.
g) Where a two-way driveway is divided into two one-way driveways by a curb,
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-17
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
an area of landscaped open space, or any other obstruction, such driveway
shall, for the purposes of this subsection, be considered a single driveway.
h) Nothing in this subsection shall apply to prevent the use of a right-of-way as
a means of obtaining access to a parking area provided the said right-of-way
has been established for such purpose.
i) Nothing in this subsection shall apply to prevent the establishment of
driveways or parking aisles abutting a common lot line, provided the
combined width of such abutting driveways does not exceed the width
outlined in section 5.3.1b).
j) Nothing in this subsection shall apply to prevent the establishment or use of
a circular or semi-circular driveway for the purpose of loading or unloading
passenger or other vehicles, even though such driveway may not lead to a
parking area or may be located within a required yard, provided that such
driveway:
i) complies with all provisions hereof regulating driveways at any point
where the said driveway intersects a street line; and,
ii) does not provide direct access to any parking space except where the
said driveway complies with all provisions herein regulating parking
aisles or constitutes a driveway accessory to a single detached
dwelling.
k) Vehicular access from a driveway or parking aisle leading directly from a
parking area or a loading space to a street shall be provided in a forward
vehicular motion in any zone, except in a Residential Zone, where the
driveway provides access to no more than 2 dwelling units.
5.3.4
Surfacing of Parking Areas, Driveways and Loading Spaces
a) All parking areas, driveways, and loading spaces in any zone other than a
Parks and Open Space Zone, an Industrial Zone, or an Agricultural Zone shall
be provided and maintained with a stable treated surface so as to prevent
the raising of dust or loose particles, such surface to be constructed of:
asphalt, concrete, brick, interlocking brick, permeable paving, cement, or
other similar hardscape surface, sufficient to provide stability, prevent
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-18
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
erosion, be usable in all seasons, and allow infiltration of surface water and
provide adequate drainage facilities.
b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the land in any required yard on a lot
adjacent to a driveway shall be maintained as landscaped open space.
5.3.5
Large Surface Parking Area Requirements
a) Where large surface parking areas are proposed, which comprise over 50
parking spaces on a lot, in a Residential Zone, Commercial or Mixed Use
Zone, or Institutional Zone, the following requirements shall apply:
i) A minimum of 15% of the surface parking area, above and beyond
the required landscaped open space, shall comprise landscaped traffic
islands or landscaped strips, which may include signed pedestrian
walkways, tree/shrub plantings, decorative fencing or low walls.
ii) Large surface parking areas shall be divided into smaller parking areas
through the use of soft and hard landscaping in order to minimize the
amount of contiguous paved surface parking areas. Parking rows
which exceed 50m in length shall be subdivided through landscaped
breaks such as landscaped traffic islands or landscaped strips.
5.3.6
Maximum Number of Driveways
a) A maximum of one driveway access is permitted to cross a front lot line or
exterior lot line if the applicable lot line is less than 18.0 m in width.
b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, one driveway per dwelling unit is
permitted on a block designated for semi-detached or condominium
townhouse dwellings provided the driveway meets all provisions of this By-
law as they would apply to the future lot.
c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, two driveways are permitted on a lot
with a triplex dwelling or quadruplex dwelling.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-19
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
5.3.7
Parking Provisions for Other Vehicles Associated with Residential
Uses
This Section applies to the parking of the vehicles on any lands used for a dwelling in a
Residential Zone.
5.3.7.1 Commercial Vehicles
Parking in a driveway of one commercial vehicle is permitted provided the commercial
vehicle:
a) does not exceed a maximum vehicle length of 6.0 m; and,
b) does not exceed a maximum vehicle height of 2.3 m.
5.3.7.2 Recreational Vehicles
The following regulations shall apply to parking of recreational vehicles in a Residential
Zone:
a) any trailer or recreational vehicle that does not exceed a height of 2.3 m and
a length of 7.0 m exclusive of hitch or tongue may be parked in any exterior
yard, interior side yard or rear yard year-round;
b) any trailer or recreational vehicle that does not exceed a height of 2.3 m and
a length of 7.0 m exclusive of hitch or tongue may be parked on a driveway
only between May 1st and October 31st;
c) any trailer or recreational vehicle that exceeds a height of 2.3 m and a length
of 7.0 m exclusive of hitch or tongue may be parked on a lot only between
May 1st and October 31st and only in any exterior yard, interior side yard, or
rear yard. The trailer or recreational vehicle shall be set back 7.5 m from the
exterior lot line;
d) the maximum total number of trailers and recreational vehicles permitted on
a lot is two.
e) parking shall be accommodated on the lot and not located within a daylight
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-20
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
triangle or visibility triangle in accordance with Section 4.7; and
f) no trailer or recreational vehicle shall be used for the living, sleeping or
accommodation of persons for a period of more than 15 consecutive days.
The lot on which the trailer or recreational vehicle is used must have a
residential dwelling unit.
5.3.7.3 Prohibited Motor Vehicle Parking
The parking and storage of the following vehicles are prohibited outside of a building on
all lots in a Residential Zone:
a) unlicensed motor vehicles;
b) motor vehicles equipped with more than three axles, excluding space wheels
designed to support the vehicle when parked or stored;
c) buses;
d) vehicles designed to run only on rails;
e) farm tractors;
f) construction vehicles;
g) tracked vehicles, except for snowmobiles; and,
h) vehicles in a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative condition.
5.3.8
Structured and Underground Parking Areas
a) Nothing in this By-law shall apply to prohibit the location of an underground
parking area in any yard, provided that no part of any underground parking
area shall be situated above finished grade in any required yard.
b) Where above grade parking structures are proposed in the CBD, and where
a commercial parking lot is not the principal use of the lot, the ground floor
level of the parking structure that abuts a front yard or exterior side yard
shall consist of commercial or office uses, or common areas associated with
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-21
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
a mixed use development or apartment building, where permitted, to
appropriately screen the parking structure and minimize visual impact.
5.3.9
Parking Shelters
a) Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the erection of a building or structure
for use solely by parking attendants in any part of a parking area, except
within a visibility triangle, provided such building or structure is not more
than 4.5 m in height and has a floor area of not more than 5.0 m2.
b) No gas bar or motor vehicle service station shall be located on, or maintained
in any parking area, except where specifically permitted herein.
5.4
Barrier Free Parking Space Requirements
The following requirements shall apply to the provision of barrier free parking spaces, in
addition to the other parking space, parking area, and parking aisle requirements of this
By-law.
5.4.1
Minimum Barrier Free Parking Spaces
The required minimum number of barrier free parking spaces shall be calculated based
on, and included, in the total number of parking spaces required on the lot, in accordance
with Table 5.4.1.
Table 5.4.1: Minimum Barrier Free Parking Spaces
Total Number of Required
Parking Spaces
Minimum Number of
Barrier Free Parking
Spaces 1 2
1 to 12
1 (required to be a Type A
barrier free parking space)
13 to 100
4% of total
101 to 200
1 + 3% of total
201 to 1,000
2 + 2% of total
Over 1,000
11 + 1% of total
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-22
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Additional Regulations for Table 5.4.1
Barrier free parking spaces shall not be required for residential uses, except for
apartment buildings, stacked townhouse dwellings, back-to-back townhouse
dwellings, and cluster townhouse dwellings, where they shall be calculated and
designated based on the required number of parking spaces.
Barrier free parking spaces for a retirement home, hospice and nursing home shall be
calculated and designated in accordance with Table 5.4.1.
5.4.2
Calculation of Barrier Free Parking Spaces
5.4.2.1 Rounding
Where part of a barrier free parking space is required, such part shall be considered one
barrier free parking space for the purpose of calculating the minimum total barrier free
parking space requirements.
5.4.2.2 Type of Barrier Free Parking Spaces Required
a) Where an even number of barrier free parking spaces are required, an equal
number of Type A and Type B barrier free parking spaces must be provided.
b) Where an odd number of barrier free parking spaces are required, the
number of barrier free parking spaces must be divided equally between Type
A and Type B barrier free parking spaces, but the additional odd-numbered
barrier free parking space may be a Type B barrier free parking space.
5.4.2.3 Building Additions and Change of Use
Barrier free parking spaces shall be provided for any addition to a building or structure or
a change in use, except that, where a building or structure has less than the required
barrier free parking spaces as of the effective date of this By-law, this By-law shall not
be interpreted to require that the deficiency be made up in the event of an addition or
change of use provided that any barrier free parking space required for such addition or
change of use is provided.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-23
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
5.4.3
Barrier Free Parking Space Dimensions and Requirements
a) The minimum dimension for a Type A barrier free parking space shall be 5.6
m in length, 3.4 m in width, and a vertical clearance of 2.59 m indoor and
2.75 m outdoor, in addition to an adjacent unobstructed pedestrian access
aisle width of 1.5 m.
b) The minimum dimension for a Type B barrier free parking space shall be 5.6
m in length, 2.8 m in width, and a vertical clearance of 2.0 m, in addition to
an adjacent unobstructed pedestrian access aisle width of 1.5 m.
Illustration of Type A and Type B Barrier Free Parking Spaces
c) The 1.5-m unobstructed pedestrian access aisle may be shared by two
abutting barrier free parking spaces and must meet the following
requirements:
i) the unobstructed pedestrian access aisle shall extend the full length
of the barrier free parking space; and
ii) the unobstructed pedestrian access aisle shall be marked with high
tonal contrast diagonal lines, to discourage parking in them, where
the surface is asphalt, concrete or some other hard surface.
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-24
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
d) Barrier free parking spaces shall be designated with a painted accessibility
insignia and a sign.
e) Barrier free parking spaces shall be designated from the parking spaces
located closest to the principal building entrance or entrances that are
accessible from the parking area.
f) The paths between the barrier free parking spaces and the building(s)
principal entrance shall be accessible to persons with disabilities, such as
being level with the finished grade through appropriate means such as ramps
and depressed curbs, and comprise a hard surface such as asphalt, concrete
or some other hard surface.
5.4.4
Minimum Loading Space Requirements
The minimum number of loading spaces shall be provided and maintained on a lot in
accordance with Table 5.5.1.
Table 5.5.1: Minimum Loading Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of
Required Loading
Spaces
Residential Uses
i) Building
containing
less
than
30
apartment dwelling units
None
ii) Building containing 30 or more apartment
dwelling units
1
Offices and Clinics
i) Less than 2,000.0 m2 of gross floor area
None
ii) 2,000 m2 of gross floor area up to and
including 10,000 m2 of gross floor area
1
iii) More than 10,000 m2 of gross floor area
2
Other Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Uses
i) less than 500 m2
None
ii) over 500 m2 up to and including 2,500 m2 1
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-25
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 5.5.1: Minimum Loading Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of
Required Loading
Spaces
iii) over 2,500 m2 up to and including 10,000
m2
2
iv) over 10,000 m2
2, plus 1 additional space
for each 10,000 m2 of
total net floor area of part
thereof in excess of
10,000 m2
5.4.5
Calculation of Loading Spaces
5.5.2.1 Rounding
Where part of a loading space is required, such part shall be considered one loading
space for the purpose of calculating the minimum total loading space requirements.
5.5.2.2 Multiple Uses on a Lot
Where a building or structure accommodates more than one type of use, other than a
shopping centre or an industrial mall, as defined in this By-law, the loading space
requirement for the whole building shall be the sum of the requirements for the separate
parts of the building occupied by the separate uses.
5.5.2.3 Building Additions
Where a building or structure had insufficient number of loading spaces at the date of
the passing of this By-law to comply with the requirements herein, this By-law shall not
be construed to require that the deficiency be made up prior to the construction of any
addition. No addition may be built and no change of use may occur, however, the effect
of which would be an increase in that deficiency.
5.4.6
Loading Space Dimensions and Requirements
a) A loading space shall have a minimum dimension of 3.5 m by 9.0 m and a
minimum vertical clearance of 4.0 m.
b) A loading space shall be unobstructed, and free of any structures and
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-26
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
encroachments.
5.4.7
Location of Loading Spaces
The location of loading spaces shall be provided in accordance with the following:
a) a loading space shall not be permitted in any required setback, a required
front yard or required exterior side yard;
b) a loading space shall not be permitted between the main wall of a building
oriented toward a front lot line or exterior side lot line and the applicable
front lot line or exterior side lot line;
c) a loading space shall abut the building for which the loading space is
provided; and
d) no part of any loading space shall be located closer than 7.5 m to any interior
side lot line or rear lot line abutting a Residential Zone, except if it is located
entirely within a structure; and no closer than 1.0 m to any interior side lot
line or rear lot line abutting any other zone.
5.4.8
Access to Loading Spaces
Access to loading spaces shall be provided by means of one or more unobstructed
driveways which:
a) have a minimum unobstructed width of at least 3.5 m, regardless of the
direction of traffic flow;
b) all loading spaces and access thereto, are contained within the lot on which
such loading spaces are located and lead either to an improved street or to
a lane not less than 6.0 m in width;
c) vehicular access and manoeuvering to and from a loading space shall be
accommodated on the lot;
d) comply in all other respects with the requirements for driveways providing
access to parking areas and spaces set out in Section 5.0 (Parking and
Loading Requirements).
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-27
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
5.5
Bicycle Parking Requirements
5.5.1
Minimum Bicycle Parking Space Requirements
The minimum number of permanent bicycle parking spaces shall be provided and
maintained on a lot in accordance with Table 5.6.1.
Table 5.6.1: Minimum Bicycle Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
Residential Uses:
Apartment building
0.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Back-to-back townhouse
dwelling
0.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Cluster townhouse dwelling
0.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Stacked townhouse dwelling 0.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Retirement Home
0.25 spaces per required visitor parking spaces
Office and Commercial Uses:
Business Office, Professional
Office or Clinic
2.0 spaces plus 1.0 per 1,000 m2 of gross floor area
Eat-in Restaurant, Take-Out
Restaurant
2.0 spaces plus 1.0 space per 500 m2 of gross floor area
Inn
0.25 spaces per guest room
Retail Store, Shopping
Centre, or any retail
commercial use
2.0 spaces plus 1.0 per 1,000 m2 of gross floor area
Institutional Uses:
School, Elementary
1.0 space per classroom
School, Secondary
1.0 space per classroom
School, Post-Secondary
1.0 space per classroom
School, Private
1.0 space per classroom
School, Commercial
1.0 space per classroom
All other institutional uses
2 spaces plus 1.0 per 500 m2 of gross floor area
Industrial Uses:
All industrial uses
2 spaces plus 0.25 spaces per 1,000 m2 of gross floor
area
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5-28
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
5.5.2
Calculation of Bicycle Parking Spaces
5.6.2.1 Rounding
Where part of a bicycle parking space is required, such part shall be considered one
bicycle parking space for the purpose of calculating the minimum total bicycle parking
space requirements.
5.6.2.2 Multiple Uses on a Lot
Where a building or structure accommodates more than one type of use, as defined in
this By-law, the bicycle parking space requirement for the whole building shall be the
sum of the requirements for the individual uses.
5.6.2.3 Building Additions and Change of Use
Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided for any addition to a building or structure or a
change in use, except that, where a building or structure has less than the required
bicycle parking spaces as of the effective date of this By-law, this By-law shall not be
interpreted to require that the deficiency be made up in the event of an addition or
change of use provided that any bicycle parking required for such addition or change of
use is provided.
5.5.3
Bicycle Parking Space Dimensions and Parking Area Requirements
a) A bicycle parking space shall be an unobstructed space with a minimum
dimension of 0.6 m wide by 1.8 m in length. A permanent bicycle rack shall
be provided to enable a bicycle to be locked in place.
b) A bicycle parking space shall be accessed by an unobstructed aisle with a
minimum width of 1.5 m.
c) A bicycle parking space shall be provided with convenient access to the
principal building entrance and shall be located within 35 m of a principal
building entrance and shall not occupy or impede any pedestrian access or
parking area.
d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, bicycle parking spaces
shall be permitted in any required yard, provided they are located no closer
SECTION 5.0
PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
City of Stratford
Page 5-29
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
than 0.6 m to any lot line, and shall not be located within a visibility triangle.
5.5.4
Provision of Additional Bicycle Parking Spaces
One required vehicle parking space (exclusive of barrier free and visitor parking spaces)
may be reduced from the total required number of vehicle parking spaces on a lot for
every 5 bicycle parking spaces provided in excess of the required number ofbicycle
parking spaces, provided the overall number of required parking spaces are not reduced
by more than 5% of the total required parking spaces.
5.6
Central Business District Exemption
Notwithstanding any requirements of this By-law to the contrary, the following shall apply
to the Central Business District as designated on Schedule "A":
a) For any legally existing building, structure or use established on or before
the effective date of this By-law, and provided there is no increase in the
overall gross floor area on the lot, no parking spaces, barrier free parking
spaces, loading spaces, or bicycle parking spaces shall be required.
b) Parking spaces and bicycle parking spaces required by this By-law for non-
residential uses shall not be required for a lot in the Central Business District
if the City enters into an agreement with the landowner respecting the
payment of cash-in-lieu for some or all of the required parking spaces or
bicycle parking spaces, in accordance with Section 40 of the Planning Act.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 6
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Residential Zones except in accordance with the applicable General
Provisions (Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and the
following:
6.1
List of Applicable Zones
Residential First Density
R1
Residential Second Density
R2
Residential Third Density
R3
Residential Fourth Density
R4
Residential Fifth Density
R5
Mixed Use Residential
MUR
6.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Residential Zones are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in
Table 6.2, below. Where the letter "E" is identified following the symbol "✓", only legally
existing uses shall be permitted.
Table 6.2: Permitted Uses in the Residential Zones
Uses
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
MUR
Residential
Uses:
apartment
building
✓ E
✓
cluster housing
✓
(R4(2),
R4(3),
R4(4))
boarding house
dwelling
✓
✓
converted
dwelling
✓
✓
✓
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 6.2: Permitted Uses in the Residential Zones
Uses
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
MUR
duplex dwelling
✓
✓ E
dwelling unit
✓
group home
✓
✓
✓
linked dwelling
✓
quadruplex
dwelling
✓
✓ E
retirement
home
✓
✓
semi-detached
dwelling
✓
single detached
dwelling
✓
✓
✓
✓E
street
townhouse
dwelling
✓
(R4(1))
triplex dwelling
✓
Commercial
Uses:
business office
✓
clinic
✓
commercial
school
✓
day care centre
✓
✓
✓
hostel
✓
inn
✓
personal care
establishment
✓
pet grooming
establishment
✓
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 6.2: Permitted Uses in the Residential Zones
Uses
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
MUR
professional
office
✓
studio
✓
Institutional
Uses:
elementary
school
✓
✓
hospice
✓
✓
nursing home
✓ E
✓
✓
place of worship
✓
✓
✓
private school
✓
6.3
Special Use Regulations
6.3.1
Residential First Density (R1) Zone
None
6.3.2
Residential Second Density (R2) Zone
6.3.2.1 Boarding House Dwelling
a) Maximum Number of Guest Rooms
4
6.3.2.2 Converted Dwelling
a) Maximum Number of Dwelling Units
2
6.3.3
Residential Third Density (R3) Zone
6.3.3.1 Boarding House Dwelling
a) Maximum Number of Guest Rooms
4
6.3.4
Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone
6.3.4.1 Cluster housing may be in the form of semi-detached, single, townhouse, back-
to-back and stacked dwellings.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
6.3.5
Residential Fifth Density (R5) Zone
None
6.3.6
Mixed Use Residential (MUR) Zone
6.3.6.1 Business Office, Clinic, Commercial School, Personal Care Establishment, Pet
Grooming Establishment, Private School, Professional Office, Studio
A business office, clinic, commercial school, personal care establishment, pet grooming
establishment, private school, professional office or studio shall:
a) be restricted to an existing dwelling which shall contain at least 1 dwelling
unit;
b) not change the external character of the dwelling as a residence;
c) not use the front yard or exterior side yard for parking, other than a
driveway;
d) be restricted to the ground floor only.
6.3.6.2 Inn
a) Permitted Buildings
existing
6.3.6.3 Hostel
a) Permitted Buildings
existing
6.3.6.4 Existing Single Detached Dwellings
The alteration of existing single detached dwellings and the erection or alteration of
buildings accessory thereto shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations of the
applicable Residential Zone.
6.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Residential Zone use or permit the use of any lot or erect,
alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone standards in
Tables 6.4.1 - 6.4.5 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
regulation, zone heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional
regulations apply to buildings and structures in the applicable zone. These additional
regulations are listed below each of the Regulations Tables.
6.4.1
Residential First Density (R1) Zone
Table 6.4.1: Regulations in the Residential First Density (R1) Zone
Zone Variation
Standard 1
R1(1)
R1(2)
R1(3)
R1(4)
R1(5)
Lot Area: Interior lot
450 m2
600 m2
450 m2
360 m2
300 m2
Lot Area: Corner lot
550 m2
750 m2
600 m2
540 m2
450 m2
Lot Frontage: Interior lot
18 m
20 m
15 m
12 m
10 m
Lot Frontage: Corner lot
22 m
25 m
20 m
18 m
15 m
Lot Depth
25 m
30 m
30 m
30 m
25 m
Front Yard Depth
4.5 m
2 3
6
6.0 m
2 3 6
6.0 m
2 3
6
4.5 m
2 3
6
4.5 m
2 3
6
Exterior Side Yard Width
4.5 m
2 3
4.5 m
2 3
4.5 m
2 3
4.5 m
2 3
4.5 m
2 3
Side Yard Width
1.0 m 5
1.0 m 5
1.0 m 5
1.0 m 5
1.0 m 5
Aggregate Side Yard
Width
2.0 m
3.5 m
3.0 m
3.0 m
2.0 m
Rear Yard Depth
6.0 m
7.5 m
7.5 m
7.5 m
6.0 m
Maximum Lot Coverage
Main Building
40%
35%
35%
40%
40%
Maximum Lot Coverage
Main Building and
Accessory Buildings
45%
40%
40%
45%
45%
Maximum Height
10 m
10 m
10 m
10 m
10 m
Minimum Landscaped
Open Space
30%
40%
35%
30%
30%
Additional Regulations for Table 6.4.1
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Provided that no part of any attached or detached garage shall be erected less
than 6.0 m to the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where the garage is
oriented to said lot line.
Any attached or detached garage shall not exceed sixty (60) per cent of the
width of the elevation facing the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where
the garage is oriented to said lot line of a dwelling erected on the lot, and
provided that the front yard depth or exterior side yard depth for a dwelling
shall not exceed 9.0 m.
A garage shall not project more than 1.0 m beyond the building elevation facing
the front lot line or the exterior side lot line.
Plus an additional 0.5 m for each storey of a dwelling in excess of 1 storey, to
a maximum of 2.0 m. When determining which side yard requirement should
apply, the maximum height of that part of the dwelling nearest the side lot line
shall prevail.
No building or structure shall be erected closer to a street than as set out in
the applicable zone except for those instances listed in the Table 4.26.2 or as
set out in 4.26.4.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
6.4.2
Residential Second Density (R2) Zone
Table 6.4.2: Regulations in the Residential Second Density (R2)
Zone
Zone Variation Standard 1
R2(1) 9
R2(2) 9
Lot Area: Interior lot:
Single detached dwelling
360 m2
300 m2
Semi-detached dwelling 2 ,
Linked dwelling 2
275 m2
250 m2
Duplex dwelling
450 m2
375 m2
Converted dwelling
425 m2
350 m2
Non-residential uses
500 m2
500 m2
Lot Area: Corner lot
Single detached dwelling
540 m2
450 m2
Semi-detached dwelling 2 ,
Linked dwelling 2
450 m2
450 m2
Duplex dwelling
600 m2
540 m2
Converted dwelling
540 m2
450 m2
Non-residential uses
540 m2
540 m2
Lot Frontage: Interior lot:
Single detached dwelling
12 m
10 m
Semi-detached dwelling 2 ,
Linked dwelling 2
9 m
8 m
Duplex dwelling
15 m
14 m
Converted dwelling
12 m
10 m
Non-residential uses
15 m
15 m
Lot Frontage: Corner lot:
Single detached dwelling
18 m
15 m
Semi-detached dwelling 2 ,
Linked dwelling 2
14 m
12 m
Duplex dwelling
20 m
18 m
Converted dwelling
18 m
15 m
Non-residential uses
18 m
18 m
Lot Depth
30 m
25 m
Front Yard Depth
6.0 m 3 4
5 10
4.5 m 3 4
5 10
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-8
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 6.4.2: Regulations in the Residential Second Density (R2)
Zone
Zone Variation Standard
R2(1)
R2(2)
Exterior Side Yard Width
4.5 m 3 4
5
4.5 m 3 4
5
Side Yard Width:
Single detached dwelling
1 m 6
1 m 6
Duplex dwelling
1 m 6
1 m 6
Semi-detached dwelling,
Linked dwelling
2.5 m 7
1.5 m 7
Converted dwelling
1 m 6
1 m 6
Non-residential uses
2.5 m 8
2.5 m 8
Aggregate Side Yard Width:
Single detached dwelling
3 m
2 m
Duplex dwelling
3 m
2 m
Semi-detached dwelling,
Linked dwelling
5 m 7
3 m 7
Converted dwelling
3 m
2 m
Non-residential uses
5 m
5 m
Rear Yard Depth
7.5 m
6.0 m
Maximum Lot Coverage Main Building
40%
40%
Maximum Lot Coverage Main Building
and Accessory Buildings
45%
45%
Maximum Height
10 m
10 m
Minimum Landscaped Open Space
30%
30%
Additional Regulations for Table 6.4.2
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Standards prescribed are per dwelling unit.
Provided that no part of any attached or detached garage shall be erected less
than 6 m to the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where the garage is
oriented to said lot line.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-9
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Any attached or detached garage shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the
width of the elevation facing the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where
the garage is oriented to said lot line of a dwelling on the lot and provided that
the front yard depth or exterior side yard depth for a dwelling shall not exceed
9 m.
A garage shall not project more than 1.0 m beyond the building elevation facing
the front lot line or exterior side lot line.
Plus, an additional 0.5 m for each storey of a dwelling in excess of 1 storey, to
a maximum of 2.0 m. When determining which side yard requirement should
apply, the maximum height of that part of the dwelling nearest the side lot line
shall prevail.
Except that:
i) no side yard width shall be required along the side lot line where the
individual dwelling units of a semi-detached dwelling are attached
together by a common wall extending along the side lot line separating
such lots, provided that any wall which does not constitute part of such
common wall or a direct extension thereof shall be set back not less
than 1.5 m from the side lot line separating such lots ; and
ii) where a private garage is attached to the dwelling, the side yard width
on one side of such dwelling shall be 1.5 m.
Or one half the height of the building, whichever is the greater.
General use regulations for lands with an MUR compound zone shall be in
accordance with the applicable Residential Zone.
No building or structure shall be erected closer to a street than as set out in
the applicable zone except for those instances listed in the Table 4.26.2 or as
set out in 4.26.4.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-10
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
6.4.3
Residential Third Density (R3) Zone
Table 6.4.3: Regulations in Residential Third
Density (R3) Zone
Zone Variation Standard 1
R3 4
Lot Area:
Single detached dwelling
360 m2
2 unit Converted dwelling
425 m2
Boarding house dwelling,
3 unit converted dwelling,
Triplex dwelling
450 m2
4 unit converted dwelling,
Quadruplex dwelling
550 m2, 690 m2
for a corner lot
Non-residential uses
540 m2
Lot Frontage: Interior lot
Single detached dwelling
12 m
2 unit Converted dwelling
14 m
Boarding house dwelling,
3 unit converted dwelling,
Triplex dwelling
15 m
4 unit converted dwelling,
Quadruplex dwelling
18 m
Non-residential uses
18 m
Lot Frontage: Corner lot
Single detached dwelling
20 m
2 unit Converted dwelling
20 m
Boarding house dwelling,
3 unit converted dwelling,
Triplex dwelling
20 m
4 unit converted dwelling,
Quadruplex dwelling
22 m
Non-residential uses
22 m
Lot Depth
30 m
Front Yard Depth
7.5 m 5 6
7 8
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-11
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 6.4.3: Regulations in Residential Third
Density (R3) Zone
Zone Variation Standard
R3
Exterior Side Yard Width
4.5m 5 6
7
Side Yard Width:
Single detached dwelling
1.0 m 2
2 unit Converted dwelling
1.0 m 2
Boarding house dwelling,
3 unit converted dwelling,
Triplex dwelling
1.0 m 2
4 unit converted dwelling,
Quadruplex dwelling
1.0 m 2
Non-residential uses
2.5 m 3
Aggregate Side Yard Width:
Single detached dwelling
3 m
2 unit Converted dwelling
3 m
Boarding house dwelling,
3 unit converted dwelling,
Triplex dwelling
3 m
4 unit converted dwelling,
Quadruplex dwelling
4 m
Non-residential uses
-
Rear Yard Depth
7.5 m
Maximum Lot Coverage Main Building
40%
Maximum Lot Coverage Main Building
and Accessory Buildings
45%
Maximum Height
12 m
Maximum Number of Dwelling Units:
Single detached dwelling
-
2 unit Converted dwelling
2
Boarding house dwelling,
3 unit converted dwelling,
Triplex dwelling
3
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-12
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 6.4.3: Regulations in Residential Third
Density (R3) Zone
Zone Variation Standard
R3
4 unit converted dwelling,
Quadruplex dwelling
4
Non-residential uses
-
Minimum Landscaped Open Space
30%
Additional Regulations for Table 6.4.3
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Plus, an additional 0.5 m for each storey of a dwelling in excess of 1 storey, to
a maximum of 2.0 m. When determining which side yard requirement should
apply, the maximum height of that part of the dwelling nearest the side lot line
shall prevail.
Except that no side yard width shall be required on the side where two pairs of
quadruplex dwelling units on abutting lots are attached together by a common
wall extending along the side lot line separating such lots, provided that any
wall which does not constitute part of such common wall or a direct extension
thereof shall be set back not less than 1.5 m from the side lot line separating
such lots.
Or one half the height of the building, whichever is the greater.
General use regulations for lands with an MUR compound zone shall be in
accordance with the applicable Residential Zone.
Provided that no part of any attached or detached garage shall be erected less
than 6.0 m to the front lot line or exterior side lot line, where the garage is
oriented to said lot line.
Any attached or detached garage shall not exceed sixty (60) per cent of the
width of the elevation facing the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-13
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
the garage is oriented to said lot line of a dwelling erected on the lot, and
provided that the front yard depth or exterior side yard depth for a dwelling
shall not exceed 9.0 m.
A garage shall not project more than 1.0 m beyond the building elevation facing
the front lot line or the exterior side lot line.
No building or structure shall be erected closer to a street than as set out in
the applicable zone except for those instances listed in the Table 4.26.2 or as
set out in 4.26.4.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-14
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
6.4.4
Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone
Table 6.4.4: Regulations in the Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zones
Zone Variation
Standard 1
R4(1)
Street
Townhouse
(Per-unit)
R4(2)
Cluster
Housing
(Per block)
R4(3)
Cluster
Housing
(Per block)
R4(4)
Cluster
Housing
(Per
block)
Lot Area (per dwelling
unit):
180 m2
800 m2
800 m2
800 m2
Lot Frontage:
6.0 m 7
22.0 m
22.0 m
22.0 m
Lot Depth:
30.0 m
30.0 m
30.0 m
30.0 m
Front Yard Depth:
6.0 m 4 5
6
6.0 m
4 5
6
6.0 m
4 5
6
6.0 m
4 5
6
Exterior Side Yard Width:
6.0 m 4 5
6
6.0 m
4 5
6
6.0 m
4 5
6
6.0 m
4 5
6
Side Yard Width:
2.5 m 2
3.0m 8
3.0 m 8
3.0 m 8
Rear Yard Depth:
6.0 m
6.0 m
6.0 m
6.0 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
40%
40%
40%
40%
Maximum Lot Coverage
Main Building and
Accessory Buildings
45%
45%
45%
45%
Maximum Height:
12.0 m
10.0 m
12.0 m
12.0 m
Minimum Landscaped
Open Space:
30%
30%
30%
30%
Minimum Density
25 upnh 3
20 upnh 3
25 upnh 3
25 upnh
3
Maximum Density
35 upnh 3
35 upnh 3
45 upnh 3
65 upnh
3
Additional Regulations for Table 6.4.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Except that no side yard width shall be required on the side where individual
dwelling units are attached together by a common wall, provided that any wall
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 6-15
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
which does not constitute part of such common wall or a direct extension
thereof shall be set back not less than 1.5 m from the side lot line separating
such lots.
Upnh means units per net hectare.
Provided that no part of any attached or detached garage shall be erected less
than 6.0 m to the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where the garage is
oriented to said lot line.
Any attached or detached garage shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the
width of the elevation facing the front lot line or an exterior side lot line where
the garage is oriented to said lot line of a dwelling erected on the lot, and
provided that the front yard depth or exterior side yard depth for a dwelling
shall not exceed 9 m.
A garage shall not project more than 1.0 m beyond the building elevation of a
dwelling erected on the lot facing the front lot line or the exterior side lot line.
An additional 6.0 m lot frontage is required for corner lots.
Where the wall contains windows or doors to habitable rooms the minimum
interior side yard setback shall be 6.0 m.
SECTION 6.0
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Page 6-16
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
6.4.5
Residential Fifth Density (R5) Zone
Table 6.4.5: Regulations in the Residential Fifth Density (R5)
Zone Variation Standard 1
R5(1)
R5(2)
R5(3)
Lot Area:
750 m2
1000 m2
1000 m2
Lot Frontage: Interior lot
15.0 m
25.0 m
25.0 m
Lot Frontage: Corner lot
20.0 m
30.0 m
30.0 m
Lot Depth:
30.0 m
30.0 m
30.0 m
Front Yard Depth:
7.5 m
10 m
10 m
Exterior Side Yard Width:
7.5 m
10 m
10 m
Side Yard Width:
3.0 m 2
5.0 m 2
5.0 m 2
Rear Yard Depth:
6.0 m
6.0 m
6.0 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
35%
30%
30%
Minimum Landscaped Open Space:
30%
35%
35%
Maximum Height:
12.0 m
15.0 m
22.0 m
Minimum Height:
-
-
9.0 m
Maximum Density:
55 upnh 3
65 upnh 3
100 upnh 3
Minimum Density:
25 upnh 3
35 upnh 3
65 upnh 3
Additional Regulations for Table 6.4.5
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Or one-half the height of the building whichever is the greater.
Upnh means units per net hectare.
Any attached garage shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the width of the
elevation facing the front lot line or an exterior side lot line, where the garage
is oriented to said lot line of a dwelling on the lot and provided that the front
yard depth or exterior side yard depth for a dwelling shall not exceed 9 m.
A garage shall not project more than 1.0 m beyond the building elevation
facing the front lot line or exterior side lot line.
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 7-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 7
COMMERCIAL ZONES
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Commercial and Mixed Use Zone except in accordance with the applicable
General Provisions (Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and
the following:
7.1
List of Applicable Zones
Neighbourhood Commercial
C1
Highway Commercial
C2
Central Commercial
C3
Shopping Centre Commercial
C4
Corridor Commercial
C5
7.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Commercial Zones are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in
Table 7.2, below. Where the letter "E" is identified following the symbol "✓", only legally
existing uses shall be permitted.
Table 7.2:
Permitted Uses in the Commercial Zones
Uses
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
Residential Uses:
apartment building
✓
boarding house
dwelling
✓
✓
converted dwelling
✓
dwelling unit
✓
✓
✓
✓
group home
✓
Commercial Uses:
amusement arcade
✓E
✓
amusement park
✓
auditorium
✓
✓
brew-pub
✓
✓
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
Page 7-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 7.2:
Permitted Uses in the Commercial Zones
Uses
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
brew your own
establishment
✓
✓
✓
✓
business office
✓
✓
✓
✓
car wash
✓
✓
clinic
✓
✓
✓
✓
commercial school
✓
✓
✓
✓
convenience store
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
data centre
✓
day care centre
✓
✓
✓
✓
dry cleaning drop
off establishment
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
dry cleaning
establishment
✓
✓
✓
financial institution
✓
✓
✓
fitness club
✓
✓
✓
funeral home
✓
✓
garden centre
✓
✓E
✓
gas bar
✓
✓
✓E
✓
✓
hostel
✓
hotel
✓
✓
✓
inn
✓
large merchandise
outlet
✓
✓E
✓
laundromat
✓
✓
✓
✓
merchandise rental
shop
✓
✓
✓
✓
merchandise service
shop
✓
✓
✓
motor vehicle repair
shop
✓
✓
✓
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 7-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 7.2:
Permitted Uses in the Commercial Zones
Uses
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
motor vehicle sales
or rental
establishment
✓
✓E
motor vehicle
service station
✓
✓
✓E
✓
✓
parking lot,
commercial
✓
personal care
establishment
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
personal service
establishment
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
pet grooming
establishment
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
private club
✓
✓
✓
professional office
✓
✓
✓
✓
recreational
entertainment
establishment
✓
✓
✓
recreational vehicle
sales or rental
establishment
✓
restaurant, drive-in
✓
restaurant, eat-in
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
restaurant, take-out
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
retail store
✓
✓
✓
service trade
✓
✓
✓
✓
shopping centre
✓
studio
✓
✓
✓
supermarket
✓
✓
✓
tavern
✓
✓
✓
✓
taxi dispatch
establishment
✓
✓
✓
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
Page 7-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 7.2:
Permitted Uses in the Commercial Zones
Uses
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
theatre
✓
✓
✓
veterinarian clinic
✓
✓
✓
video rental
establishment
✓
Industrial Uses:
self-storage
establishment
✓
✓
warehouse
✓E
Institutional
Uses:
place of worship
✓
✓
private school
✓
school, elementary
✓
school, secondary
✓
7.3
Special Use Regulations
7.3.1
Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) Zone
7.3.1.1 Convenience Stores, Take-out or Eat-in Restaurants
a) Maximum Number of Amusement Devices
3
7.3.1.2 Dwelling Units
Dwelling units shall be connected to and form an integral part of a main building and
located above the first storey.
a) Maximum Number of Units
2
7.3.2
Highway Commercial (C2) Zone
7.3.2.1 Dwelling Units
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 7-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Dwelling units shall be located in a building containing a permitted non-residential use,
and located above the first storey. A maximum of one (1) dwelling unit is permitted above
the first storey in a building containing an automotive use.
7.3.3
Central Commercial (C3) Zone
7.3.3.1 Converted Dwelling
An existing dwelling or building containing a dwelling unit may be converted to provide
additional dwelling units or other uses permitted in the C3 Zone, provided that no
additional dwelling units or dwelling unit area is added to the ground or lower storey
therein.
7.3.3.2 Dwelling Units
a) Dwelling units other than in a converted dwelling shall be connected to and
form an integral part of a main building and located above the first storey
which storey shall be designed, used or intended for a commercial use.
b) Notwithstanding 7.3.3.2 a) dwelling units may be permitted on the first
storey storey or below in an apartment building in the C3 zone outside of
the Central Business District (CBD) as shown on Schedule "A".
7.3.4
Shopping Centre Commercial (C4) Zone
None
7.3.5
Corridor Commercial (C5) Zone
None
7.3.6
Gas Bars
A gas bar shall only be permitted in the C4 Zone as an accessory use to a shopping
centre.
A pump island, kiosk, and/or canopy accessory to a gas bar shall be permitted in any part
of a required front yard or side yard provided:
a) the minimum distance between any portion of a gasoline pump island or any
kiosk and a lot line or widened street line shall be 5.0 m;
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
Page 7-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
b) the minimum distance between any column supporting a canopy and a lot
line or widened street line shall be 3.0 m;
c) in the case of a corner lot, no portion of any gasoline pump island or kiosk
shall be located closer than 3.0 m to a visibility triangle; and
d) no part of any canopy shall be located in a required visibility triangle.
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 7-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
7.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Commercial and Mixed Use Zone use or permit the use of any
lot or erect, alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone
standards in Table 7.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular
regulation, zone heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional
regulations apply to buildings and structures in the applicable zone. These additional
regulations are listed below Regulations Table 7.4.
Table 7.4: Regulations in the Commercial Zones
Zone Variation
Standard 1
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
Lot Area:
500 m2
1000 m2
existing
1500 m2
500 m2
Lot Frontage: Interior
lot
15 m
30 m
existing
45 m
15 m
Lot Frontage: Corner
lot
30 m
30 m
existing
45 m
18 m
Lot Depth:
30 m
30 m
-
-
30 m
Minimum Front and
Exterior Side Yard
Setback Setback
7.5 m
7.5 m
-
7.5 m
7.5 m
Maximum Front and
Exterior Side Yard
Setback:
-
-
3.0 m
-
-
Side Yard Width:
2.5 m 2
1.5 m
abutting a
residential or
institutional zone
5.0 m 2
15.0 m
abutting any other
zone
1.0 m
where an interior
side yard abuts any
zone other than a
C3 zone
2.5 m
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
Page 7-8
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 7.4: Regulations in the Commercial Zones
Zone Variation
Standard
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
where an interior
side yard abuts a
C3 zone
0.0 m
where an interior
side yard abuts any
zone other than a
C4 zone
one-half
the height
of the
building
Rear Yard Depth:
5.0 m 2
6.0 m
where a rear yard
abuts a residential
or institutional
zone
15.0 m
where a building
contains a dwelling
unit
6.0 m
all other cases
2.5 m 2
where a rear yard
abuts any zone
other than a C3
zone
2.5 m
where a rear abuts
a C3 zone
0.0 m
where a rear yard
abuts any zone
other than a C4
zone
one-half
the height
of the
building
Maximum Lot
Coverage:
40%
35%
35%
40%
Maximum Height:
10.0 m
10.0 m
15.0 m
15.0 m
10.0 m
Maximum Ground
Floor Area:
500 m2
-
-
-
500 m2
Groundfloor Floor-to-
Ceiling Height:
-
-
4.5 3
-
-
SECTION 7.0
COMMERCIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 7-9
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 7.4: Regulations in the Commercial Zones
Zone Variation
Standard
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
Minimum Gross Floor
Area (Shopping
Centre):
-
-
-
10,000 m2
-
Maximum Gross Floor
Area of a Permitted
Use:
300 m2
-
-
-
500 m2
Maximum Number of
Buildings per Lot:
1
-
-
-
1
Minimum Landscaped
Open Space:
30%
15%
-
15%
30%
Additional Regulations for Table 7.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Or one-half the height of the building whichever is the greater.
For mixed-use buildings and apartment buildings.
SECTION 8.0
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 8-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 8
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
The Grand Trunk Anchor District zone recognizes the unique qualities of the Grand Trunk
site and fulfils the need for a tailored framework which will facilitate a positive
transformation of the isolated and largely disused site on the edge of the Downtown Core.
The zone is encouraging of reinvestment in the Downtown Core, seeking to facilitate and
appropriately regulate a convergence of education, community, entrepreneurship, and
innovating uses to strengthen and diversify the Stratford economy, providing housing,
services and amenities for both residents and visitors.
Stratford Official Plan Amendment 21 (OPA 21) was adopted by the City on December
14, 2014 and approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on July 21, 2016.
Except as OPA 21 applied to the Grand Trunk Anchor District, as confirmed by the Local
Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) in its Decision/Order of February 2, 2017 (Case no. P
160830) it came into effect on July 21, 2016. By Decision and Order of LPAT dated March
25, 2019 (Case No. Pl 160830), OPA 21 as modified by LPAT came into effect on that day
as it applies to the Grand Trunk Anchor District.
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Grand Trunk Anchor District Zone except in accordance with the applicable
General Provisions (Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and
the following:
8.1
List of Applicable Zones
Grand Trunk Anchor District
AD
8.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Grand Trunk Anchor District Zone are denoted by the symbol "✓"
in the column applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific
permitted use in Table 8.2, below.
SECTION 8.0
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
Page 8-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 8.2: Permitted Uses in the Grand
Trunk Anchor District Zone
Uses
AD
Residential Uses:
✓
apartment building
✓
retirement home
✓
Commercial Uses:
✓
art gallery
✓
brew-pub
✓
business office
✓
clinic
✓
commercial school
✓
data centre
✓
day care centre
✓
financial institution
✓
fitness club
✓
hotel
✓
parking lot, commercial
✓
performing arts studio
✓
personal care establishment
✓
professional office
✓
recreational entertainment establishment
✓
restaurant
✓
retail store
✓
short term rental accommodation
✓
supermarket
✓
theatre
✓
transit centre
✓
Industrial Uses:
✓
industrial use
✓
SECTION 8.0
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 8-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 8.2: Permitted Uses in the Grand
Trunk Anchor District Zone
Uses
AD
warehouse
✓
Institutional Uses:
✓
auditorium
✓
community facility
✓
cultural institution
✓
hospice
✓
hospital
✓
innovation incubator
✓
institutional use
✓
library
✓
nursing home
✓
offices, federal, provincial or municipal
✓
park
✓
place of worship
✓
public use
✓
recreational park
✓
school, elementary
✓
school, secondary
✓
school, post- secondary
✓
school, private
✓
Additional Regulations for Table 8.2
None
SECTION 8.0
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
Page 8-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
8.3
Special Use Regulations
8.3.1
Loading Spaces
Loading spaces shall not face a public street unless screened from view by a 4.2 m solid
barrier.
8.3.2
Parking Rates
The minimum number of parking spaces for motor vehicles shall be provided and
maintained in the Grand Trunk Anchor District Zone in accordance with Table 5.1, except
if an alternative minimum number of parking spaces is identified through a detailed
Transportation Impact Assessment and agreed by the Director of Infrastructure and
Development Services.
8.3.3
Shared Parking
Where two or more uses listed in Table 8.2 are permitted and located in the Grand Trunk
Anchor District Zone, parking spaces may be shared between uses. If parking spaces are
proposed to be shared, a detailed Transportation Impact Assessment must identify the
peak parking occupancy rates for each use and determine an appropriate method of
sharing. This method of sharing is to be agreed by the Director of Infrastructure and
Development Services.
SECTION 8.0
GRAND TRUNK ANCHOR DISTRICT ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 8-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
8.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Grand Trunk Anchor District Zone use or permit the use of any
lot or erect, alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone
standards in Table 8.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular
regulation, zone heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional
regulations apply to buildings and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 8.4: Regulations in the Grand Trunk Anchor
District Zone
Zone Variation Standard 1 2
AD
Setback Abutting a Public Street:
0 m
Setback Abutting Any New Streets:
3.0 m
Maximum Height:
22.0 m
Stepbacks (Above Four Levels)
1.0 m
Additional Regulations for Table 8.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
The regulations within Table 8.4 shall not apply to the existing Grand Trunk
building and any additions or alterations to the existing Grand Trunk building.
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 9-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 9
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Industrial Zones except in accordance with the applicable General Provisions
(Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and the following:
9.1
List of Applicable Zones
Prime Industrial
I1
General Industrial
I2
Secondary Industrial
I3
Factory District
I4
9.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Industrial Zones are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in
Table 9.2, below. Where the letter "E" is identified following the symbol "✓", only legally
existing uses shall be permitted.
Table 9.2: Permitted Uses in the Industrial Zones
Uses
I1
I2
I3
I4
adult entertainment establishment
✓
agricultural equipment sales or
rental establishment
✓
amusement arcade establishment
✓
animal shelter
✓
auction sales establishment
✓
building materials yard
✓
bus transportation terminal
✓
business office or professional
office of a consulting engineer or
surveyor
✓
✓
✓
car wash
✓
✓
commercial school
✓
✓
contractor's yard or shop
✓
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Page 9-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 9.2: Permitted Uses in the Industrial Zones
Uses
I1
I2
I3
I4
crematorium
✓
✓
data centre
✓
✓
✓
dry cleaning establishment
✓
✓
dwelling unit as an accessory use
✓ E
equipment rental establishment
✓
equipment service establishment
✓
✓
factory store
✓
✓
✓
food processing establishment
✓
✓
✓
fuel storage depot
✓
garden centre
✓
gas bar
✓
industrial use
✓
✓
✓
cannabis production facility
✓
✓
motor vehicle body shop
✓
motor vehicle repair shop
✓
✓
motor vehicle sales or rental
establishment
✓
✓
motor vehicle service station
✓
✓
open storage
✓
✓
private club
✓
✓
recreational park
✓
✓
recreational vehicle sales or rental
establishment
✓
scientific or medical laboratory
✓
✓
✓
service trade
✓
truck terminal
✓
veterinarian clinic
✓
✓
warehouse
✓
✓
✓
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 9-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
9.3
Special Use Regulations
9.3.1
Prime Industrial (I1) Zone
9.3.1.1 Factory Store
A factory store shall be permitted provided it:
a) is accessory to an industrial use; and
b) does not exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of the building associated
with the industrial use, to a maximum gross floor area of 930 m2, whichever
is the lessor.
9.3.1.2 Open Storage
Open storage shall be permitted provided it is:
a) accessory to a main use;
b) restricted to a rear yard or interior side yard;
c) not located in a required yard;
d) not located in an exterior side yard where it abuts an arterial road;
e) not located in a yard abutting or across the street from a Residential Zone;
f) screened from any street or abutting lot by a planting strip; and
g) not located closer to a widened street line than 50 m, except where it is
enclosed by a wall or opaque fence not less than 2.0 m in height and
separated from any lot line by landscaped open space not less than 7.5 m in
width.
9.3.1.3 Outside Display and Sale of Goods, Materials or Merchandise
Outside display and sale of goods, materials or merchandise, is permitted as an accessory
use in accordance with the general provisions of Section 4.19 (Outside Display and Sale
of Goods, Materials and Merchandise).
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Page 9-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
9.3.1.4 Business Office or Professional Office of a Consulting Engineer or Surveyor
A business office or professional office of a consulting engineer or surveyor may be
permitted provided it is clearly accessory to a permitted industrial use and does not
exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of the building, to a maximum gross floor area
of 930 m2, whichever is the lessor.
9.3.2
General Industrial (I2) Zone
9.3.2.1 Factory Store
A factory store shall be permitted provided it:
a) is accessory to an industrial use; and
b) does not exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of the building associated
with the industrial use, to a maximum gross floor area of 930 m2 , whichever
is the lessor.
9.3.2.2 Open Storage
Open storage shall be permitted provided it is:
a) accessory to a main use;
b) restricted to a rear yard or an interior side yard;
c) not located in a required yard;
d) not located in an exterior side yard where it abuts an arterial road;
e) not located in a yard abutting or across the street from a Residential Zone;
and
f) screened from any street or abutting lot by a planting strip.
9.3.2.3 Outside Display and Sale of Goods, Materials or Merchandise
Outside display and sale of goods, materials or merchandise, is permitted as an accessory
use in accordance with the general provisions of Section 4.19 (Outside Display and Sale
of Goods, Materials and Merchandise).
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 9-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
9.3.2.4 Dwelling Units
A maximum of 1 dwelling unit may be erected accessory to an industrial use provided
such dwelling unit is situated within or is contiguous to a building occupied by such use.
9.3.2.5 Existing Single Detached Dwellings
The alteration of existing single detached dwellings and the erection or alteration of
buildings accessory thereto shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations of
Residential First Density (R1(2)) Zone.
9.3.2.6 Business Office or Professional Office of a Consulting Engineer or Surveyor
A business office or professional office of a consulting engineer or surveyor may be
permitted provided it is clearly accessory to a permitted industrial use and does not
exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of the building, to a maximum gross floor area
of 930 m2, whichever is the lessor.
9.3.3
Secondary Industrial (I3) Zone
None
9.3.4
Factory District (I4) Zone
9.3.4.1 Factory Store
A factory store shall be permitted provided it:
a) is accessory to an industrial use; and
b) does not exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of the building associated
with the industrial use, to a maximum gross floor area of 930 m2, whichever
is the lessor.
9.3.4.2 Business Office or Professional Office of a Consulting Engineer or Surveyor
A business office or professional office of a consulting engineer or surveyor may be
permitted provided it is clearly accessory to a permitted industrial use and does not
exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of the building, to a maximum gross floor area
of 930 m2, whichever is the lessor.
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Page 9-6
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
9.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Industrial Zone use or permit the use of any lot or erect, alter
or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone standards in Table
9.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular regulation, zone heading,
or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional regulations apply to buildings
and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 9.4: Regulations in the Industrial Zones
Zone Variation
Standard 1
I1
I2
I3 6
I4
Lot Area:
5,000 m2
2,000 m2
-
2,000 m2
Lot Frontage:
75 m
30 m
-
30 m
Minimum Setback:
7.5 m 2
7.5 m 2
-
7.5 m 2
Lot Depth:
150 m
75 m
-
75 m
Side Yard Width:
where a side yard
abuts a residential or
institutional zone
15.0 m
15.0 m
-
15.0 m
where a side yard
abuts a railway line
0.0 m
0.0 m
-
0.0 m
all other cases
5.0 m 3
5.0 m 3
-
5.0 m 3
Rear Yard Depth:
where a rear yard
abuts a residential or
institutional zone
15.0 m 4
15.0 m 4
-
15.0 m 4
where a rear yard
abuts a railway line
0.0 m
0.0 m
-
0.0 m
all other cases
7.5 m
6.0 m
-
7.5 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
40%
50%
-
40%
Maximum Height:
30 m
30 m
-
30 m
Minimum Gross Floor
Area (main building):
1,850 m2 5
-
-
-
Minimum
Landscaped
Open Space:
30%
20%
-
30%
SECTION 9.0
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 9-7
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Additional Regulations for Table 9.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Except that a gatehouse may be permitted as an accessory use anywhere in a
front yard or exterior side yard, other than in a visibility triangle.
Or one-half the height of the building whichever is the greater.
Except where a wall not less than 2.0 m in height or a planting strip containing
a continuous opaque barrier not less than 2.0 m in height abuts and extends
the entire length of the rear lot line, in which case 6.0 m.
Or 15% of the lot area, whichever is the lesser.
General use regulations for lands with an I3 compound zone shall be in
accordance with the compound Industrial Zone.
SECTION 10.0
INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 10-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 10 INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Institutional Zones except in accordance with the applicable General
Provisions (Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and the
following:
10.1
List of Applicable Zones
Institutional Community
IN1
Institutional Neighbourhood
IN2
10.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Institutional Zones are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in
Table 10.2, below.
Table 10.2: Permitted Uses in the Institutional Zones
Uses
IN1
IN2
Residential Uses:
dwelling unit as an accessory use
✓
✓
retirement home
✓
Institutional and Open Space Uses:
auditorium
✓
hospice
✓
✓
hospital
✓
library
✓
nursing home
✓
offices, federal, provincial or municipal
✓
✓
park
✓
place of worship
✓
✓
recreational park
✓
✓
school, elementary
✓
✓
school, post-secondary
✓
SECTION 10.0
INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
Page 10-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 10.2: Permitted Uses in the Institutional Zones
Uses
IN1
IN2
school, private
✓
school, secondary school
✓
Commercial Uses:
business office of an incorporated not-for-profit
organization
✓
✓
clinic
✓ 1
✓ 1
day care centre
✓ 1
✓ 1
private club
✓ 1
✓ 1
Additional Regulations for Table 10.2
Permitted use shall be accessory to a main permitted use.
10.3
Special Use Regulations
10.3.1 Institutional Community (IN1) Zone
None
10.3.2 Institutional Neighbourhood (IN2) Zone
None
SECTION 10.0
INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 10-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
10.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Institutional Zone use or permit the use of any lot or erect,
alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone standards in
Table 10.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular regulation, zone
heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional regulations apply
to buildings and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 10.4: Regulations in the Institutional Zones
Zone Variation Standard 1
IN1
IN2
Minimum Lot Area:
2,000 m2
500 m2
Lot Frontage:
30.0 m
15.0 m
Minimum Setback:
7.5 m 2
7.5 m 2
Side Yard Width:
4.5 m 3
4.5 m 3
Rear Yard Depth:
7.5 m
7.5 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
30%
35%
Maximum Height:
30.0 m
12.0 m
Minimum Landscaped Open Space
35%
35%
Additional Regulations for Table 10.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Except that a gatehouse may be permitted as an accessory use anywhere in a
front yard or exterior side yard, other than in a visibility triangle.
Or one-half the height of the building whichever is the greater.
SECTION 11.0
THEATRE DISTRICT ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 11-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 11 THEATRE DISTRICT ZONE
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Theatre Zone except in accordance with the applicable General Provisions
(Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and the following:
11.1
List of Applicable Zones
Theatre District
TH
11.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Theatre District Zone are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in
Table 11.2, below.
Table 11.2: Permitted Uses in the Theatre District Zone
Uses
TH
business and/or professional office
✓
public park
✓
public use
✓
special event space
✓
studio
✓
theatre
✓
theatre classroom
✓
theatre restaurant
✓
theatre retail store
✓
11.3
Special Use Regulations
11.3.1 Theatre District Zone
Business and/ or professional office is defined as means any part of the building in which
one or more persons are employed in the management, direction or conducting of the
theatre business or business associated with the theatre or where qualified persons and
their staff service the business aspects of the theatre and may also include administrative
offices associated with the theatre.
SECTION 11.0
THEATRE DISTRICT ZONE
Page 11-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
11.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Theatre District Zone use or permit the use of any lot or erect,
alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone standards in
Table 11.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular regulation, zone
heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional regulations apply
to buildings and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 11.4: Regulations in the Theatre District Zone
Zone Variation Standard 1
TH
Minimum Lot Area:
1.83 ha
Lot Frontage:
Lakeside Drive shall
be deemed to be
the front lot line.
Minimum Front Yard Setback:
0 m
Setback from Morenz Drive:
7.5 m
Setback from Water Street:
7.5 m
Setback from Waterloo Street South:
7.5 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
30%
Maximum Height:
11.5 m
Minimum Landscaped Open Space:
30%
Minimum Parking Spaces
166
Additional Regulations for Table 11.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Notwithstanding Section 5.3.2 (Location of Driveways, Parking Areas and
Parking Aisles), parking spaces and drive aisles may be permitted within the
setbacks.
When parking spaces are not accessory to a permitted use, they shall be made
available to the public.
SECTION 12.0
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ZONES
City of Stratford
Page 12-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 12 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ZONES
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Parks and Open Space Zones except in accordance with the applicable
General Provisions (Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and
the following:
12.1
List of Applicable Zones
Parks
P
Open Space
OS
12.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Parks and Open Space Zones are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the
column applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted
use in Table 12.2, below.
Table 12.2: Permitted Uses in the Parks and Open Space
Zones
Uses
P
OS
auditorium
✓
cemetery
✓
conservation use
✓
✓
golf course
✓
park
✓
✓
private club
✓
recreational park
✓
theatre (performing arts)
✓
12.3
Special Use Regulations
12.3.1 Parks (P) Zone
None
12.3.2 Open Space (OS) Zone
12.3.2.1 Buildings and Structures
SECTION 12.0
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ZONES
Page 12-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
No buildings or structures shall be permitted unless accessory to a public use.
12.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Park and Open Space Zone use or permit the use of any lot
or erect, alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone
standards in Table 12.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular
regulation, zone heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional
regulations apply to buildings and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 12.4: Regulations in the Park and Open Space Zones
Zone Variation Standard 1
P
OS
Minimum Lot Area:
where no buildings are constructed
-
-
where buildings are constructed
1,000 m2
1,000 m2
Minimum Lot Frontage:
where no buildings are constructed
-
-
where buildings are constructed
15.0 m
30.0 m
Minimum Setback:
7.5 m 2
7.5 m 2
Side Yard Width:
4.5 m 3
4.5 m 3
Rear Yard Depth:
7.5 m
7.5 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
20%
10%
Maximum Height:
12.0 m
12.0 m
Minimum Landscaped Open Space:
40%
-
Additional Regulations for Table 12.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
Except that a gatehouse may be permitted as an accessory use anywhere in a
front yard or exterior side yard, other than in a visibility triangle.
Or one-half the height of the building whichever is the greater.
SECTION 13.0
AGRICULTURAL ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 13-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 13 AGRICULTURAL ZONE
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be altered
in the Agricultural Zone except in accordance with the applicable General Provisions (Section
4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and the following:
13.1
List of Applicable Zones
Agricultural
A
13.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Agricultural Zone are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in Table
13.2 below. Where the letter "E" is identified following the symbol "✓", only legally existing
uses shall be permitted.
Table 13.2: Permitted Uses in the Agricultural Zone
Uses
A
agriculture use
✓
agriculture-related use
✓ E
animal shelter
✓ E
conservation use
✓
forestry
✓
home occupation
✓
institutional use
✓ E
livestock facility
✓ E
non-farm residential use
✓ E
on-farm diversified use
✓ E
wayside permit aggregate operation
(wayside pit)
✓
SECTION 13.0
AGRICULTURAL ZONE
Page 13-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
13.3
Special Use Regulations
13.3.1 Agricultural (A) Zone
13.3.1.1 On-farm Diversified Uses
a) On-farm diversified uses may only be permitted through a site-specific
amendment to the Zoning By-law, and in accordance with the following:
i) the use is secondary to the main farm use on the lot, and is clearly farm-
related through on-going interaction with agricultural activities;
ii) the use is operated by a resident of the farm and employs no more than
one off-farm resident employee;
iii) the use may be conducted in a building other than the dwelling unit,
provided it is located within a cluster of existing farm buildings;
iv) the aggregate activity area, including all associated uses such as but not
limited to parking, loading areas, and recreational amenities shall not
exceed 15% of total lot area. Production lands which are used for the
growing of crops and simultaneously used as part of the activity area
shall not be included in the calculation of the 15%; and
v) the use shall be subject to Site Plan Control in accordance with the
Planning Act.
13.3.1.2 Agriculture-Related Uses
a) Agriculture-related uses may only be permitted through a site-specific
amendment to the Zoning By-law, and in accordance with the following:
i) the use is secondary to the main farm use on the lot, and is clearly farm-
related through on-going interaction with agricultural activities;
ii) the use is restricted to "dry" agricultural operations;
iii) the use is operated by a resident of the farm and employs no more than
one off-farm resident employee;
SECTION 13.0
AGRICULTURAL ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 13-3
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
iv) the use may be conducted in a building, provided it is located within a
cluster of existing farm buildings;
v) the aggregate activity area, including all associated uses such as but not
limited to parking, loading areas, and service areas shall not exceed
15% of total lot area. Production lands which are used for the growing
of crops and simultaneously used as part of the activity area shall not
be included in the calculation of the 15%; and,
vi) the use shall be subject to Site Plan Control in accordance with the
Planning Act.
13.3.1.3 Agriculture-Related Uses
a) In an Agricultural Zone, a dwelling unit shall not be established except on a lot
with an area of 15 ha or larger and in accordance with the Minimum Separation
Distance I Formulae (MDSI).
SECTION 13.0
AGRICULTURAL ZONE
Page 13-4
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
13.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Agricultural Zone use or permit the use of any lot or erect, alter
or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone standards in Table 13.4
below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular regulation, zone heading, or
applicable standard indicates that one or more additional regulations apply to buildings and
structures in the applicable zone.
Table 13.4: Regulations in the Agricultural Zone
Zone Variation Standard 1
A
Minimum Lot Area:
Agricultural uses
existing
Other permitted uses
1,850 m2
Minimum Lot Frontage:
Agricultural uses
existing
Other permitted uses
30 m
Minimum Yard Requirements 2 :
Front Yard
30 m
Rear Yard
30 m
Side Yard
30 m
Exterior Side Yard
30 m
Minimum Yard Requirements 3 :
Front Yard
15.0 m
Rear Yard
7.5 m
Side Yard
4.5 m
Exterior Side Yard
15.0 m
Maximum Lot Coverage:
Agricultural buildings and
structures
10%
Other permitted buildings and
structures
30%
Maximum Height:
SECTION 13.0
AGRICULTURAL ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 13-5
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
Table 13.4: Regulations in the Agricultural Zone
Zone Variation Standard
A
Agricultural buildings and
structures
40 m
Other permitted buildings and
structures
12 m
Additional Regulations for Table 13.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
For buildings and structures for livestock and manure storage and buildings and
structures accessory to an agricultural use, and in accordance with the Minimum
Distance Separation II Formulae (MDS II).
For other permitted buildings and structures.
SECTION 14.0
URBAN RESERVE ZONE
City of Stratford
Page 14-1
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
SECTION 14 URBAN RESERVE ZONE
No land shall be used, no buildings or structures shall be erected and no lot shall be
altered in the Urban Reserve Zone except in accordance with the applicable General
Provisions (Section 4.0) and Parking and Loading Requirements (Section 5.0) and the
following:
14.1
List of Applicable Zones
Urban Reserve
UR
14.2
Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Urban Reserve Zone are denoted by the symbol "✓" in the column
applicable to that zone and corresponding with the row for a specific permitted use in
Table 14.2 below. Where the letter "E" is identified following the symbol "✓", only legally
existing uses shall be permitted.
Table 14.2: Permitted Uses in the Urban Reserve Zone
Uses
UR
existing use
✓ E
home occupation
✓
single detached dwelling
✓E
14.3
Special Use Regulations
14.3.1 Urban Reserve (UR) Zone
14.3.1.1 Existing Single Detached Dwellings
The alteration of an existing single detached dwelling or the erection or alteration of
buildings accessory thereto shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations of
Residential First Density (R1(2)) Zone.
SECTION 14.0
URBAN RESERVE ZONE
Page 14-2
City of Stratford
Final for Council Adoption - January 2022
14.4
General Use Regulations
No person shall within any Urban Reserve Zone use or permit the use of any lot or erect,
alter or use any building or structure except in accordance with the zone standards in
Table 14.4 below. Any numbers in parentheses following the particular regulation, zone
heading, or applicable standard indicates that one or more additional regulations apply
to buildings and structures in the applicable zone.
Table 14.4: Regulations in the Urban Reserve Zone
Zone Variation Standard 1
UR
Minimum Lot Area:
existing
Minimum Lot Frontage:
existing
Minimum Lot Depth:
existing
Permitted Buildings and Structures:
existing
Minimum Yard Requirements: 2
existing
Maximum Lot Coverage:
20%
Maximum Height:
existing
Additional Regulations for Table 14.4
Unless specified otherwise, regulations expressed herein are minimums.
For buildings and structures for livestock and manure storage and buildings
and structures accessory to an agricultural use, established by the Minimum
Distance Separation II Formulae (MDS II).