Zoning

The Land Use Bylaw specifies the type of development permitted in each zone in the Town of Vermilion. For zoning information on an area you wish to consider for development, call Allan Wilson, the Planner and Development Officer at (780) 581-2404, or you can him giving the street address or location description. You can also obtain a land use map from the Town Office.

PDF Document Land Use Map

Rezoning and Plan Amendment Applications

Normally, a Development Permit can be issued without problem or delay. The major consideration is how your proposal fits the broad policies of the Land Use Bylaw. If it fulfils the intent of the Land Use Bylaw but special circumstances exist, a Rezoning Application is an option.

Rezoning is a request to amend the Land Use Bylaw. If this request is not in keeping with the Municipal Development Plan, a Plan Amendment may also be necessary. Final decision on rezoning and plan amendment applications rests with Town Council. Council is advised by the Planning and Development Committee and Town staff, and also considers comments received from citizens at scheduled public hearings.

Preliminary discussion with the Development Officer is necessary before a plan amendment or rezoning application can be completed. This meeting, and a rough sketch of your proposal, will quickly identify problem areas, and can help to avoid possible complications! The Development Officer will also advise you of any additional outside contact you may need to make, and of the required application information.
At this stage, you'll be encouraged to take your proposal to the next step in the process. You'll also be advised of the likely timelines for your proposal, and offered alternative approaches if delays are anticipated.

Plan amendment and rezoning applications require a site plan showing the building size, location, parking, driveway access and landscaping. Some major projects needing municipal plan amendments also require specific studies to support the application.
With this initial paperwork in hand, the Development Officer and/or the Planning and Development Committee can begin to evaluate your proposal. Site visits, maps of the area, and/or photographs provide additional information as the application is reviewed. If problems are identified, we'll help you adjust your proposal to meet planning criteria.

The Planning and Development Committee meets monthly to review proposals. Rezoning and plan amendment applications are advertised in the local newspaper to seek input from those who may be affected, and feedback received is heard in a Town Council Public Hearing.
Following Town Council's decision to approve a rezoning or plan amendment application, a Development Permit can be issued.

Timelines

A Rezoning or Plan Amendment application, including public hearings and two Town Council sessions, can be approved in as little as six weeks.

Home Occupation Guidelines

Today, more and more people are making their homes the basis of their business operations. The Town of Vermilion has bylaws and procedures which govern the operation of home-based occupations.

A home occupation:

is any business, occupation, trade, profession, or craft carried on by an occupant of a dwelling as a use secondary to the residential use of the building
does not change the character of the building or have any exterior evidence of such secondary use other than a small sign
is classified as either Minor or Major.

Home Occupation - Minor

A permit for this classification can be issued for:

residential districts zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4
a residential manufactured home subdivision district
a residential manufactured home park district.
Business use does not exceed more than 20% or 30 square metres (whichever is less) of the dwelling.

All sales relating to the home occupation occur off the premises.
The business does not employ anyone on-site other than a resident of the dwelling
The business does not have any clients come to the dwelling.
No outdoor business activity or outdoor storage of business material or equipment is allowed, nor is storage or activity in an accessory building.
The business does not involve the display of goods in the interior of the residence.

Application for this classification does not require advertising or notice to adjacent land owners.

Home Occupation - Major

This classification is considered a discretionary use in residential districts. A permit is not granted if such use is more appropriate to a commercial or industrial district.

Business use does not exceed more than 20% or 30 square metres (whichever is less) of the dwelling.
A limited volume of on-premises sales is allowed.
The business does not generate more traffic or parking than is characteristic for the district.
No more than one non-resident employee at a time may work on the premises.
No outdoor business activity or outdoor storage of business material or equipment is allowed. Storage is permitted in the dwelling or in accessory buildings.

Application for this classification of business requires advertising the proposed development in the local newspaper, and notifying land owners of the proposed use.

Approval does not come into effect until 15 days after the decision is publicized.
If a permit for a Home Occupation - Major is refused, you have recourse to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board within 14 days of receipt of the notice of refusal.

Bed and Breakfast Establishments

A bed and breakfast establishment must comply with all requirements of the Home Occupation - Major. As well, the following conditions apply:

A maximum of five guest bedrooms is allowed.
Shall not change the principal character of external appearance of the dwelling involved.
Cooking facilities cannot be located in the sleeping units.
One additional parking space must be provided for each sleeping unit.

Application for a Home Occupation

The first step is to apply for a Development Permit, accompanied by a description of the
business to be conducted, an indication of the anticipated number of business visits per week, parking provisions, size of the residence, stock or materials to be kept on the property, number of employees to work on the property, and proposed sign location and size. Cost of the Development Permit is $50. Advertising costs, if necessary, are additional.

If a Development Permit is approved, the next step is to obtain a Business License. Cost of the Business License is $30 annually for each employee.

Applications for a Development Permit and a Business License can be obtained from the Town Office.