FAQs

This zoning by-law amendment is based on the ideas and goals from the Downtown Paris Master Plan. While the construction part of the plan (like the "Downtown Dig" project) focuses on things like new roads, sidewalks, and pipes, the zoning amendment will set rules for how the area can grow in the future. It will cover things like what the land can be used for, how many buildings can be put up, and what those buildings will look like. 

For more information on the Downtown Dig project, please visit the Downtown Dig webpage.

Zoning sets the rules for things like how tall buildings can be, how many can be built, what the land can be used for (like homes, stores, or a mix of both), how much parking is needed, and the look of new buildings. It helps decide what can be built and where. Zoning is important because it helps make sure that future growth matches the County’s plans and follows the Official Plan policies.

Zoning requirements are the guidelines that property owners must follow when building or making changes to their land. These rules can sometimes be confusing because they apply differently to different properties. However, it’s important to understand how they can affect how buildings and neighborhoods grow. To help people understand what kind of development is allowed, the County has made pictures to show what could be built. These images are just examples, showing the maximum height and size of buildings that could be allowed if the property owner wanted to build more.

Yes, Downtown Paris is in a "Special Policy Area," which means it was built before there were rules about flooding. The Province of Ontario has allowed some development in this area, even though it’s in a floodplain. This zoning amendment will look at ways to manage flooding to keep people safe and make sure new buildings follow the right standards, working with the Grand River Conservation Authority.