Attend a Rezoning Public Hearing - London Bylaw Guide

Land Use and Zoning Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, rezoning (zoning by-law amendment) public hearings let residents review proposed land-use changes and present concerns to Planning staff, the public, and Council. This guide explains how hearings are scheduled, how to register and speak, options for written submissions, timelines for decisions, and next steps including appeals and enforcement pathways so you can participate effectively.

Before the Hearing

Rezoning applications are handled by the City of London Planning Services. Check the application file and public notice details before the meeting so you know the proposal, supporting studies, and circulating departments' comments. City notices describe how to register to speak and where to send written comments City of London planning pages[1].

  • Check the public notice for hearing date, time and location.
  • Review the rezoning application file and attachments.
  • Contact Planning Services to confirm registration procedures.
Register early if you want to speak; some meetings require pre-registration.

At the Public Hearing

Public hearings are meeting stages where Planning staff present a report and speakers may address Council or the planning committee. Follow the chair's instructions: typically a time limit applies for oral submissions, and written material is entered into the record. The provincial Planning Act governs the statutory public meeting and appeal rights for planning decisions Planning Act (Ontario)[2].

  • Arrive early or join the online meeting link provided in the notice.
  • Keep oral remarks focused on land-use impacts and planning issues.
  • Submit written comments to the planner before the meeting to ensure they are part of the record.
  • Note the decision timeline announced at the meeting and any next steps.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for zoning violations in London is managed by municipal enforcement and by-law officers; remedies can include orders to comply, stop-work orders, prosecutions, and court actions. Specific fine amounts for zoning violations are not specified on the cited municipal pages and must be confirmed with By-law Enforcement or the controlling by-law text City of London planning pages[1].

  • Non-monetary orders: compliance orders, stop-work notices, or removal of unauthorized structures.
  • Court prosecution: matters can be taken to provincial courts for enforcement.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; contact By-law Enforcement for amounts.
  • Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement and Planning Services handle inspections and complaints.
  • Appeal/review routes: appeals under the Planning Act or review applications as described by City procedures and provincial law.
Contact By-law Enforcement for precise fine amounts and enforcement procedures.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a Zoning By-law Amendment application form, fee schedule and submission instructions; check the Planning Services application page for the current PDF forms and payment details City of London planning pages[1].

  • Zoning By-law Amendment application form: name and number may be listed on the City's planning forms page; consult that page for the current PDF.
  • Application fees and fee schedule: see the City fee schedule page for the current amounts.
  • Submission: Planning Services online or in-person as directed on the application page.
If a specific form or fee amount is not published on the City's application page, contact Planning Services for the current requirements.

How to Prepare an Effective Submission

Make clear, concise written submissions that cite planning issues like compatibility, traffic, shadowing, and servicing. Include maps or photos if they support factual points and provide your contact information. Address policy tests used by planners: conformity with the Official Plan and applicable zoning standards.

  • Focus on planning evidence rather than personal preference alone.
  • Attach supporting documents and reference page numbers.
  • Ask the planner assigned to the file about deadlines and submission formats.

FAQ

Who can speak at a rezoning public hearing?
Members of the public, property owners, and applicants can speak; check the public notice or contact Planning Services for registration rules.
Can I submit written comments instead of speaking?
Yes. Written comments submitted before the meeting are added to the file and considered in decision-making.
How long before I must submit an appeal?
Time limits for appeals are set by the Planning Act and City procedures; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited City planning pages and should be confirmed with Planning Services or the Planning Act text.

How-To

  1. Find the rezoning public notice on the City of London planning pages and review the application file.
  2. Register to speak if required, or prepare a written submission for the planner handling the file.
  3. Attend the hearing (in-person or online) and make concise oral remarks focused on planning issues.
  4. Monitor Council decisions and any conditions if the rezoning is approved.
  5. If eligible and necessary, follow the Planning Act appeal process or request a review with the City within published time limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Act early: registration and written submission deadlines matter.
  • Use planning evidence: focus on Official Plan and zoning standards.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London planning pages
  2. [2] Planning Act (Ontario)

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