zoning question

[stever]

Thought some body here may have experience with zoning......Is it possible to get zoning changed from open space to residential or is it just a waste of money trying?? The property is just on the end of the road but clearly falls into the open space zoning, across the road is res. and all properties to the one side is res. the lot is serviced as well.   The fella at the planning department said its a complex change and could be upwards of $5000.00....thats alot of money to risk
thanks in advance
steve

[Frank]

Rezoning is an expensive proposition.  You will also need to hire people who know what they are talking about, like planners, Engineers, and maybe even lawyers if it gets turned down and goes to OMB.  By the way sometimes Council's will turn down knowing full well that you will win at OMB, simply paying lip service to pressure from neighbours not to approve. 

I would have been more comfortable if you had said that it was a 'Holding' designation - in that case they don't know what future use is, but if they have already designated it as OPEN then that is likely what is intended. 

Also, depends on other things like, Prov. rules which might govern, like the greenbelt.   Did the Town give you any indication of chance of success, would the Town planners support your proposition, that is a very important factor, since you would then use them in your corner.

[stever]

Thanks Frank for quick reply....i just finished emailing a engineer/planner to see if i can go over costs.. i also recieved an opinion from the Halton conservation and the Niagara Escarpment....the planners at the city hall do seem cautiously optimistic, this property is in arrears but not yet made it to the gazette....its not the Burlington Properties but they do look close to being on escarpment lands
thanks again
steve