Item - 2026.PH31.2

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, substantially in accordance with the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2026) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

2. City Council request staff report back with final recommendations on the second phase of work by the third quarter of 2027.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to Zoning By-law 569-2013, as may be required.

The Planning and Housing Committee held a Statutory Public Meeting on June 11, 2026 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

Zoning for Low-Carbon Technologies is a review of Zoning By-law 569-2013 with a focus on climate action and enabling low-carbon technologies. The recommended zoning changes provide an opportunity to modernize the City-wide Zoning By-law to support the implementation of the Official Plan, Toronto’s climate strategy, TransformTO, and contribute towards the City’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

This study seeks to facilitate climate action across the city and make it easier for residents and businesses to retrofit buildings, switch to heat pumps, generate more renewable energy, and charge electric vehicles (EVs). This report recommends zoning amendments to facilitate the adoption of low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, energy storage systems, and solar energy devices on lands regulated under the Residential Zone category. This report also recommends permissions to facilitate building energy retrofits and introduce new opportunities to introduce EV charging stations and solar energy devices into surface parking areas across all zones.

The recommended amendments have been developed in consultation with relevant City divisions and industry experts. They also consider industry best practices, recent development trends, and the City’s climate strategy. They are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 and conform with the Official Plan.

This study is divided into two phases. Phase 2 will consider zoning amendments to enable low-carbon technologies within all zones across Toronto and is expected to advance in Q3 2027.