Department of Community Services

Rezoning

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Forms, Acts & Regulations

What is rezoning?

Many Yukon communities and rural areas are divided into zoning districts. These zoning bylaws or regulations govern such things as property use, lot size, building setbacks etc. Rezoning is required if you are proposing a new use on your property that isn’t permitted under existing zoning. For example, rezoning would normally be required to change the use of your lot from residential to commercial. However, the proposed new zoning must comply with the land use designation in the Local Area Plan, if a plan exists.

Having the proper zoning designation is also a requirement of subdivision approval if you are considering subdividing your property.

Do I need to apply?

Not all communities have zoning regulations. For a list of the existing zoning regulations, see Planning and Zoning Areas. If your proposed uses are not on the list of permitted uses within your existing zoning designation, you will likely need to apply for rezoning. If your parcel is within a municipality, you will need to apply to your municipal government for rezoning.

How do I apply?

If you want to rezone your land, you first have to find out who administers zoning for your area. Each municipality is responsible for zoning within their own boundaries. Community Land Planning administers zoning in other communities and rural areas. There are also areas of the Yukon where no zoning applies.

You can get information and application forms from Community Land Planning. They can tell you what uses are allowed on your property and if rezoning is necessary.

To apply for rezoning, you must provide:

The Yukon government does not charge a rezoning application fee.

Where do I apply?

You can apply for rezoning at Community Land Planning by contacting:

Land Use Planner
Community Land Planning
Tel: (867) 667-5299
Toll free: 1-800-661-0408 ext 5299
Fax: (867) 393-6258
Box 2703, C-9
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2C6

What’s the rezoning/amendment process?

The process varies within each zoning area, but four steps generally apply to all rezoning applications.

  1. Community Land Planning reviews the application to make sure it meets Yukon laws and land use planning principles, including compliance with any Local Area Plan.
  2. Community Land Planning distributes the application to other government agencies and First Nations. Neighbouring property owners are also advised and given the opportunity to comment. A notice is posted in the local papers. In some cases, a public meeting may also be held.
  3. Community Land Planning compiles the information and prepares a report for Cabinet. Cabinet may approve, approve with conditions or deny the rezoning application. The decision of Cabinet is final.
  4. If your application is approved or approved with conditions an Order-In-Council will be issued to amend the related Area Development Regulation. You will be advised if your application is denied.

How long will the process take?

Community Land Planning will normally make a recommendation on your application within three or four months. Depending on the nature of the request and the extent of the review, it can take between four and 18 months or more to get final Cabinet approval.

How do I know what’s happening with my application?

Community Land Planning sends you a letter to say that your application has been received. You’ll also get a copy of the rezoning notice to neighbours. You’ll also get a decision letter advising if your application is approved or denied. You can call Community Land Planning at any time to find out the progress of your application.

Current Rezoning Applications

Please contact Community Land Planning for more information about these applications. Call 867-667-5299 or toll free 1-800-661-0408 ext 5299.