Airport Zoning Regulation (AZR)

Proposed Airport Zoning Regulations (AZR)

To keep airplanes safe and help the airport function well long-term, the area around the airport must be kept free from obstacles. Transport Canada sets rules for how high objects can extend into the airspace. This airspace can be protected through Airport Zoning Regulations (AZR), as per the Aeronautics Act.

An AZR is a set of rules that sets limits on how tall buildings, structures, and even trees can be near the airport. Like a zoning by-law, it helps to prevent incompatible land use around the airport. However, unlike regular zoning, an AZR also considers the airspace and sets rules for things like developments that attract wildlife or interfere with airplane communication and navigation, and wind turbines.

Check out our brand new Airport Zoning Regulation map below!

Airport Zoning Regulation Mapping Tool

Proposed Airport Zoning Regulations Project with the Brampton-Caledon Airport

In 2019, the Brampton-Caledon Airport asked the Town to work with the Airport to create the Airport Zoning Regulation (AZR) to protect the airspace around the airport and make flying safer. Council asked staff (as per Staff Report 2019-013 dated January 15, 2019) to work on this request, hold public consultation and report back.

Since 2021, the Town staff has worked with the Brampton-Caledon Airport and Transport Canada to create the necessary framework for the AZR. In 2024, an agreement between the Town and Transport Canada was updated and signed, allowing the airport to start the application process.

Starting in January 2025, the Town will share the application with the public, internal departments and external agencies for feedback. The AZR will not be part of the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2006-50 but will act as an overlay on it. A public meeting is planned for March 2025. This website will provide tools, maps, and contact information for anyone needing more details, and updates will be posted here and on "Have Your Say Caledon."

If Town Council approves the application, the AZR will become a federal law as soon as it is passed, and the AZR will be in full force and effect.

More information will be posted on this website in mid-January 2025 after Town staff process the application.

FAQ (Updated as of December 19, 2024)

The Airport Zoning Regulations are not yet in effect, they are just proposed at the time of publication (December 19, 2024)

What is an AZR?

An AZR is a set of rules that make sure that development near an airport does not interfere with the safe operation of aircraft. These regulations:

  • Limit how tall things like buildings and trees can be;
  • Prevent development that attracts birds;
  • Prevent land uses that interfere with airplane communication or navigation

A draft schedule of the Proposed Brampton Airport AZR will be provided in January 2025
Why are AZRs being established now? 

The Town of Caledon is anticipating a lot of growth in the coming years. Since 2019, the Brampton-Caledon Airport, Transport Canada, and the Town of Caledon have been working together to create the AZRs to ensure that future development near the airport does not affect the safe operation of aircraft. 
What are the impacts to future development and property owners?

The proposed AZR will affect future development in certain areas of the Town, especially near the airport runways. Restrictions will include limits on how tall buildings can be, which could affect high-density development, as well as other structures like silos, stormwater ponds, and communication towers.

A public notice is expected in January 2025, with a public meeting tentatively scheduled for March/April 2025.
Is the Brampton-Caledon Airport anticipating any expansions?

The Brampton-Caledon Airport has stated that there are no current plans to expand the runways. Any future changes or expansions would require updating the AZR, which would be a more detailed process. No development is happening at the airport right now either, the AZR are only meant to protect the airport as it is now.
How can I check to see how my property is affected by the proposed AZRs?

Besides reading the materials on the website, you can check your property’s maximum building height here. In most cases, the height limit is higher in the AZR (such as 35 meters), but any development must still follow the Town’s existing zoning rules (such as 10.5 meters).
What happens in the event the airport stops operations?

If the Brampton-Caledon Airport stops operating and is no longer considered an airport under the Aeronautics Act, the AZR will be cancelled.

Who I speak to if I have any questions?

To see if your property is affected by AZRs, use the mapping tool. If you need help with the tool, or have questions about what this means for you, contact planning staff at planning@caledon.ca or 905-584-2272.

 

If you want to buy land within the AZR, or plan construction close to the maximum height allowed by the proposed AZR, it’s recommend you contact the Brampton-Caledon Airport. It’s recommended, given the complex rules, that you work with professionals such as a registered professional planner and/or solicitor.