Outdated zoning bylaws: stuck in the Twilight Zone while climate tech moves forward

Municipalities have set ambitious climate strategies and net-zero commitments, yet many zoning bylaws remain rooted in outdated assumptions, creating obstacles to the very solutions they aim to support. For instance, while municipalities encourage homeowners to switch to heat pumps to reduce emissions, some still restrict their installation in visible areas like front yards. These contradictions reveal how legacy rules often outlive their original purpose – persisting quietly, even when they no longer make sense. The barriers to adopting proven technologies are no longer about technical feasibility, lack of evidence, or cost, but about policies that haven’t kept pace with the low-carbon solutions now available. Updating these policies presents a major opportunity for municipalities to realign their priorities and accelerate climate action. 

Outdated bylaws are holding back progress

Zoning rules that once made sense for guiding land use and growth are now unintentionally slowing the adoption of urban climate solutions. Through consultation with expert stakeholders and based on our own experience, TAF has identified the following significant barriers: 

• Ambiguous definitions: A lack of clarity on how technologies like heat pumps or solar panels are interpreted creates uncertainty and inefficiencies in the installation process. 
• Restrictive setbacks: Rules limiting front and side yard placement of equipment often block the most practical locations for heat pumps. 
• Parking rules: Prescriptive minimum parking requirements entrench auto dependency, even when not justified by demand, contributing to higher build costs, increased emissions and inefficient land use.  
• Floor area calculations: Measuring from the exterior of walls can penalize thicker insulation, making energy-efficient design and retrofits less appealing. 

Simple fixes can unlock proven solutions

The good news is that these barriers are fixable – and at little cost. Municipalities hold the authority to make small changes to zoning bylaws that will stimulate climate action. A comprehensive policy review requires only a small investment of time and resources, yet can lead to outsized benefits for the climate, and the community as a whole.  

In practice, zoning amendments may include: 

• • • Adding clear definitions for low-carbon technology and equipment. 
  • • Creating specific exemptions from setback requirements. 
  • • Adjusting floor area calculations so increased insulation isn’t penalized. 
  • • Shifting from parking minimums to more demand-based parking. 

The time to make these changes is now

Amending zoning bylaws might not be the shiniest climate policy tool, but it is one of the most practical and impactful. With net-zero deadlines and emissions reductions targets drawing closer, municipalities must take advantage of low-cost opportunities to accelerate climate action. Updating zoning rules is a concrete, immediate step for municipalities to deliver on their climate commitments.  

We’re here to help

Municipalities don’t need to take on this task alone. We’re here to provide support, guidance, and consultation throughout the zoning amendment process. Collaboration across municipalities, policymakers, and peer organizations makes these efforts stronger and more impactful. We invite you to connect with us at policy@taf.ca to share insights, highlight other barriers, or to seek support with this process.