The process to update Belleville’s zoning by-laws will be under study throughout 2020, before coming back to the public for comments.

Director of Engineering and Development Services Stephen Ashton tells Quinte News the city has three main by-laws, one for the original Belleville, one from Sidney Township, and one from the original Thurlow Township.

Ashton says there have been hundreds and hundreds of amendments over the years.

The idea is to consolidate and update these.

He says the review will help clarify such things as housing standards, as well as commercial standards.

It will also make it easier to deal with someone not following the by-laws.

The consolidation will also touch on agricultural areas looking for more economic opportunities.

At a recent public meeting on the issue, members of the pubic raised concerns about how agricultural lands would be protected in the future.

It was also suggested that Hobby Farms could be included in the new zoning, as a way of retaining agricultural uses.

The issue of parking was also raised. Public comments indicated the number of parking spaces for affordable units should be reduced as a way of encouraging the provision of more affordable housing.

Consultants will continue the study and are expected to bring back a report in the fall for more public consideration before going to city council.