The City is holding hearings to allow home-run businesses to operate in residential neighbourhoods.
Public consultations are taking place as the City is considering a plan to allow small businesses to operate freely in residential neighbourhoods.
Those looking to start up their own home businesses will be able to do so and see clients from their homes and hire up to two employees, if a zoning by-law is approved.
There will be public hearings on the issue on June 18 and 19.
The by-law is part of a City Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods initiative, looking into ways to support the preservation and growth of home businesses for existing and future residents.
Residents will be permitted to operate small grocery or convenience stores, dry cleaners, cafes, salons, medical services such as physiotherapy, and personal services such as a barber or tailor, as well as home offices, private home daycares and community gathering spaces, including art galleries and social services.
Bylaws may be changed to permit backyard or home operated small businesses.
They will still require a permit and follow guidelines in Neighbourhood zones.
This project is focused on the parts of the City designated as Neighbourhood in the City of Toronto Official Plan Use Maps. The Official Plan has eleven different land use designations. Neighbourhoods occupy approximately 35.4% of the City’s land area, the most of any land use designation.
City officials said the by-law if approved will permit services and amenities in walking distance for residents of diverse ages, abilities and backgrounds.
They said the home businesses will contribute to the local economy and cultural vitality of the City with new jobs and business opportunities and complement mixed-use main streets and retail shopping centres.
The matter will have to be approved by City Council to become law.