Bill 156 explained in plain English

Bill 156 amends Ontario's Planning Act to require municipalities to allow up to four residential units in single-family homes and multi-unit buildings up to four stories, as well as midrise housing of 6 to 11 stories on major streets, while limiting appeals of these policies to the provincial Minister only.

Bill 156 changes how Ontario municipalities plan for housing. It requires official plans (long-term planning documents) in all settlement areas to allow: 1. **Additional residential units**: Up to four residential units in a detached house, semi-detached house, or rowhouse, and multi-unit buildings up to four stories tall. 2. **Midrise housing**: Buildings ranging from 6 to 11 stories on major streets (including transit corridors), but only where there is sufficient sewage and water capacity. The bill limits who can appeal these housing policies. Currently, property owners and others can appeal official plans and zoning by-laws. Under this bill, there are no appeals allowed for these specific housing policies—except the Provincial Minister can still appeal. The bill also requires each local municipality to pass by-laws (local rules) that actually allow these types of housing development to happen on the ground. The Minister of Housing (or responsible minister) may require municipalities to develop servicing plans to ensure they have enough water and sewage capacity for midrise housing on all major streets within a set timeframe. The Act comes into force when it receives Royal Assent.