Citizens’ Guide 2 – Official Plan PDF (514 KB) What is an official plan? An official plan describes your upper, lower or single–tier municipal council’s policies on how land in your community should be used. It is prepared with input from you and others in your community and helps to ensure that future planning and development...... Read More
What is the Ontario Municipal Board?
Ontario Municipal Board ario Municipal Board PDF (492 KB) What is the Ontario Municipal Board? The Ontario Municipal Board is an independent administrative tribunal responsible for hearing appeals and deciding on a variety of contentious municipal matters. The Ontario Municipal Board is similar to a court of law, but with less formality. Board members are...... Read More
What is a zoning by-law Ontario
Citizens’ Guide 3 – Zoning By-laws PDF (377 KB) What is a zoning by-law A zoning by-law controls the use of land in your community. It states exactly: how land may be used where buildings and other structures can be located the types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used the...... Read More
What is the Planning Act? ONTARIO
Citizens’ Guide 1 – The Planning Act PDF (145K) What is the Planning Act The Planning Act sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario and describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them. The Act is legislation passed by your elected provincial representatives to: promote sustainable economic development in...... Read More
LAND DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING APPROVAL PROCESS ONTARIO
The Plan Review and Approval Process Citizens’ Guide 9 – The Plan Review and Approval Process PDF, (145K) Who is the approval authority? Traditionally, the approval authority for land use planning has been the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and, in some cases, a municipality. To support increased local autonomy in land use...... Read More
What is a subdivision
Citizens’ Guide 4 – Subdivisions PDF (333 KB) What is a subdivision? When you divide a piece of land into two or more parcels and offer one or more for sale, you are subdividing property, and the provisions of the Planning Act come into play. If your proposal involves creating only a lot or...... Read More
Land Severances Process Ontario
Land Severances Citizens’ Guide 5 – Land Severances PDF (270 KB) What is a land severance? A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This is commonly known as a consent. It is required, if you want to sell, mortgage,...... Read More
HOW TO OBTAIN Building Permits IN ONTARIO
8. Building Permits DOWNLOAD BELOW: s’ Guide 8 – Building Permits PDF (130 KB) What is a building permit? The body responsible for enforcing Ontario’s Building Code in your area issues permits for the construction, renovation, demolition and certain changes of use of buildings, and for the installation, alteration, extension or repair of on-site sewage systems....... Read More