Official Plan
An Official Plan is a planning policy document that establishes goals, objectives, land use designations and land use policies for these designations to manage and direct development and land uses throughout the Township. Official Plans outline what is generally permitted within the land use designations and includes associated policies. Plans are generally viewed as “living documents” subject to amendment over time. Official Plans are reviewed on a regular basis.
Official Plans provide an effective means by which to inform the public of how their land can be used and what the municipality has deemed to be most appropriate in terms of land use designation. Official Plans are used as a tool to ensure appropriate uses of land are promoted in the Township based on the principles of good planning, and Provincial, County and Township policies. The Plan also helps to guide in the effective provision of infrastructure, and establishes a set of local regulations and standards to guide site specific development.
Official Plan Amendments
A site-specific amendment to an Official Plan policy, or map amendment, requires Council's approval. The Official Plan amendment process can take one year from application to final approval by the County of Simcoe. In considering an application for an Official Plan amendment, staff assess the conformity of the proposal to the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, the County of Simcoe Official Plan and any other applicable planning policies as well as the appropriateness of the development. The Planning Act sets out the legislative requirements, including a public consultation process, which must be met prior to the passing of an Official Plan amendment.
A basic application fee is required to cover normal costs incurred in processing an Official Plan amendment application. For further information on fees, the process or the application form, please contact the Planning Department. You can also speed up the process by downloading the Official Plan amendment APPLICATION FORM.
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