Types of Planning Applications

A minor variance is a change or permission from the Zoning By-Law. A minor variance does not change the zoning of a property, it only allows for minor relief from specific requirements of the Zoning By-law.

The Committee of Adjustment will review the circumstances regarding each Minor Variance application. The Committee then considers the following questions regarding an application before reaching a decision:

• Is the variance minor in nature?
• Is the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan maintained?
• Is the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law maintained?
• Is it desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building, or structure?

Process

1. Applicant has a pre-consultation meeting (Pre-Consultation Form)
   
2. Applicant submits application with the required fee
3. Notice of Public Hearing - The Municipality will send a Public Hearing Notice to surrounding property owners, a minimum 10 days before the Hearing and post a sign on the property to advise the public of an application for Minor Variance.
4. Public Hearing - Anyone may attend, and may speak or provide a written submission regarding the application.
5. Decision - Written copy of the Decision is mailed to the applicant and to anyone who made written request.
6. Appeal - If there is no appeal, the decision is final and binding 20 days after the decision is made. If there is an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, then they may hold a hearing.

Fee

The application fee is $553.75

Application

Minor Variance Application Form

Part Lot Control regulates the sale or transfer of part of a lot or block within a registered plan of subdivision. It allows municipalities to:

• regulate the sale transfer, or
• division of part lots or blocks within a Plan of Subdivision after the plan has been registered.

Property owners can apply for a Part Lot Control to remove part lot control from a lot or block within a Registered Plan of Subdivision.

Process

1. Applicant has a pre-consultation meeting (Pre-Consultation Form)
   
2. Applicant submits application with the required fee
3. Council Decision

Fee

Application

Part Lot Application Form

A consent (severance) application is required to create a new lot, add to an existing lot or give the right to use part of a lot.

Elgin County Land Division Committee is the approval authority for consents.

A site plan control application ensures that land development and alteration meets the development standards and policies approved by the municipality. The Municipality’s Site Plan Control By-law identifies the land uses that are subject to site plan approval, including:

• Commercial
• Industrial
• Open Space
• Institutional
• Multi-Residential Development

Process

1. Applicant submits pre-consultation form and required fee
2. Applicant has a pre-consultation meeting
3. Application and required fee submitted
4. Application reviewed and circulated with appropriate parties
5. Council Decision

Fee

The application fee is $2,560.00

Site Plan Approval Pre-Consultation Form

A Zoning By-law application (“rezoning”) is required when a proposed use or structure does not meet the requirements of the Municipalities Zoning By-law. A Re-Zoning application must conform to the Official Plan. If it doesn't, you may need an official plan amendment as well

A temporary use By-law application may be issued to permit specific temporary uses if a circumstance exists that requires the use for a short period, but does not warrant a change of property zoning. Temporary use by-laws may permit the specific use for a maximum period of 3 years at a time, with the possibility of extensions.

Process

1. Applicant has a pre-consultation meeting (Pre-Consultation Form)
2. Applicant submits application with required fees
3. Notice of Public Hearing - The Municipality will send a Public Hearing Notice to surrounding property owners, a minimum 20 days before the Hearing and post a sign on the property to advise the public of an application for a Zoning Amendment
4. Public Hearing - Anyone may attend, and may speak or provide a written submission regarding the application
5. By-law - After the Public Hearing, Council will consider the zoning by-law amendment at a future meeting.
6. Notice of Passing - A Notice of Passing is mailed out to those who provided written request.
7. Appeal- If there is no appeal, the decision is final and binding 20 days after the decision is made. If there is an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, then they may hold a hearing.

Fee

The application fee is $830.50

Zoning By-law Amendment Application Form

If your plans for developing your property are not consistent with the Official Plan, you will need to apply for an Official Plan Amendment.

Process

1. Applicant has a pre-consultation meeting (Pre-Consultation Form)
   
2. Applicant submits application and required fee
3. Notice of Public Hearing - The Municipality will send a Public Hearing Notice to surrounding property owners, a minimum 20 days before the Hearing and post a sign on the property to advise the public of an application for an Official Plan Amendment
4. Public Hearing- Anyone may attend, and may speak or provide a written submission regarding the application
5. By-law - After the Public Hearing, Council will consider the zoning by-law amendment of a future meeting.
6. Notice of Passing - A Notice of Passing is mailed out to those who provided written request.
7. Appeal - If there is no appeal, the decision is final and binding 20 days after the decision is made. If there is an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, then they may hold a hearing.

Fee

The application fee is $3,120.00

Official Plan Amendment Application Form

A Plan of Subdivision application is a proposal to subdivide land into two or more parcels. A Plan of Subdivision application includes how the property has been subdivided, information and conditions on how to develop a parcel of land, and details on roads and related infrastructure.

Elgin County is the Approval Authority for Plans of Subdivision. More information about how to apply for a Plan of Subdivision or a Plan of Condominium is available at the following links Applicant’s Guide and Application Form.

Elgin County is the Approval Authority for Plans of Condominium. More information about how to apply for a Plan of Condominium is available at the following links Applicant’s Guide and Application Form.