Planning Department

The Planning and Development Department provides professional advice and services in land use planning, community and economic development, tourism, and resource management. The Department is involved in many County-wide projects and initiatives.

If you want to use your property or develop it in a way that conflicts with the County and/or local municipal official plans, you will need an official plan amendment. You should talk first to the planning department. They can let you know if the change is possible, what problems you might encounter and how you should apply.

The County of Huron is the approval authority for Official Plan Amendments. There is an application form that must be completed with all of the required information. The more information provided, the less likely delays will occur in the review.

Subdivisions

When you divide a piece of land into two or more parcels in order to sell one or more, you are subdividing property, and the provisions of the Planning Act come into play.

To subdivide land within Huron County, you need approval of a plan of subdivision from the Council of the County of Huron.

▪ The proposal conforms to the local official plan and provincial legislation; and

▪ Communities are protected from developments which are inappropriate or may put undue strain on community facilities, services or finances.

A plan of subdivision is generally required where an applicant wants to create three or more lots. A registered plan of subdivision creates new, separate parcels of land and can be legally used for the sale of lots. There is an application form and fee required with this process.

If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not permitted by the zoning by-law, you may have to apply for a zoning change, also known as a zoning by-law amendment or a rezoning. A change can only be considered if the new use is allowed by the official plan. Local municipalities have approval authority for Zoning By-law Amendments.

Before you apply for rezoning, you should contact the Planning Department or your local municipal office for advice and information. You are required to complete an application form which contains information that the municipality may require. There is an application fee required with this process.

If your proposed change does not comply exactly to the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you may want to locate something on your property but the shape of your lot won't let you meet the minimum setback.

Local municipalities have approval authority for Minor Variances. To find out whether your proposed change can be considered as a minor variance, you should contact the Planning Department or your local Municipal Office. There is an application form and fee required with this process.

A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form two new adjoining properties. This is commonly known as a land severance or consent.

Local Municipal Official Plans contain specific land division policies. In addition to the division of land, rights-of-way, easements and any change to your existing property boundaries may also require land severance approval.

The Planning, Agriculture and Public Works Committee of Huron County Council grant severance applications. There is an application form and fee required with this process.

Contact Information for Ashfield-Colborne-Wawansoh Township Planning Department Township Planner: Monica Walker-Bolton
Telephone:	519.524.8394
Fax:	519.524.5677
E-mail:	mwalker-bolton@huroncounty.ca