Planning & Land Use Home Your Government Departments Planning & Land Use Planning Services helps guide how land is used and developed in the Municipality. If you are building, severing land, or changing how a property is used, you may require planning approval. Huron Shores Zoning By-law The Comprehensive Zoning By-law regulates how land can be used in the Municipality of Huron Shores. It sets out permitted uses, building requirements, and zone standards. Interactive Zoning MapUse our interactive map to check zoning, property boundaries, and planning layers. This is a reference tool only. Please contact staff to confirm requirements. Current Zoning By-law Comprehensive Zoning By-law #26-10 By-law #26-19 to Amend the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Huron Shores Zoning Map (PDF) Zone Exception Document Expand for more details: Notice of Passing of the Comprehensive Zoning Amendment By-law #26-10 On February 11, 2026, Council passed a new Comprehensive Zoning By-law, replacing former By-law #18-18 following a full municipal review process. The appeal period expired March 5, 2026. The updated by-law reflects current Provincial legislation, aligns with the Municipality’s Official Plan, and establishes clear, modern regulations to guide land use and development in Huron Shores. Notice of Public Meeting Covering Report – December 3, 2025 View the Draft Zoning By-law Background Document (PDF) Virtual Presentation, August 2025 Past Open House Recording and Presentation Materials Meeting Date: February 11, 2026Recording: Recording Link, Passcode: 6SLu&?Q2 Virtual Open HouseDate: Wednesday, August 20, 2025Recording: Recording Link, Passcode: #@nO2e4S 📄 (ARCHIVED) View the Current Comprehensive Zoning By-law #18-18 Document (PDF) Understanding Planning in Huron Shores Planning helps guide how land is used and developed in the Municipality. If you are building, changing the use of a property, or creating new lots, planning policies and approvals may apply. Most planning decisions are guided by three key documents: Official PlanDescribes the long-term vision for land use in the Municipality, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Comprehensive Zoning By-law Amends to the Comprehensive Zoning By-lawSets out what is permitted on each property, including uses, lot sizes, and building requirements. Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) & Growth Plan for Northern OntarioProvide direction from the Province and must be considered in all planning decisions under the Planning Act. Start Here Not sure what planning approval you need? Start by checking your property zoning using the map above, then review the options below: Building or adding to a structureSee “Zoning By-law” or go to “Building Permits” Creating a new lot (Consent / Severance)See “Consent (Severance)” Changing how a property is usedSee “Zoning By-law” or “Zoning Amendment” Adjusting zoning requirementsSee “Site-Specific Zoning By-law Amendment” Not sure what you need? Contact the Municipal Office before submitting an application. Email: email@huronshores.ca or call 705-843-2033. Site-Specific Zoning By-law Amendment A Site-Specific Zoning By-law Amendment is required when a proposed development does not comply with the Zoning By-law. This includes requests to: Reduce required setbacks Increase permitted building height or lot coverage Change permitted uses Adjust other zoning requirements When is an Amendment Required In Huron Shores, all requests to modify zoning requirements are processed as Zoning By-law Amendments under the Planning Act. The Municipality does not currently process Minor Variance applications. How the Process Works Submit a Zoning By-law Amendment application Application is reviewed by staff Notice of public meeting is provided in accordance with the Planning Act A public meeting is held by Council Council makes a decision Application Information Application Fee: $900.00 Zoning Amendment Application Form Before You Apply We strongly recommend contacting the Municipal Office before submitting an application. Planning approvals are site-specific, and staff can help determine requirements early in the process. Consent (Severence) ApplicationA Consent Application is required to create a new lot, adjust lot boundaries, or establish access such as a right-of-way or easement. When is Consent Required You may need a Consent if you are: Creating a new lot for sale or development Transferring land to another party (for example, a family member) Adjusting property boundaries Establishing access over a property (easement or right-of-way) Before You Apply Pre-consultation is recommended prior to submitting a Consent application. This meeting can help: Confirm application requirements Identify potential issues early Reduce delays during the review process A fee of $240 applies. Some applications may be straightforward, while others may be more complex. Applicants may choose to retain a professional planner to assist with their submission. To discuss your proposal or schedule a pre-consultation, click here or contact the Municipal Office. How the Process Works Pre-consultation (recommended)Discuss your proposal with the Municipality’s Planning Consultant, if needed. Submit your applicationProvide a completed application form, required sketch, and supporting information. Review and circulationThe application is reviewed and circulated to agencies and neighbouring property owners in accordance with the Planning Act. DecisionCouncil considers the application and may approve it with conditions or refuse it. Fulfillment of conditionsAny conditions of approval must be satisfied within the required timeframe. FinalizationOnce conditions are cleared, the consent must be registered through the Land Registry Office. Conditions of Approval Most consents are approved with conditions, which may include: Payment of all property taxes Preparation of a reference plan (survey) Conveyance of road allowances to the Municipality, if applicable Any additional conditions identified through the review process In some cases, review by Algoma Public Health is required for septic or servicing considerations. Applicable fees are payable directly to the agency. Application Fees Consent applications start at $700. Additional lots or more complex applications may result in higher fees. Applicants are also responsible for other costs, which may include: Surveying Legal fees Agency review fees See the complete fee schedule here. Consent Application Form Algoma Public Health – Consent and Pre-Development Audit Form Planning Letter of Conformity A Planning Letter of Conformity provides written confirmation of the planning and zoning status of a property based on municipal records at the time the letter is issued. This letter is commonly requested for property transactions or general planning information. Request Requirements Requests must be submitted in writing and include: Civic address and/or roll number Legal description (if available) A description of the information being requested Incomplete requests may result in delays. Fees and Payment The fee for a Planning Letter of Conformity is $75.00. Payment may be made by: Electronic Fund Transfer (eft@huronshores.ca) Cheque Requests will be processed once payment has been received. Submit a Planning Letter of Conformity Request Important Information This letter is based on available municipal records at the time of issuance and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute a building permit or planning approval. Official Plan The Official Plan sets out how land in the Municipality of Huron Shores should be used and developed over time. It ensures growth reflects the community’s values, protects the environment, and aligns with provincial policies under the Ontario Planning Act. The Official Plan addresses: Where new housing, businesses, and industries will go What services are needed, such as roads, water, and parks When and how parts of the municipality will grow 🛠️ 2023 Draft Official Plan — Under Review 📌 Schedules: Schedule A – Land Use Schedule B – Environmental Features 1 Schedule C – Environmental Features 2 Schedule D – Hazards Schedule E – Wildland Fires Schedule F – Community Facilities & Infrastructure Background Report The current Official Plan (2011) here: Official Plan of 2011 Land use Policy Area Maps ✅ Stay informed!Subscribe to our website updates, visit our Stay Informed page, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Tune in to Council meetings for live discussions. We also encourage you to share this information with your neighbours and community—let’s keep everyone in the loop! Provincial Plans and Legislation Land use planning in Ontario is shaped not just by municipal documents like the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, but also by provincial laws and policies. These set the foundation for how growth, housing, environmental protection, and infrastructure decisions are made across the province. The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) works with municipalities to support strong, healthy communities, promote housing affordability, and ensure good planning decisions. 🔗 Visit the MMAH Website for helpful resources on: Land use planning policies and procedures Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) Housing and development legislation Municipal roles and responsibilities Building and fire codes Infrastructure funding and guidance Active Planning Applications The Municipality of Huron Shores processes planning applications in accordance with the Planning Act and encourages public participation in the review process. 📢 To view current planning applications and related notices, please visit our Planning Applications – Public Notices. For questions or more information about an application, please contact the Planning Department at 705-843-2033 or amber@huronshores.ca.