Planning & Land Use Home Your Government Departments Planning & Land Use The Planning & Land Use Department supports responsible growth and development in the Municipality of Huron Shores, a single-tier municipality in Northern Ontario. We manage applications for consents (severances), minor variances (site-specific zoning changes), zoning by-law amendments, and more. Our role is to ensure that development complies with the Ontario Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, and local policies such as the Huron Shores Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Our Services Include: Administering the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Coordinating planning applications, public notices, and statutory meetings Assisting applicants through the development approval process Ensuring legislative compliance and facilitating appeals when necessary We’re here to help you understand planning requirements, avoid delays, and support decisions that reflect long-term community goals. NEW publicly accessible zoning maps: Huron Shores Municipal Zoning Maps Understanding Planning in Huron Shores Land use planning ensures that growth and development happen in a way that benefits our community, protects the environment, and aligns with provincial policy. Most planning decisions in Huron Shores are guided by three core documents: The Official Plan The Zoning By-law The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) & Growth Plan for Northern Ontario The Official Plan is the long-term vision for how land will be used in the Municipality. It guides decisions on housing, infrastructure, the natural environment, and economic development. All planning decisions must conform to the policies in the Official Plan. The Zoning By-law implements the Official Plan by dividing the Municipality into zones and specifying how land in each zone can be used. It controls things like: Permitted uses (e.g., residential, commercial) Lot sizes and setbacks Building heights and locations ✅ Minor Variance (Site-Specific Zoning Amendment)A Minor Variance is a request for a small adjustment to the Zoning By-law, such as reducing a setback, increasing building height, or making another minor change. A Minor Variance may be approved if your project does not fully comply with the Zoning By-law but still meets its overall purpose and intent. Learn about the Minor Variance (Zoning Amendment) process in Huron Shores→ In the Municipality, site-specific zoning amendments—commonly referred to as minor variances—are handled through a single application process. This allows property owners to request relief from certain zoning requirements where a proposed development does not fully comply with the Zoning By-law but otherwise maintains the general intent and purpose of municipal planning policies. For example, a minor variance may be requested to reduce a required setback or increase the maximum permitted height of a building. Applications are reviewed by municipal staff and Council. A public meeting is required, with notice provided to neighbouring property owners and the public. Application Fee: $900.00 Zoning Amendment Application Form ✅ Consent ApplicationA Consent Application is required when you want to sever property, adjust lot lines, create an easement, or make other legal changes to how land is divided and accessed. Learn more about the Consent Application process in Huron Shores→ A Consent Application is required if you want to legally divide or adjust land. This process ensures that new lots, easements, or boundary changes are properly registered and recognized. Common reasons to apply include: Creating a new lot – for sale or development Transferring land – such as giving a portion to a family member Adjusting property lines – to correct boundaries or titles Establishing access – by creating a right-of-way or easement Pre-Consultation For property owners: this meeting helps clarify requirements, identify potential issues, and avoid costly delays. For planning professionals: pre-consultation ensures alignment with municipal policy and technical requirements. A $240 fee applies. Some applications can be complex and applicants may choose to hire their own professional planner to prepare and guide their submission. Ready to schedule your pre-consultation? Click here. Standard Conditions in Huron Shores Most approved Consent Applications include standard conditions, such as: All property taxes paid in full Any road allowance not currently in the Municipality’s name must be deeded to the Municipality A survey of the new lot(s) Any other conditions identified during review ⚠️ In some cases, Algoma Public Health may need to review the property for septic system considerations. This review usually occurs during the public notice period and requires a separate fee, payable directly to Algoma Public Health. Please refer to their website for details. How the Process Works Pre-consultation (if required) – meet with the Municipality’s Planning Consultant. Submit your application – include the completed form and property sketch. Review & circulation – staff circulate your application to agencies and neighbours. Decision – Council approves (with conditions) or denies. Finalization – once all conditions are satisfied, the change must be registered with the Land Registry Office through your solicitor. 💲 Application Fees Consent applications start at $700. Additional lots and more complex applications (such as subdivisions) may involve higher fees. Applicants are also responsible for any additional costs, such as surveying, legal fees, or agency review fees (e.g., Algoma Public Health). For a full breakdown of planning fees, please see our Fee Schedule or contact the municipal office. Consent Application Form 🏡 Huron Shores 2025 Zoning By-law Review The Municipality of Huron Shores is conducting a comprehensive review of its Comprehensive Zoning By-law #18-18. We invite property owners, community members and the general public to help shape the future of development in our community. 📄 View the Draft Zoning By-law (PDF) 📄 View the Draft Zoning By-law Background Document (PDF) 📄 View the Current Comprehensive Zoning By-law #18-18 Document (PDF) 📄 View the zoning of your property here. (Interactive Zoning Maps) Visit our Stay Informed page for full public consultation details and updates. We want to hear from you! 📣 Share your feedback anytime:📧 Email: email@huronshores.ca📞 Phone: 705‑843‑2033 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.