Planning & Land Use Home Your Government Departments Planning & Land Use Municipal staff provide guidance to property owners, developers and Council to ensure that all proper guidelines in the Planning Act are followed. The Province of Ontario has the final authority over many municipal planning activities, most notably through the Ministerial approval of Official Plans decisions on appeals of zoning and subdivision decisions. Our Planning Department is available to review development proposals and support you in the development of your property including severances, lot additions, zoning amendments, easements and minor variances. Book a Pre-Consultation to get started. NEW publicly accessible zoning maps: Huron Shores Municipal Zoning Maps PLANNING FEESCouncil passed By-law #23-53 to Amend Planning Application Fees at the December 13th, 2023, Regular Meeting. Zoning Bylaws A zoning bylaw controls the use of land in your community. It states exactly: how land may be used where buildings and other structures can be located the types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street The Official Plan sets out your municipality’s general policies for future land use. Zoning bylaws put the plan into effect and provide for its day-to-day administration. They contain specific requirements that are legally enforceable. Construction or new development that doesn’t comply with a zoning bylaw is not allowed, and the municipality will refuse to issue a building permit. Sometimes you can apply for an amendment to these bylaws. The Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw #18-18 is your resource for detailed information on zoning and land use in the Municipality. This bylaw specifies the permitted uses for all properties in Huron Shores (for example, commercial or residential) and the required standards (for example, building size and location) in each zone. Contact us for more information or for property-specific questions. Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw #18-18Application for Zoning Amendment or Official Plan Amendment Consents / Severances A consent (severance) application must be approved for a parcel of land to be added to or, to be divided. Controlling the division of land gives the Municipality of Huron Shores a way of ensuring that the creation of lots are consistent with provincial planning policies of Ontario and the Municipality’s Official Plan. Full details and what to expect in applying for a severance can be found in the Application for Consent. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions to get you started. PLANNING FORMS Application for Consent, including application guide FAQ’sPRE-CONSULTATION Although pre-consultation is not mandatory for all applications, the Municipality encourages applicants to contact staff to discuss their proposal prior to submitting a formal application. If you fail to consult with staff, the Municipality cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of your application submission which may result in processing delays. The pre-consultation process is designed to help promote the exchange of information and development considerations early in the planning process. A key outcome of this process is the direction communication with the Municipal Planner in developing a complete application. Topics for discussion may include land use policies and guidelines, zoning information, public consultation, transportation and engineering requirements, application fees, and other issues. Application for Pre-Consultation For more information on planning and development and understanding zoning bylaws reach out for assistance by contacting our Planning Department. Amber Burgler, Deputy Clerkamber@huronshores.ca705-843-2033 **2023 OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW – PUBLIC CONSULTATION NOW OPEN** Official Plan An official plan outlines how land in a municipality should be used. It is prepared with input from the community and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of the community. An Official Plan addresses issues, such as: Where new housing, businesses, and industry will go; What services will be needed (ex. roads, water, infrastructure, parks and schools); and When, and in what order, parts of your community will grow This year (2023), The Municipality of Huron Shores is currently updating the most recent Official Plan of 2011. We update our Official Plan to reflect changes in the community and economy in accordance with the Ontario Planning Act. Official Plan Schedules (Maps) New Official Plan Background Report We invite citizens, friends and interested persons to share ideas, join in dialog and consider each other’s points of view about the future of the Municipality. Public sessions are listed on our Stay Informed page and feedback can be provided anytime to email@huronshores.ca or 705-843-2033. Since we can’t reach everyone directly, we ask everyone to share information with those you know, whenever you can to reach as many as we can. Subscribe to our website for updates, and visit our Stay Informed page, like our Facebook and Instagram pages and tune in to our Council Meetings for updates! Provincial Plans and Legislation The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing works with local governments to build strong and safe communities with dynamic local economies, a high quality of life and affordable homes for everyone. Information on the MMAH and links for resources in housing, land use planning, local government, building codes and other municipal guides can be found by clicking here.