Planning & Zoning

Municipal staff provides guidance to property owners, developers and Council to ensure that all the 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 will review all development proposals and support you in the development of your property including severances, lot additions, zoning amendments and minor variances.

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.

Huron Shores has a Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw #18-18 that divides the municipality into different land use zones, available in the Zoning Maps Schedule detailed maps. The bylaw specifies the permitted uses (for example, commercial or residential) and the required standards (for example, building size and location) in each zone.

Consents / Severances

A consent application must be approved for either a parcel of land to be divided or severed. Controlling the division of land gives the Municipality of Huron Shores a way of ensuring that the creation of lots is consistent with provincial planning policies 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’s
Application to Amend the Official Plan or Zoning By-Law

COMPREHENSIVE ZONING DOCUMENT & SCHEDULES

• Huron Shores Comprehensive Zoning Document Bylaw #18-18
• Twps. of Thessalon, Kirkwood & Lefroy
• Little Rapids
• Twps. of Day & Bright Additional
• Twps. of Gladstone & Bright
• Village of Iron Bridge
• Twp. of Thompson[U2]

For more information on planning and development and understanding zoning bylaws reach out for assistance by contacting our Planning Department.

Amber Burgler, Deputy Clerk
amber@huronshores.ca
705-843-2033

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

**2023 OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW – PUBLIC CONSULTATION NOW OPEN**

We are inviting 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 Meeting

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.

PLANNING FEES
Council passed By-law #22-84 to Amend Planning Application Fees at the November 9th, 2022, Regular Meeting.