Planning and Development

The Planning Department is here to help residents, developers, builders and others in planning, designing and building a sustainable Township. The department is responsible for development approvals (including building permits and rezoning applications), policy planning for both the short and long-term future of the township (including updating or amending the Official Plan), general land use enquiries, and special projects.

The department is made up of a Planner, Chief Building Official and a Planning Administrative Assistant. Services offered by the Planner include Zoning By-Law amendments, preparation of site plan control and development agreements, minor variances and preliminary comments for severances.  (Follow the links in the blue box at left for specific information and applications). The Chief Building Official issues building permits and undertakes building inspections to ensure construction meets the Ontario Building Code requirements for safe and energy efficient construction.  The Planning Administrative Assistant assists with both planning and building enquiries.

Land use planning touches almost every aspect of life in Tay Valley. It helps decide where in our community that homes and businesses can be built; where parks and schools should be located; and where roads, sewers and other essential services should be provided.

Land use planning means managing our land and resources. It helps each community to set goals about how it will develop and to work out ways of reaching those goals while keeping important social, economic and environmental concerns in mind. It balances the interests of individual property owners with the wider interests and objectives of the whole community.

Good planning leads to orderly growth and the efficient provision of services. It affects all of us and helps us to have the kind of community we want.

For more information visit the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing .