Official Plan

An Official Plan:

• lets the public know what the province and municipality's general land use planning policies are;
• makes sure that growth is coordinated and meets the community's needs;
• helps all members of the community understand how their land may be used now and in the future;
• helps decide where roads, waste sites, parks and other services will be built;
• provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning by-laws to set local regulations and standards, such as size of lots, or development setbacks from water or quarries;
• provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional and provincial interests; and
• shows Council's commitment to the future of the community.

An approved official plan can be reviewed at any time, but each local council is required to revise its official plan not less than every five years from the date the plan came into effect. This ensures the plan is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement and that it conforms and/or does not conflict with provincial plans. The five-year review is also an opportunity to ensure the official plan continues to address local priorities and changing community needs.

In June 2012, the County of Lanark adopted its first Official Plan, called "Lanark County Sustainable Communities Official Plan" (SCOP) which combined an Official Plan under the Planning Act, with an Integrated Community Sustainable Plan (ICSP). The SCOP provides for the implementation of land use policies through traditional tools, such as zoning and lot creation with a focus on the integration of sustainable practices regardless of political boundaries. The ICSP part of the Plan identifies goals and objectives designed to enhance community sustainability.

An Official Plan Amendment submitted to the local municipality may require that the SCOP for Lanark County also be amended. The application form is required to be submitted directly to Lanark County when the SCOP requires amendment, in addition to the submission to the local municipality.

An official plan amendment is a formal document that changes a municipality's official plan. Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners.

Official Plan Amendment Applications

Before you apply for an Official Plan Amendment, you should talk to Township staff for advice and information. You must complete an application form which identifies information required by the County and the Township.

The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an application for an Official Plan Amendment. If you are acting as an agent for the purposes of the application, a letter of authorization is required from the registered owner of the property.

Applications are available at the Municipal Office.

How Much will it Cost?

The application fee is outlined on the application form, payable at the time an application is submitted. Fees may be paid by cash, debit, or cheque made payable to "Tay Valley Township."

What Happens Once the Application is Submitted?

The application is circulated to other Township Departments and various agencies for their comments, as well as to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject site.

All correspondence will be reviewed and the Township Planner will prepare a report with a recommendation to approve or refuse the Official Plan Amendment application. The report will then be presented at a Public Meeting.

If the recommendation is to approve the Official Plan Amendment, and By-Law Amendment will be considered for adoption at a following Council Meeting.

View the calendar for public meeting dates.

What Happens After the Meeting?

If Council approves the proposed amendment and passes a By-Law, the By-Law will be subject to a 20-day appeal period. If no appeals are received within that time, the amendment is in full force and effect.

Appeal Provisions

The process for dealing with official plan amendments is the same as for an official plan By-Law. If local council refuses your official plan amendment application, or if it does not make a decision within 180 days of the receipt of your application containing the prescribed information, you may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.