Planning Applications for Development Proposals

Official Plan Amendment

An Official Plan amendment is required in situations where the proposed use, though generally consistent with the Provincial policy, is not permitted in the Haldimand County Official Plan. A complete application for an Official Plan Amendment includes a completed Application for Amendment of Official Plan or Combined Official Plan and Zoning By-law, the applicable fees, and a detailed drawing. The approval process requires a number of steps as highlighted in the Official Plan Amendment Process Flow Chart.

Zoning By-law Amendment

In most situations, a zoning by-law amendment is required when the intended use, though generally in line with the Official Plan policy, is not specifically permitted in the applicable zoning bylaw. A complete application for Zoning Amendment includes a completed Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, the applicable fees, and a detailed drawing. The approval process requires a number of steps as highlighted in the Zoning By-law Amendment Process Flow Chart.

Temporary Use By-law

A Temporary Use By-law application is meant to enact temporary use of land for a purpose otherwise prohibited by the Zoning By-law. The County may enact temporary use by-laws for:

1. a separate housing unit, such as a garden suite
2. unfamiliar or uncommon uses on a trial basis
3. and/or where it is known that the use will be established for a brief, defined period.

A complete application includes a completed Application for Zoning By-law Amendment along with the applicable fees and a detailed drawing.

To extend an existing Temporary Use By-law, completion of an Extension to Temporary Use By-law Application, along with applicable fees, is required.

Plan of Subdivision

A Plan of Subdivision application is a proposal for the development of residential, industrial or commercial lots along with the supporting roads and related infrastructure. A complete application for a plan of subdivision includes a completed Application/Exemption for Subdivision and Condominium, the applicable fees, and detailed drawings, plans and studies. The approval process requires a number of steps as highlighted in the Subdivision/Condominium Draft Plan Approval Process Flow Chart.

Site Plan

A Site Plan application is a proposal for development, mostly of commercial or industrial nature and townhouses/apartments, where it is essential that certain design aspects be addressed such as access, parking, grading/drainage, site layout, stormwater management, etc. A complete application for a site plan approval includes a completed Application for Site Plan, the applicable fees, and detailed drawings/plans and supporting studies. The approval process requires a number of steps as highlighted in the Site Plan Process Flow Chart.

Part Lot Control Exemption

A Part Lot Control exemption application is required where multiple lots are to be created out of a registered plan of subdivision, and lot creation via severances is considered unnecessary. A complete application for part lot control exemption includes a completed Application for Part Lot Control Exemption, the applicable fees, and a detailed drawing.

OLT

Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is an independent administrative tribunal responsible for hearing appeals and deciding on a variety of municipal matters including planning and Committee of Adjustment applications. An appeal fee is applicable to all appeals to OLT. For more information relating to the OLT and the appeal process, please contact Haldimand County Clerk’s office at (905) 318-5932 ext. 6353.

Development Activity Map

The Development Activity Map is an interactive map which highlights significant development activity taking place in Haldimand County. County staff, developers and members of public can interact with this map to access information such as the location, nature and status of major projects. The map which is currently being developed, will soon be available on the website.

Service Standards

The Division has established a series of service standards and performance measures relating to development review and which represent targets aimed at improving customer service. Each year the Division reports on its compliance rate and identifies areas of success and / or opportunities for focused improvements.

Development Approvals Fees

A number of Development Approvals Fees are applicable at different approval stages of the development proposals. All Planning fees can be found in Schedule Q of the 2023 User Fee By-law.

Public Meetings Schedule

Most development proposals are presented to Council in Committee, in the form of Public Meetings, which are organized in accordance with the Public Meetings Schedule through Haldimand County Clerks’ Department.