Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between Provincial, Regional and Town planning policies?

  There is a hierarchy of land use planning policies in Niagara:

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  The Province sets the ground rules and directions for land use planning through the Planning Act, Places to Grow Act, Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, and the Provincial Policy Statement. These documents, together with area-specific provincial plans (A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Greenbelt Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan), work together to manage growth and protect agricultural land and the natural environment.

  The Region identifies land use designations and contains related planning policies at the Regional level, reflecting provincial direction.

  The Town is responsible for implementing the provincial and regional land use policy planning framework through the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Town policies are site-specific and can differ based on a property's location and context.

• How do I find which policies apply to my property?

  Review the current Official Plan Schedules to understand which designation(s) apply to the property. Explore the Official Plan to understand the permissions associated with the designation(s).

  To view the Official Plan and associated Schedules, please visit the current Official Plan page.

  Review the Zoning By-law Schedules to understand which zone(s) apply to the property. Explore the Zoning By-law to understand the provisions associated with the zone(s). The Town currently has two Zoning By-laws:

  • Zoning By-law 4316-09, as amended, applies to lands within the urban boundary
  • Zoning By-law 500A-74, as amended, applies to lands outside of the urban area boundary

  To view the Zoning By-laws and associated Schedules, please visit the Zoning By-laws page.

• How can I provide input on a current planning application?

  For Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Draft Plans of Subdivision and Condominium:

  • Refer to the Notice of Public Meeting for details regarding:
    • Open House date and registration
    • Public Meeting date and registration
    • Directions to provide written comments
    • Contact information for the Town Planner on file

  For Consents, Minor Variances, Fence Variances, Sign Variances, Legal Non-Conforming uses:

  • Refer to the Public Notice for details regarding:
    • Committee of Adjustment Hearing date
    • Contact information for the Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment

  Input on planning applications can be provided by:

  • Email/Phone:
    • Refer to directions in the Notice of Public Meeting to provide comments, and for the contact information of the Town Planner on file
    • Refer to the directions in the Public Notice to provide comments to the Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment
  • Speaking at:
    • Open House
    • Public Meeting
    • Committee of Adjustment Hearing

  Please refer to the provisions of the Planning Act with regard to appeal rights and providing comments on planning applications.

• What is the difference between an Open House and a Public Meeting?

  • Open House: Provide the public with an opportunity to hear a presentation from a land owner/representative about a planning application. Members of the public can attend the Open House to gain a better understanding of the proposal, and ask questions directly of the land owner/representative.
  • Public Meeting: Occurs during a Committee of the Whole – Planning Meeting, and provides an opportunity for members of the public to provide input, by way of comments and asking questions, directly to members of Council
• What is an appeal?

  The Planning Act allows appeals to be made within prescribed timelines on planning application decisions or non-decisions.

  Appeals are heard by the Ontario Land Tribunal, an independent body that adjudicates land use planning and related matters. The Tribunal can make decisions by settlement or hearing.

  Please visit the Ontario Land Tribunal website for more information on the appeals process and to obtain information on existing cases and decisions