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FAQ

To initiate a development application process please contact your local municipality. <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>> However to discuss potential County interests on any development application please contact Nathan Westendorp, Director of Planning/Chief Planner to arrange a pre-consultation discussion.​

County of Simcoe Official Plan Schedules
For printed copies please contact our GIS Department

​Please contact the Forestry Department for inquiries about permitted uses within County forests. 

Please contact the Municipal Bylaw Department regarding information for County Road by-laws such as road setbacks, entrance permits and signage; County Forest by-laws such as tree cutting; and Area Weed Inspection.

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Depending on the specific geography of the subject lands/property  the following planning documents are considered:

The requirement for the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a process that has become entrenched in current environmental planning processes throughout the Province of Ontario.  The intent is that an individual proposing development must demonstrate that the development will not negatively impact the features and functions for which an area has been identified.  Such studies must be completed by a consultant qualified to make such determinations and an explanation of these qualifications must be appended to any submitted study.

Based on County of Simcoe policy an EIS is required in the following circumstances:

  • is required for development proposed within the Greenlands Designation;

  • is required within an identified wetland area that has not been evaluated and classified by the Province of Ontario;

  • may be utilized to satisfy the General Subdivision and Development Policy, 3.3.5, that permits development within identified significant features provided there will be no negative impact.

According to the County of Simcoe Official Plan definitions, a D-4 Study is a study required to evaluate the presence and impact of any adverse effects or risks to health and safety and any necessary remedial measures necessary for a proposed development in compliance with the Guideline D-4 including, but not limited to, ground and surface water (hydrogeology and hydrology), noise, odour, and dust, methane gas migration, traffic impact, land use compatibility, and other studies considered appropriate.

For more information D-4s, and D-4 Studies, please visit the Solid Waste Department’s D4 Information webpage.

County land use planning responsibilities include: the administration and application of the policies of the County of Simcoe Official Plan. As an “upper tier” level of government, County Council has been delegated the authority for the approval of local (lower tier) official plans and amendments to local official plans. The Director of Planning, Development and Tourism has been further delegated authority to approve, for some municipalities within the County that have not themselves acquired authority to approve, Plans of Subdivision/Condominium and Part Lot Control approval. Refusal of Plans of Subdivision/Condominium and Part Lot Control approval however remains the authority of County Council.

As a commenting agency, County planning staff comment on development applications such as “Minor Variance”, “Consent”, “Zoning By-law Amendment”, “Local Official Plan Amendment”, “Plans of Subdivision”, “Condominiums” and “Site Plan Control”.

County planning staff comment on applications that may have impact or potential impact on County issues such as County Roads, County Forests, County Landfill sites, the County Greenlands and County of Simcoe Official Plan conformity.

Within the County of Simcoe, the County has an approved Official Plan setting the direction for future growth. The objectives and policies contained in the County Official Plan are further detailed through local municipal official plans, and are implemented through local municipal zoning by-laws. Regard should be had for all three documents (County Official Plan, local official plan, and zoning by-law) when contemplating a change in land use. For further information about local official plans or zoning by-laws, please contact your local municipal Planning Department.

The official plan is a document containing long term objectives and policies, and land use designations established primarily to provide guidance for the physical development of a municipality, while having regard to relevant social, economic and environmental matters.

The zoning by-law is a municipal by-law to regulate the use of land, by specifically stating what uses are currently permitted and how the land can be specifically developed. In essence, the zoning by-law implements the objectives of the official plan.