Site Plan Control And Development
What is Site Plan Control?
Site plan control is a tool and a form of development control provided to municipalities by Ontario's Planning Act. The Township’s Official Plan sets policies with respect to lands that have been designated by by-law to be site plan control areas. No one can undertake any development on lands subject to site plan control until a site plan or development agreement is completed between the municipality and the applicant.
What are the goals of site plan control?
Site plan control by-laws are used to establish areas where site plan control will be applied over and above the regulations set out in the Township’s Zoning By-law. Some of the major goals of site plan control for the Township are:
- to improve the image and aesthetic appearance of properties;
- to reduce the impact of development on surrounding land uses;
- to protect environmental areas (e.g. wetlands, hilltops, wildlife habitats) through the appropriate location of buildings and structures;
Who is affected?
In general, the following properties have been designated as site plan control areas:
- all commercially zoned properties;
- all properties zoned Private Club (PC);
- all properties on Blackstone Lake;
- all properties on Wah-wash-kesh Island of Kapikog Lake;
- all properties on Sandy Island and Ingersoll Island;
- all properties on Frying Pan Island;
- all properties on Ojibway Island; and
- all properties on Pentecost Island.
In addition, there are a number of individual properties which Council has designated as site plan control areas. Applicants should consult the Planning Department to determine whether a property is affected.
What is Site Plan Approval?
Site Plan Approval is administered by the Township’s Planning Department pursuant to Section 41 of the Planning Act. Site Plan approval is required for all properties designated by Township by-law as a site plan control area. Site plan approval is a prerequisite to an application for a building permit.
How do I apply?
It is strongly recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff prior to the submission of an application. Contact information can be located on the Township’s website.
Please review the Development Application for Lands Under Site Plan Control Process Summary for additional information.