Planning and Development

Depending on the application, it should be submitted to:

Applicants should submit a pre-consultation form to County planners prior to submitting an application.

The Zoning By-law regulates land-use within the Municipality and determines:

• What each parcel of land can be used for;
• Where and what types of buildings or structures can be built on the land;
• The requirements of lot sizes, parking lots, building heights and setbacks;
• And more.

A Zoning By-law Amendment is needed when an applicant wishes to change the zoning of their property for development or change of use (e.g. changing zone from residential to commercial; or changing A1 to A2 agricultural zones).

Want to know what your property is zoned? Check out the West Perth Zoning Maps.

Let's get started:

Step 1: Review the Zoning By-law Amendment Guide.
Step 2: Book a pre-consultation with municipal planning staff.

Step 3: Fill out an application form: Zoning By-law Amendment Application

Step 4: Submit the application to the Building Department at the Municipal Office with the required fee and
            information to support the application.

TIP: Applicants should read the detailed instructions provided in the application form, and become familiar
       with the process, expectations and requirements of the entire package.

Need more information?: The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides more here: Citizens' Guide 3 - Zoning By-laws.

Perth County is undertaking a review of the local Zoning By-laws for Perth East, Perth South, West Perth, and North Perth. This review is a chance to bring the existing Zoning By-laws from the early 2000’s into alignment with the County’s updated Official Plan, reflect current zoning practices, and meet the needs of local communities now and in the future. For more information, visit the project website at www.perthcounty.ca or email zblreview@perthcounty.ca to register for email updates.

Notice of Project Initiation 

Sometimes a property owner wants to make a minor deviation to the Zoning By-law provision such as a building setback or height restriction. Owners who want to have minor changes to the use of their property that differ only slightly from Zoning By-law provisions can apply for a Minor Variance.

Example: A property owner planning an addition to their house determines that with the addition there will only be a 6.5 meter rear yard. The Zoning By-law requires a rear yard depth of 7.5 meters. This may be considered a minor variance, and the owner could apply for a minor variance that, if approved, would relax the rear yard requirement under the Zoning By-law and allow for the addition to proceed.

Applicants must speak with planning staff in-person or on the phone before submitting an application. Perth County Planning staff are in the Municipal Office part-time. Email one of the planning staff in the "Who Should I Contact" section of this page to set up an appointment.

Let's get started:

Step 1: Review the Minor Variance Amendment Guide.
Step 2: Book a pre-consultation with municipal planning staff.

Step 3: Fill out an application form: Minor Variance Application

Step 4: Submit the application to the Building Department at the Municipal Office with the required fee and
            information to support the application.

TIP: Applicants should read the detailed instructions provided in the application form, and become familiar
        with the process, expectations and requirements of the entire package.

Site Plan Approval is a form of development control, authorized under Section 41 of the Planning Act, Implemented through the Municipality of West Perth By-law 27-2023. This means the Municipality has the authority to influence the site design of development in addition to meeting requirements of the Municipal Zoning By-law and the Ontario Building Code.

Site Plan Approval applies to all development within West Perth with the exception of 9 residential units or below, accessory buildings, farm buildings, and temporary buildings.

Site Plan Approval is required prior to issuing a Building Permit for all developments subject to Site Plan Approval. Site Plan Approval is required for new buildings, an addition to existing buildings, or a commercial parking lot.

Step 1: Seek a pre-consultation meeting with the municipal planner planning@westperth.com

Step 2: Follow the Site Plan Design Guidelines

Step 3: Complete a Site Plan Application

Applicants are strongly encouraged to have a pre-consultation meeting prior to submitting a site plan application. 

New and amended site plans must conform to the Zoning By-law and the Building and Fire Codes. Please consult the West Perth Site Plan Design Guidelines during the preparation of a site plan.

The Municipal Development and Servicing Guidelines standardizes the design of municipal servicing infrastructure for development in the Municipality of West Perth. While these guidelines are primarily aimed at the expansion of residential development within the Municipality, developers, builders, and the general public can use it as a guide for developments created by consent, individual site developments, or commercial and industrial areas.

Site Plan Control By-Law 27-2023

The Municipality may pass a by-law to remove part-lot control from all or any part of a registered plan of subdivision. This allows lands within a plan of subdivision to be further divided into individual parcels without the approval (and associated Public Meeting) by the County of Perth Land Division Committee or Council.

This exemption is appropriate when the resulting changes will not affect the nature or character of the subdivision. This application is usually applied to semi-detached or townhouse developments to establish property boundaries after the construction of the buildings due to the difficulty of the builder constructing the common centre wall on the exact property line.

Part-Lot Control Exemption Application

The application will be processed by staff who will circulate it to the required public bodies for comments, as well as to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject site. A sign will be installed on the property briefly describing the proposal.

Once all comments have been received, the Municipality will hold a Public Meeting as per the requirements of the Ontario Planning Act. The Planner will prepare a report to Council with a recommendation to approve or refuse the rezoning application. You are encouraged to attend the Public Meeting to present your view.

If Council approves the proposed amendment, it will pass a by-law which will be circulated to give interested parties the chance to appeal. A 20-day appeal period is provided, once notice of Adoption of the By-law has been given. If no appeals are received by the end of the appeal period, the amendment is in full force and effect.

A similar process for Minor Variance/Permission applications occurs, with slight differences, in accordance with the Ontario Planning Act.

The requirements for planning applications and their respective processes are established and required by the Ontario Planning Act. Applicants are advised to consult with the Municipality if they have any questions before, during, and/or after the application process.

The fee for planning applications is based on the type of application. Other costs such as supporting studies, public agency review, surveying, legal agreements, peer review and other supporting material fees are not listed within the Fee schedule but may be required.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES:

The Municipality of West Perth collects development charges on new properties to help pay for growing municipal infrastructure and services including roads, water and sewer infrastructure, community centres, emergency services and facilities. 

For updated information regarding the new Development Charges By-Law, view our Development Charges page. 

This guide provides the development and servicing guidelines for Municipality of West Perth.

The Provincial Policy Statement is a guidance document put forth by the Provincial Government outlining policies for land use planning in Ontario. Municipalities then implement these policies through Official Plans local zoning by-laws.

The Provincial Planning Statement 2024

The County of Perth has a mandatory pre-consultation By-law (By-law 3509-2016) which requires an applicant to consult with the County before submitting a request to amend the Official Plan or before applying for approval of a plan of subdivision or condominium. 

The purpose of meeting prior to submitting an application is to permit the County Planner to consult with the applicant and clarify information that the applicant may be required to submit to the County.

To set up a pre-consultation meeting please contact the Planning Department.

A consent is the authorized separation of a piece of land to allow for the creation of a new parcel of land (also known as land severance). This approval begins with the submission of a Development (Land Severance) Application to the County of Perth.

Within the County Official Plan, there are policies and requirements for land severance. If the severance and creation of multiple lots is intended, an application for a plan of subdivision will normally be required.

Prior to making an application, a proponent is encouraged to pre-consult with the County Planning Department to review the request and submission requirements. Each application must include the application fee. Please contact the County Planning and Development Department at the information provided here, or by email to planning@perthcounty.ca, to arrange a pre-consultation meeting.

West Perth - Condition Information Sheet

Step 1 - Review Guide to Consent Applications

Step 2 - Review Guide to Planning Application Pre-Consultation

Step 3 - Complete Pre-Consultation Submission Requirements and Request Form

After pre-consultation is complete, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 - Consent to Sever Application Form

If Consent to Sever is for a Surplus Farm Dwelling, please complete the Surplus Farm Dwelling Severance - Farm Owner Application Form

Citizens' Guide to Land Use Planning - Land Severances by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides more information.

A plan of Subdivision/Condominium is an application process under the Planning Act to create multiple lots or blocks from an existing property. Once approved, the Plan of Subdivision or Condominium is registered on the title of the property and allows for the new lots or blocks to be sold. 

Applications for Plan of Subdivision/Condominium are submitted to the County of Perth Planning and Development Department. Prior to submitting an application, a pre-consultation meeting with the County of Perth Planning and Development Department and the Municipality’s planning staff is needed to determine the suitability of the request and to review the submission requirements. See the “Mandatory Pre-Consultation” tab for more information.

Step 1 - Review Guide to Subdivision/Condo Applications

Step 2 - Review Guide to Planning Application Pre-Consultation

Step 3 - Complete Pre-Consultation Submission Requirements and Request Form

After pre-consultation is complete, proceed to Step 4

Step 4 - Plan of Subdivision/Condominium Application Form

Citizens' Guide to Land Use Planning - Subdivisions by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides more information.

The purpose of the County of Perth Official Plan is to establish a policy framework to guide the physical, social and economic development of the County and to protect the natural environment and resources within the County. Various issues are dealt with through the policy framework including where new housing, industry, office space and shops can be located, what services such as roads, water mains, sewer mains and other services are needed as well as where the community will grow. A printed copy of the Official Plan can be purchased from the Planning Department.

Citizens' Guide to Land Use Planning - Official Plan by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides more information.

What does the County of Perth Official Plan cover?

• Economic Development
• Healthy Communities
• Land Use Designations and Map Schedules
• Agriculture
• Settlement Areas
• Mobile/Modular Home Park
• Natural Resources/Environment
• Recreation
• Flood Plain and Flood and Fill Constraint Areas
• Cultural Heritage
• Policy for the Division of Land
• Community Facilities, Resources, and Services
• Implementation

County Official Plan Amendment

County Council will consider site-specific applications by property owners or their agents to amend the County Official Plan policies to permit a proposed new development to occur. As required by the Planning Act, a Public Meeting is conducted to consider the application and receive comments from members of the public, agencies and staff. County Council then decides whether or not to approve the proposed amendment.

Step 1 - Review Guide to County Official Plan Amendment Applications

Step 2 - Review Guide to Planning Application Pre-Consultation

Step 3 - Complete Pre-Consultation Submission Requirements and Request Form

After pre-consultation is complete, proceed to Step 4

Step 4 - Official Plan Amendment Application Form

Citizens' Guide to Land Use Planning - Official Plan by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides further information.

View the new 2024 County Official Plan

County Official Plan Review

On April 18, 2013 Perth County Council held its Public Meeting regarding the need to revise the County of Perth Official Plan as required by Section 26 of the Planning Act, RSO 1990. 

PERTH COUNTY GIS

The County has an interactive online map (including aerial photos) to assist landowners and the development community.

The Planning Act establishes rules for land use planning within the Province of Ontario and describes how land may be controlled. This Act was passed to:

• promote sustainable economic development and a healthy natural environment within the provincial policy framework;
• establish a land use planning system led by provincial policy; and
• allow the planning process to be fair by making it open, accessible and efficient.

Citizens' Guide to Land Use Planning - The Planning Act by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides more information.

The County of Perth Forest Conservation By-law regulates the destruction or injuring of trees. This By-law was enacted to improve forest, soil, fish, wildlife and water resources in Perth County by conserving and improving woodlands.

Considering tree removal? You are required to submit a Notice of Intent to the County Planning and Development Department at least five (5) business days prior to any destruction or injury or trees (pursuant to Section 3 (2) of the By-law) and at least twenty (20) business days prior to any destruction or injury of trees (pursuant to Section 3 (1) of the County's Forest Conservation By-law).

Contact the County's By-law Enforcement Officer:

T: 519-291-2236
E: By-law Enforcement Officer