Planning Tools & Guides

A Citizens Guide to Land Use Planning

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides an overview of land use planning and the land use planning process in Ontario in the following pages:

• The Planning Act
• Official Plans
• Zoning Bylaws
• Subdivisions
• Land Severances
• Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
• Northern Ontario
• Building Permits
• The Plan Review and Approval Process

The Planning Act

The Planning Act establishes the 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 in a healthy natural environment within provincial policy framework;
• establish a land use planning system led by provincial policy; and
• allow for the planning process to be fair by making it open, accessible and efficient. 

A more comprehensive overview of the Planning Act can be found in A Citizen's Guide to the Planning Act

• Planning Act R.S.O. 1990

 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2020 

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 Policy Statement, 2020

Natural Heritage Reference Manual 

This reference manual corresponds with the Provincial Policy Statement's policies on Natural Heritage conservation providing guidance on the implementation of these policies. This document gives an overview of Natural Heritage features and systems and their provincial importance. This Manual further guides municipal Natural Heritage protocols and development policies within or adjacent to Natural Heritage features and systems.

• Natural Heritage Reference Manual 

The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document

This document by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs provides the formulae and guidelines for livestock facility and anaerobic digester odour setbacks. This document is an important reference guide that indicates the compatibility of existing uses with new or expanding land uses in prime agricultural and rural lands.

• The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document

Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas

This document provides Provincial direction on what type of uses are allowed in Prime Agricultural Areas.  These uses include agricultural uses, agricultural-related uses and on-farm diversified uses. These guidelines are then used to direct municipal policies in Official Plans. In Perth County Prime Agricultural Areas are reflected in the 'Agriculture' designation in the Official Plan.

• Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas

Archaeological Assessments

An archaeological assessment may be required when new development is proposed. 

The Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries provides information on archaeological assessments. Information included pertains to what they are, when they are required and how they are carried out:

• Information on Archaeological Assessments

Environmental Noise Guideline - Stationary and Transportation Sources- Approval and Planning (NPC-300)

These guidelines outline regulations regarding sources of noise pollution to ensure compatibility between different types of development. The guidelines set forth by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment can be found below.

• Environmental Noise Guideline- Stationary and Transportation Sources

Environmental Land-Use Planning Guides

These guides outline requirements and provide provincial guidance on the compatibility of different land uses such as industrial land use, sensitive land use, sewage and water services and private wells.

Environmental Land-Use Planning Guides

Conservation Authorities

Conservation Authorities (CA's) play an important role in planning. The function of Conservation Authorities are to: 

• Regulate land uses in flooding zones for the protection of people and property
• Offer awareness and education on the conservation of our natural environment
• Coordinate the implementation of source water protection planning

Regulations can take the form of development set back requirements from natural heritage features and hazardous lands to land use regulations that protect our water sources from environmental contaminants.

Visit the links below to find out more about the Conservation Authorities in Perth County. 

• Grand River Conservation Authority
• Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
• Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
• Maitland Valley Conservation Authority

Additional Residential Units (ARUs)

Additional Residential Units (ARUs) are self-contained units with a private kitchen, bathroom facilities and sleeping areas. ARUs are different from other residential uses because they are clearly accessory to the primary dwelling on the property in both use and appearance. Visit the link below to learn more about ARUs.

Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Fact Sheet