Planning

A property owner who wishes to:

• Divide their land
• Make a lot line adjustment
• Create an easement or right of way

Consent applications are heard before the Committee of Adjustment and meetings are held monthly. Property owners must consult with Planning staff prior to submitting an application.

A variance is a minor change to the zoning by-law for a specific property. When an item in the zoning by-law can't be met, a variance is needed. Property owners must consult with Planning staff prior to submitting a Minor Variance application.

The Official Plan sets out the general vision, goals and objectives for the municipality. It describes the policies on how land should be used. The Official Plan provides a framework for the municipal zoning by-law and ensures that future growth meets the needs of our community.

An Official Plan application is required to change the designation of lands for a specific use. Property owners must consult with Planning staff prior to submitting an application.

Site Plan Approval is required for properties within a certain zone. These include all commercial, industrial and institutional zoned properties. Site Plan approval must be granted prior to building permits being issued. Property owners must consult with Planning staff prior to submitting a Site Plan application. 

Every property within Grey Highlands is subject to policies in the Zoning By-law. A zoning by-law contains provisions that regulate the use, size, height, density and location of buildings on properties. The by-law consists of maps to show what zone each property is in and the permitted uses for each zone. Property owners must consult with Planning staff prior to submitting a Zoning By-law Amendment application. 

Industry Canada is the Federal Government Department responsible for regulating telecommunications in Canada. Under the Radiocommunication Act, Industry Canada acts as the approval authority for the establishment of radiocommunication and broadcasting apparatuses such as antenna systems (this may include masts, towers, and other supporting structures).

The purpose of this Municipal Protocol and Guideline is to clearly outline the land use consultation process to be followed by telecommunication carriers when submitting a proposal to modify or install a telecommunication tower within the Municipality of Grey Highlands for both non-municipal-owned properties and on municipal-owned properties.

Forest Management is handled by the County of Grey.  Before you decide to cut down or alter trees you should Call before you Cut.

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is an independent administrative tribunal responsible for hearing appeals on a variety of contentious municipal matters.

The Notice of Decision from the municipality will notify you on how you should file your appeal. Appeals are generally filed with the municipality, and the Clerk or delegated person is required to forward the appeal to OLT. 

Appeal eligibility is identified in the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, cP.13.

Information on the Ontario Land Tribunal is available at their website.

Where can I get assistance in filing an appeal or obtaining information?

The OLT Citizen Liaison may be able to assist if you have questions on the appeal process.

You can reach the Citizen Liaison by sending an email to OLT.CLO@ontario.ca.

For general inquiries, you can call the Public Inquiry line at (416) 212-6349 or toll free (866) 448-2248.

The OLT Appeal Guide is also a helpful document.

The filing fees will depend on the type of appeal being made. A fee chart is available on the OLT website here. 

Fees are payable by certified cheque, money order, or credit card, and must be in Canadian funds. Certified cheques and money orders should be made payable to the “Minister of Finance”. If you would like to pay the fee by credit card, please indicate this on the appeal form and OLT staff will contact you directly to complete the transaction.

The Appellant/Applicant Form (Appeal Form A1) is available on OLT's website here.