Aerial view of a rural landscape with various green fields, some brown and yellow patches, small roads, and scattered buildings.

Planning & Development

Planning and Development Services manage the growth and physical form of the Township. We maintain this through the land use planning process and by establishing goals for future growth and development. The Planning department is responsible for the review, processing and approval of all planning applications under the Planning Act, as amended.

Land use planning means managing our land and resources. It helps each community to set goals about how it will grow and develop. It helps to reach those goals while keeping in mind important social, economic and environmental concerns. It balances the interests of individual property owners with the wider interest and goals of the community.

  • Planning is guided by the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, the County Official Plan and the Township's Official Plans and Zoning By-Laws. The Planning department's role is to:

    • Review/approve both long-range policy planning (Official Plan and Secondary Plans).

    • Review/approve current development proposals (Zoning By-Law, Plan of Subdivision, Site Plan Control, Minor Variance and Consent).

    • Review, develop and apply land use policies and land use By-Laws.

    • Provide planning advice to Council, residents and landowners.

    • Balance the interests of people, the environment and the local economy to create a great place to live.

    • Create policies that support effective land use strategies that increase quality of life for residents.

    Land use in the Township is also regulated by A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and a portion of the Township is regulated by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.

  • The main services provided by the Planning Department are:

    • Policy Planning

    • Development Proposal review

    • Zoning By-law and Official Plan Interpretation

  • Planning staff are responsible for the following:

    • Consent/Severances

    • Planning Applications and Special Projects

    • Minor Variances

    • Official Plan and Official Plan Amendments

    • Planning Application Forms

    • Planning Fees

    • Site Plan Control

    • Subdivisions

    • Rezoning and Zoning By-law Amendments

Planning Applications and Processes

Navigating Ontario's land-use planning process requires a clear understanding of provincial legislation, municipal policies, and local approval requirements. Whether your project involves a zoning by-law amendment, official plan amendment, plan of subdivision, consent, minor variance, or site plan approval, we provide practical guidance and strategic support throughout every stage of the application process.

  • Section 50 of the Planning Act sets our specific circumstances where land can be subdivided or by which an interest in land can be conveyed to another person.

    To learn more and application information, click here.

  • A minor variance is a special permission that may be granted to a property owner upon application to the Township. A variance, in effect, excuses a landowner from a specific requirement of the Zoning By-law. Common variance applications seek minor relief from a side yard or front yard requirements.

    To learn more and application information, click here.

  • The Official Plan guides Alnwick/Haldimand's land use and development strategies. It contains the goals and objectives of the community and establishes policies to direct the form, location, nature and rate of growth and change for the future.

    To learn more and application information, click here.

  • The division of land can occur in two ways:

    • By consent to severance.

    • By Plan of Subdivision. Plans of Subdivisions are regulated by Section 51 of the Ontario Planning Act.

    To learn more and application information, click here.

  • A rezoning application is a request to change the current Zoning By-law provisions as they apply to your property. It may be an application to change the land use, for example from a home to a business. It may also be an application to change the By-law requirements such as setbacks, height, parking spaces etc.

    To learn more and application information, click here.

  • A Site Plan is a drawing which illustrates the placement of the existing building, site services and the proposed addition. The Site Plan and Development Review process has been established by the Township to ensure development applications are comprehensively reviewed by the Planning department.

    To learn more and application information, click here.

Development Charges

Development charges are fees collected by municipalities to help pay for the cost of growth. Authorized under Ontario's Development Charges Act, 1997, these charges ensure that a portion of the costs associated with new residential and non-residential development is funded by growth rather than existing taxpayers.

Learn more

Close-up view of a building under construction with steel beams and glass panels, illuminated by sunlight.

General Property, Planning and Development Inquiries

Please fill out our inquiry form if you are interested in learning about a property or have a general Planning and Development question.

Submit a Planning and Development Inquiry Form

Contact Us

Planning Department
10836 County Road #2, Grafton
Ontario, Canada K0K 2G0
Tel: 1-905-349-2822 ext. 23
Email this contact

Building Department
10836 County Road #2, Grafton
Ontario, Canada K0K 2G0
Tel: 1-905-349-2822 ext. 29
Email this contact