| Official Plan Amendment |
| An official plan outlines how land in a municipality should be used. It is prepared with input from the community and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of the community.
An official plan amendment is a formal document that changes a municipality's official plan. Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners.
Amendments to the Official Plan may be obtained from time to time by submitting an application to the Bruce County Planning Department as the County of Bruce is the approval authority for Official Plan Amendment Applications.
| When is an Official Plan Amendment Required? |
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If you want to use your property or develop it in a way that conflicts with the County and/or Walkerton Official Plan, you will need an Official Plan amendment.
The Provincial Policy Statement (2020) requires that municipal official plans be consistent with provincial policies for the wise management of land in the Province. Official Plan Amendments allow the municipality to ensure that the use of local properties align with provincial policies and regulations.
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| What is the process for an Official Plan Amendment? |
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An Official Plan Amendment application process described here applies to most applications and takes approximately four (4) to six (6) months. The timeframe will vary for complicated applications and is affected by Council’s schedule and the number of applications processed at any given time. Review the below flowchart to get a better understanding of each stage of the Official Plan Amendment Process.
OPA Flow Chart Here
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| Where can I find more information? |
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To find out more information about the Official Plan Amendment application process, please visit the County of Bruce Land Use Planning Site. Here you can find the following:
- Form One – Application 2020, which is the Official Plan Amendment Application Form
- Form Five - Information to Applicants - Official Plan Amendment 2020, which is the County’s guide for Official Plan Amendments.
- Site Plan (Sketch) Requirements 2020, which provides guidance on what details need to be included on the sketch or plan submitted as part of the application
- Application Fees - Effective March 5, 2020, which details the Official Plan Amendment Application Fee
The application form and guide can be found on the County’s Land Use Planning page under Application Forms, at the following link: Land Use Planning | Bruce County Welcomes You
To review the County Official Plan, follow this link: Bruce County Official Plan | Bruce County Welcomes You
To review the Walkerton Official Plan, follow this link: Official Plan - Municipality of Brockton
Or
Contact the County of Bruce Planning Department below to begin the Official Plan Amendment Process:
Planning and Development Department
County of Bruce
30 Park Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Phone: 519-881-1782
Email: bcplwa@brucecounty.on.ca
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| Zoning By-law Amendment |
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The Municipality of Brockton Comprehensive Zoning By-Law is a legal document, which is used to control the use and development of properties and buildings.
A Zoning By-law Amendment is used for major revisions to the By-law such as land use changes or significant increases in permitted building heights and development densities.
Amendments to the Zoning By-law may be obtained from time to time by submitting an application to the Bruce County Planning Department as the County of Bruce is the approval authority for Zoning By-law Amendment Applications.
| When is a Zoning By-law Amendment Required? |
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If you want to use or build something your property in a way that is not permitted by the provisions of the Zoning By-law, you may be required to apply for a Zoning by-law amendment (also called a Re-zoning).
A Zoning By-law amendment is required to ensure significant property changes align with the overlying Zoning By-law and aligns with permitted uses within the Official Plan.
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| What is the process for a Zoning By-law Amendment? |
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A Zoning By-law Amendment application process described here applies to most applications and takes approximately three (3) months. The timeframe will vary for complicated applications and is affected by Council’s schedule and the number of applications processed at any given time. Review the below flowchart to get a better understanding of each stage of the Zoning By-law Amendment Process.
ZBA Flow Chart Here
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| Where can I find more information? |
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To find out more information about the Zoning By-law Amendment application process, please visit the County of Bruce Land Use Planning Site. Here you can find the following:
- Form One – Application 2020, which is the Zoning By-law Amendment Application Form
- Form Five - Information to Applicants – Zoning By-law Amendment 2020, which is the County’s guide for Zoning By-law Amendments
- Site Plan (Sketch) Requirements 2020, which provides guidance on what details need to be included on the sketch or plan submitted as part of the application
- Application Fees - Effective March 5, 2020, which details the Zoning By-law Amendment Application Fee
The application form and guide can be found on the County’s Land Use Planning page under Application Forms, at the following link: Land Use Planning | Bruce County Welcomes You
To review the Brockton Zoning By-law, follow this link: Severances and Zoning - Municipality of Brockton
Or
Contact the Brockton Building and Planning Manager below to begin the Zoning By-law Amendment Process:
Dieter Weltz
Building and Planning Manager
Municipality of Brockton, Box 68, 100 Scott Street, Walkerton, ON NOG 2VO
Phone: 519-881-2223 Ext.127
Toll Free: 1-877-885-8084
Fax: 519-881-2991
Email Dieter Weltz
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| Minor Variance |
| The Municipality of Brockton Comprehensive Zoning By-Law is a legal document, which is used to control the use and development of properties and buildings.
A Minor Variance is a minor change to a performance or policy standard under the Zoning By-law. A Minor Variance does not often change the underlying zone of the property or the applicable permitted uses. Rather, a Minor Variance is a certificate of permission, because it allows a property owner to obtain a building permit even though their property does not comply precisely with the Municipal Zoning By-law.
Under Section 45(1) of the Planning Act there are four tests a Minor Variance must meet:
- Is the application minor?
- Is the application desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question?
- Does the application conform to the general intent of the Zoning By-law?
- Does the application conform to the general intent of the Official Plan?
An application must meet all four (4) tests to be considered for a Minor Variance.
| When is a Minor Variance Required? |
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A Minor Variance is required to ensure minor property changes are in compliance with the Municipal Zoning By-law. A Minor Variance might be required when:
- provisions of the zoning by-law can’t be met by new construction
- an addition is proposed for a legal non-complying building
- creating new undersized lots through Consent
- legalizing the property prior to sale
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| What is the process for a Minor Variance? |
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A Minor Variance application process described here takes approximately thirty (30) days. The timeframe will vary for complicated applications. Review the below flowchart to get a better understanding of each stage of the Minor Variance Process.
Minor Variance Flow Chart Here
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| Where can I find more information? |
To find out more information about the Minor Variance application process, please visit the County of Bruce Land Use Planning Site. Here you can find the following:
- Form One – Application 2020, which is the Minor Variance Application Form
- Form Four - Information to Applicants - Minor Variance or Alteration to Legal Non-Conforming Use 2020, which is the County’s guide for Minor Variance Applications
- Site Plan (Sketch) Requirements 2020, which provides guidance on what details need to be included on the sketch or plan submitted as part of the application
- Application Fees - Effective March 5, 2020, which details the Minor Variance Application Fee
The application form and guide can be found on the County’s Land Use Planning page under Application Forms, at the following link: Land Use Planning | Bruce County Welcomes You
To review the Brockton Zoning By-law, follow this link: Severances and Zoning - Municipality of Brockton
Or
Contact the Brockton Building and Planning Manager below to begin the Minor Variance Process:
Dieter Weltz
Building and Planning Manager
Municipality of Brockton, Box 68, 100 Scott Street, Walkerton, ON NOG 2VO
Phone: 519-881-2223 Ext.127
Toll Free: 1-877-885-8084
Fax: 519-881-2991
Email Dieter Weltz
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| Severance/Consent |
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A Land Severance (consent) is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This is typically permitted through the consent application process.
Section 50 of the Planning Act prevents the division of land into smaller parcels unless the division of land is subject to a public process ensuring that provincial interests and local planning concerns (as expressed in the official plan) are both satisfied.
| When is a Land Severance (Consent) Application? |
A Land Severance (consent) application is required to:
- Divide land (sever) into new lots, and/or;
- Add land to an abutting lot (lot additions, lot adjustments, lot extensions, corrections to deeds or property descriptions), and/or;
- Establish easements or rights-of-way, and/or;
- Lease land or register a mortgage in excess of 21 years
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| What is the process for a Land Severance (Consent) Application? |
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A Land Severance (consent) application process described here takes approximately thirty (30) days. The timeframe will vary for complicated applications. Land Severances are the responsibility of the County of Bruce and the Municipality of Brockton provides comments to the County regarding Land Severance (consent) applications. Review the below flowchart to get a better understanding of each stage of the Land Severance (consent) application Process.
Land Severance (consent) Flow Chart Here
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| Where can I find more information? |
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To find out more information about the Land Severance (consent) application process, please visit the County of Bruce Land Use Planning Site. Here you can find the following:
- Form One – Application 2020, which is the Land Severance (consent) Application Form
- Form Two – Information to Applicants – Consent (Severance) 2020, which is the County’s guide for Land Severances (Consents).
- Site Plan (Sketch) Requirements 2020, which provides guidance on what details need to be included on the sketch or plan submitted as part of the application
- Application Fees - Effective March 5, 2020, which details the Land Severance (Consent) Application Fee
The application form and guide can be found on the County’s Land Use Planning page under Application Forms, at the following link: Land Use Planning | Bruce County Welcomes You
Contact the County of Bruce Planning Department below to begin the Land Severance (consent) Process:
Planning and Development Department
County of Bruce
30 Park Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Phone: 519-881-1782
Email: bcplwa@brucecounty.on.ca
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| Site Plan Control |
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Site plan control is a tool to make sure that land development is designed appropriately, safe, functional and minimizes potential impacts on neighbouring properties. It also makes sure that the County and Municipal standards for developing land are respected.
The Municipality of Brockton feels that it is important that the details of any new development should be clearly understood by both the individual(s) initiating the development and the Municipality prior to any building permit(s) being issued. Specifics of the development such as surface drainage, connections to municipal services, property line setbacks and exterior lighting should be reviewed by the Municipality prior to the initiation of the development. This process benefits the developer; the Municipality and the owners of adjacent properties.
| When is Site Plan Control Required? |
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The Municipality has adopted Site Plan Control requirements for any new development in the community of Walkerton and, on site specific locations, in other areas of Brockton. All commercial, institutional, industrial and residential developments (except single and semi-detached dwelling units) within the former Town of Walkerton may be subject to site plan approval, along with commercial parking lots and mobile home developments. The following standard Site Control Agreement will apply to these lands:
Site Plan Agreement (Outside ERBP)
Development being proposed within the East Ridge Business Park also has specific site plan requirements. The following Site Plan Agreement applies specifically to land within the municipally owned East Ridge Business Park.
Site Plan Agreement (ERBP)
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| What is the process for Site Plan Control? |
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There is no timeframe for Site Plan Control Approval. Municipal staff will work as diligently as possible with the developer/applicant and consultants to ensure the necessary approvals are achieved in a timely manner. Approval from Municipal Council and potentially Bruce County Council are required. Review the below flowchart to get a better understanding of each stage of the Land Severance (consent) application Process.
Site Plan Control Flow Chart Here
Pre-Consultation Meeting and Site Plan Control Guide and Application
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| Where can I find more information? |
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To find out more information about the Site Plan Control process, please visit Site Plan Control - Municipality of Brockton.
Contact the Brockton Building and Planning Manager below to begin the Minor Variance Process:
Dieter Weltz
Building and Planning Manager
Municipality of Brockton, Box 68, 100 Scott Street, Walkerton, ON NOG 2VO
Phone: 519-881-2223 Ext.127
Toll Free: 1-877-885-8084
Fax: 519-881-2991
Email Dieter Weltz
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| Plans of Subdivision/Plans of Condominium |
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A Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium is land that has been divided into multiple lots for the purpose of development. These lots may be developed individually, or as a group. They may be used for a range of uses such as residential, commercial or institutional depending on the designation of the land in the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Plans of Subdivision also usually include information on new municipal infrastructure (i.e., water and sewer servicing and new roads), lot and block patterns and any park and/or school sites. Plans of subdivision are also typically used to create public rights-of-way for municipal services.
| When is a Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium Required? |
| A Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium is required when a proposal involves dividing land into more than 3 lots.
The Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium process ensures that:
- The land is suitable for its proposed new use;
- The proposal conforms to the official plan and zoning by-law, as well as to provincial legislation and policies; and,
- The proposed development will not put an undue strain on community facilities, services or finances.
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| What is the process for a Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium? |
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The application process is a 2-Phase process – Draft Plan Approval and Registration of the Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium. A Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium process described here takes approximately six (6) to ten (10) months. The timeframe will vary for complicated applications and is affected by Council’s schedule and the number of applications processed at any given time. Review the below flowchart to get a better understanding of each stage of the Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium Process.
Subdivision/Condominium Flow Chart Here
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| Where can I find more information? |
To find out more information about the Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium process, please visit the County of Bruce Land Use Planning Site. Here you can find the following:
- Subdivision or Condominium Development - Information to Applicants and Application 2020, which is the County’s application for Plan of Subdivisions and Plan of Condominium
- Form Six - Information to Applicants - Subdivision or Condominium Draft Plan Approval 2020, which is the County’s guide for Land Severances (Consents).
- Subdivision and Condominium Approval Procedures 2020, which details the County’s Subdivision and Condominium approval process
- Final or Phase Approval of a Plan of Subdivision or Condominium - Information to Applicants and Application 2020, which details Phase 2 of the Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium process related to Registration
- Site Plan (Sketch) Requirements 2020, which provides guidance on what details need to be included on the plan submitted as part of the application
- Application Fees - Effective March 5, 2020, which details the Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium Application Fee, as well as other related fees associated with the development of a subdivision or condominium
The County’s Land Use Planning Site also includes guides related to Condominium Exemptions and Conditions of Draft Plan Approval. These specific guides include:
- Condominium Exemption - Information to Applicants and Application 2020
- Major Revision - Change of Conditions to Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium - Information to Applicants 2020
- Minor Revision - Change of Conditions (Extension) to a Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium - Application 2020
- Extension to the Approval of a Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium - Information to Applicants and Application 2020
The above listed documents can be found on the County’s Land Use Planning page under Application Forms, at the following link: Land Use Planning | Bruce County Welcomes You
Contact the County of Bruce Planning Department below to begin the Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium Process:
Planning and Development Department
County of Bruce
30 Park Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Phone: 519-881-1782
Email: bcplwa@brucecounty.on.ca
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| Part Lot Control Exemption |
After a plan of subdivision is registered, the County uses “Part Lot Control” to regulate further division of lots or blocks within that subdivision. The County must approve the transfer or sale of part of a lot within in a registered plan of subdivision.
| When is Part Lot Control Exemption Required? |
| The most common reason to apply for a Part Lot Control exemption is to allow semi-detached and townhouse lots once the buildings are under construction and unit-demising foundations or party walls are in place.
Property owners can also apply for a Part Lot Control exemption to:
- divide land into smaller parcels
- change lot lines
- create part lots from whole lots for semi-detached or on-street townhouse units
- correct title
- create an easement or
- create industrial or commercial lots
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| What is the process for Part Lot Exemption? |
| A Part Lot Control process described here takes approximately Two (2) months. The timeframe will vary for complicated applications. |
| Where can I find more information? |
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To find out more information about the Land Severance (consent) application process, please visit the County of Bruce Land Use Planning Site. Here you can find the following:
- Form One – Application 2020, which is the Land Severance (consent) Application Form
- Form Two – Information to Applicants – Consent (Severance) 2020, which is the County’s guide for Land Severances (Consents).
- Site Plan (Sketch) Requirements 2020, which provides guidance on what details need to be included on the sketch or plan submitted as part of the application
- Application Fees - Effective March 5, 2020, which details the Land Severance (Consent) Application Fee
The application form and guide can be found on the County’s Land Use Planning page under Application Forms, at the following link: Land Use Planning | Bruce County Welcomes You
Contact the County of Bruce Planning Department below to begin the Land Severance (consent) Process:
Planning and Development Department
County of Bruce
30 Park Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Phone: 519-881-1782
Email: bcplwa@brucecounty.on.ca
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| Application Help |
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Unsure of what applications are required to complete your project? Connect with the appropriate staff members below to assist you.
Dieter Weltz
Building and Planning Manager/Chief Building Official
Municipality of Brockton, P.O. Box 68, 100 Scott Street, Walkerton, ON NOG 2VO
Phone: 519-881-2223 Ext.127
Toll Free: 1-877-885-8084
Fax: 519-881-2991
Email Dieter Weltz
Dominic Paquette
Building Inspector/Property Standards Officer
Municipality of Brockton, P.O. Box 68, 100 Scott Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Phone: 519-881-2223 Ext. 130
Toll Free: 1-877-885-8084
Fax: 519-881-2991
Email Dominic Paquette
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Additional Resources
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Site Sketch Requirements
General Terms of References for Accompanying Studies
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