Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go for a land severance (consent)?

The County of Huron is the approval authority for consent applications within Huron County with the exception of lands within Goderich where the Town of Goderich is the approval authority. An electronic copy of the required application form is available online. Paper copies are available at the Huron County Planning and Development Department office in Goderich, or at your local municipal office. Before submitting an application, you should speak to the Planner responsible for your municipality. Completed application forms should be returned, along with the required fee, to the Planning and Development Department office.

What is the process for a consent (severance) application?

Consult with County Planning staff. They will tell you how to apply, what supporting material you must provide, if there are any special land severance requirements set out in the county or municipal official plans and what other permits and approvals may be required.

Where can I get a copy of the County Official Plan or local municipal Official Plans?

Copies of the County Official Plan may be obtained by contacting the Planning and Development Office at 519.524.8394, extension 3, or may be viewed online. Each of the nine local municipalities within the County has its own Official Plan to regulate land use; copies may be viewed by contacting the local municipal office or the Planning and Development Department. The municipalities of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Bluewater, Central Huron, HowickHuron East, Morris-Turnberry, North Huron, South Huron and Town of Goderich have made copies of their Official Plan available online.

What is a Zoning By-law and where can I find the one for my local municipality?

A Zoning By-law controls the use of land in your community. It specifies the permitted uses of land (e.g. commercial or residential) and the required standards (i.e., building size and location) in each municipality’s different land use zones. Each of the nine local municipalities within the County has its own Zoning By-law to regulate land use; copies may be viewed by contacting the local municipal office or the Planning and Development Department. The municipalities of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Bluewater, Central Huron, HowickHuron East, Morris-Turnberry, North Huron, South Huron and Town of Goderich have made copies of their Zoning By-laws available online.

What is the Ontario Land Tribunal?

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)’s planning jurisdiction includes hearing and deciding appeals in relation to a broad range of land use planning and development, heritage conservation and municipal governance. Planning matters that come before the OLT are identified in statutes such as the Planning ActAggregate Resources ActHeritage ActMunicipal ActDevelopment Charges Act and Expropriations Act. These include appeals of official plans, zoning by-laws, subdivision plans, consents and minor variances, land compensations, development charges, electoral ward boundaries, municipal finances, aggregate resources.