Land Use Planning
Huron County Official Plan
The Planning Act requires all counties and municipalities in Ontario to adopt an official plan that is regularly reviewed to make sure that it remains current. Planning documents and decisions on planning applications must be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2024.
The Official Plan describes County Council’s policies on how land in our communities should be used.
An official plan deals mainly with issues such as:
- locations for new housing, industry, offices and shops;
- what services like roads, water mains, sewers, parks and schools will be needed;
- when and in what order parts of your community will grow; and
- protection of agricultural, mineral and environmental resources.
Official Plans and zoning by-laws for a specific municipality in Huron County can be reviewed by contacting the local municipal office. These legal documents:
- inform the public about the municipality’s general land use planning policies;
- make sure that growth is coordinated and meets community needs;
- help all members of the community understand how their land can be used now and in the future;
- help decide where roads, watermains, sewers, garbage dumps, parks and other services will go;
- provide a framework for setting local regulations and standards, like the size of lots and height of buildings;
- provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting lands uses while meeting local and provincial interests; and
- show Council’s commitment to the planned growth of the community.
The municipalities of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Bluewater, Central Huron, Howick, Huron East, Morris-Turnberry, North Huron, South Huron and Town of Goderich have copies of their official plan and by-laws available online.
Planning Applications
The County of Huron and its nine local municipalities use a cloud-based web application called Cloudpermit to handle all planning-related tasks and applications. This system makes the planning and development process digital and will eventually help us become completely paperless. With Cloudpermit, we can:
- Accept, review, and approve planning applications
- Keep communication in one place
- Circulate planning applications internally and externally
- Use maps integrated with GIS
To begin, you will need to create a Cloudpermit account. Once registered, you can submit applications and track their progress digitally, from anywhere in the world.
Cloudpermit How-to and Support Material
Learn how to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user, or check Cloudpermit Support for a quick tutorial on the basics. These support documents may also help you navigate the system:
- What are the Planning application process phases and steps?
- How to start creating your planning approval application
- More support options
Need additional assistance or a PDF copy of an application form? Contact your local municipal office or the Huron County Planning & Development Department.
Appeal Information
The Planning Act is available online: Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13 (ontario.ca)
The Ontario Land Tribunal website is: https://olt.gov.on.ca/
For Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision and Condominium, Minor Variances, and Consents, members of the public no longer have the right to appeal the decision. Only the applicant, the property owner, the local municipality, a public body, a specified person under the Planning Act as outlined below, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may appeal these decisions.
The prescribed list of ‘specified persons’ is as follows:
(a) a corporation operating an electric utility in the local municipality or planning area to which the relevant planning matter would apply;
(b) Ontario Power Generation Inc.;
(c) Hydro One Inc.;
(d) a company operating a natural gas utility in the local municipality or planning area to which the relevant planning matter would apply;
(e) a company operating an oil or natural gas pipeline in the local municipality or planning area to which the relevant planning matter would apply;
(f) a person required to prepare a risk and safety management plan in respect of an operation under Ontario Regulation 211/01 (Propane Storage and Handling) made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, if any part of the distance established as the hazard distance applicable to the operation and referenced in the risk and safety management plan is within the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply;
(g) a company operating a railway line any part of which is located within 300 metres of any part of the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply; or
(h) a company operating as a telecommunication infrastructure provider in the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply.
(i) NAV Canada,
(j) the owner or operator of an airport as defined in subsection 3 (1) of the Aeronautics Act (Canada) if a zoning regulation under section 5.4 of that Act has been made with respect to lands adjacent to or in the vicinity of the airport and if any part of those lands is within the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply,
(k) a licensee or permittee in respect of a site, as those terms are defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Aggregate Resources Act, if any part of the site is within 300 metres of any part of the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply,
(l) the holder of an environmental compliance approval to engage in an activity mentioned in subsection 9 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act if any of the lands on which the activity is undertaken are within an area of employment and are within 300 metres of any part of the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply, but only if the holder of the approval intends to appeal the relevant decision or conditions, as the case may be, on the basis of inconsistency with land use compatibility policies in any policy statements issued under section 3 of this Act,
(m) a person who has registered an activity on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry that would, but for being prescribed for the purposes of subsection 20.21 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act, require an environmental compliance approval in accordance with subsection 9 (1) of that Act if any of the lands on which the activity is undertaken are within an area of employment and are within 300 metres of any part of the area to which the relevant planning matter would apply, but only if the person intends to appeal the relevant decision or conditions, as the case may be, on the basis of inconsistency with land use compatibility policies in any policy statements issued under section 3 of this Act, or
(n) the owner of any land described in clause (k), (l) or (m);
Only individuals, corporations or public bodies may appeal a decision of the approval authority to the Ontario Land Tribunal. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.
No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Land Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.
Planning Application Fees
Planning Applications include Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Minor Variances, Subdivisions/Condominiums and Consents (Severances).
Other types of planning applications include removal of Holding (H) symbol, renewal of Temporary Use Zoning By-law, Deeming By-law, Part Lot Control Exemption, Agreements and Draft Approval Extension.
Planning applications must be submitted through Cloudpermit. If you require alternative formats please contact the Planning & Development office or your local municipal office.
The following fee schedules were approved by County Council.
Type of Application |
Total Fee Effective
January 1, 2025 |
Official Plan Amendment (OPA), Local OPA, County OPA | $6,120 |
Official Plan Amendment (OPA), Local OPA, County OPA – New or expanding aggregate operation |
$12,240 |
Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBLA) | $4,080 |
Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBLA) -New or expanding aggregate operation if no OPA is required |
$10,200 |
Minor Variance (1 variance) | $2,550 |
Minor Variance (2 variances) | $3,320 |
Minor Variance (3 or more variances) | $4080 |
Consent-Technical (e.g. lot additions, easements, ROW’s, Validation Certificates, re-creation of original lots, etc.) | $3,060 |
Consent-New Lot Creation (e.sg. new lots, surplus farm severance) |
$4,590 Base fee includes one severed and one retained – add $2,550 for each additional lot created. |
Retained Land Certificate | $510 |
Cancellation Certificate | $510 |
Change of Consent Condition or Change of Consent Endorsement Certificate | $510 |
Plan of Subdivision/Condominium
Lots/Blocks/Units over 10 |
$10,200
add $200 per lot/unit/block |
Draft approval extension – First extension
-Any subsequent extension |
$2,550
$5,100 |
Phasing, Final Approval* | $3,060 per final approval/phase* |
Changes to a Draft Approval Plan or Conditions* | $2,040 |
*Note: Where Final Approval, Phasing or Changes to draft plan conditions result in the creation of additional lots/blocks/units, an additional fee of $200/lot/block/unit shall apply. | add $200 per lot/block/unit |
Removal of Holding (H) Symbol | $1,020 |
Renewal of Temporary Use Zoning By-law | $3,060 |
By-law to Deem lots not in a Plan of Subdivision, or the repeal of such By-law *
*Applicants cover all legal costs & by-law prep |
$1,020
|
Part Lot Control *
additional conveyable Parts over 2
|
$3,060
add $200 per additional conveyable Part over 2
|
Application Re-circulation fee (resulting from a change/meeting cancellation requested by the applicant) | $510 |
Site Plan Control | Variable |
Agreements: subdivision, condominium, development, lot grading & drainage (Costs to be reimbursed for legal and engineering). | Variable-Cost recovery |
Natural Heritage Review by County Biologist (if development is proposed within 120m of a Natural Heritage feature): comments on planning application
Review terms of reference and EIS |
$510 for comments on planning application
$60/hour billed for review of Terms of Reference and EIS |
Note: On January 1st each year (starting January 1st, 2025), planning fees will be increased on a percentage basis rounded up or down to the nearest ten-dollar increment consistent with the Statistics Canada Consumer Price Index for Ontario for the previous calendar year (October to October), if the index shows an increase. |
Consent (Severance)
A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form two new adjoining properties. This is commonly known as a severance but more formally it’s called a consent. A consent may also be required for lot additions, boundary adjustments, easements, right-of-ways, validation certificates, or the re-creation of original lots.
Local municipal official plans contain specific land division policies. The approval process for an application depends on whether the property is in Goderich or the rest of Huron County. In both situations, applications are submitted using the Cloudpermit system using the link on this page.
For all severance applications in Huron County except Goderich, who approves the application depends on whether it is considered “disputed” or “undisputed.” Undisputed applications are approved by Huron County’s Planning Director or their alternate and meet three requirements:
- are recommended for approval by the local municipality,
- have no unresolved concerns/objections from the public or agencies, and
- conform with the planning documents (such as the Provincial Policy Statement and official plans).
Disputed applications are those that don’t satisfy all of the above requirements. Decisions on disputed applications are made by Huron County Council.
The Town of Goderich has a different application process. For details on the Town’s application process, contact their Clerk.
Minor Variance
If your proposal does not comply exactly to the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you may want to locate something on your property but the shape of your lot won’t let you meet the minimum setback distance.
Local municipalities have approval authority for Minor Variances. To find out whether your proposed change can be considered as a minor variance, you should contact the Planning and Development Department or your local municipal office.
Official Plan Amendment
If you want to use your property or develop it in a way that conflicts with the County and/or local municipal Official Plans, you will need an Official Plan amendment. The Official Plan Amendment application may request to create or change a policy or land use designation in the Official Plan. In this case, contact the Planning and Development Department as early as possible to discuss your needs. Our staff will work with you and advise if the change is possible, what problems you might encounter and how you should apply.
The County of Huron is the approval authority for Official Plan Amendments.
There is an application form that must be completed with all of the required information. Consulting with the Planner and providing complete information with the application will help to avoid delays during the review.
Other Planning Applications
For the following types of planning applications, please use the form found under “Resources” at the bottom of this page.
- By-law to deem lots not in a Plan of Subdivision, or the repeal of such by-law
- Exemption from Part Lot Control
- Draft Plan Approval Extension of Subdivision/Condominium
- Agreements – site plan control, subdivision, condominium, development, lot grading and drainage
Subdivisions and Condominium
Subdivsion
A Plan of Subdivision application is used for dividing land into multiple parcels that can be sold separately. Plan of Subdivision applications are often required to create multiple lots or if the proposal involves the creation of a municipal street.
To subdivide land within Huron County, you need approval of a plan of subdivision from the Council of the County of Huron.
Subdivision approval ensures that:
- the land is suitable for its proposed new use;
- the proposal conforms to the local official plan and provincial legislation; and
- communities are protected from developments that are inappropriate or may put undue strain on community facilities, services or finances.
A registered plan of subdivision creates new, separate parcels of land and can be legally used for the sale of lots.
Condominium
A condominium plan is like a plan of subdivision in that it is a way of dividing property. Similarly, condominiums must be approved by Council of the County of Huron. Condominiums are a form of property ownership in that title to a unit is held by an individual together with a share of the rest of the property, which is common to all owners.
Under Section 50(3) of the Condominium Act, an application for approval of a condominium is to follow the same planning approval process as subdivisions.
Zoning By-Law Amendments
If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not permitted by the Zoning By-law, you may have to apply for a zoning change, which is also known as a Zoning By-law amendment or a rezoning. A zoning By-law Amendment application may also be submitted to request a temporary use by-law, or to apply for removal of a holding symbol. If a proposed re-zoning does not conform to the Official Plan, an Official Plan Amendment application may also be required.
Local municipalities have approval authority for Zoning By-law amendments.
Contact the Planning and Development Department or your local municipal office for advice and information before you apply for rezoning.
Planning Projects
Aggregates Strategy
The County, in the development of its official plan, has identified sand and gravel as important resources, which is demonstrated by the large number of gravel pits currently operating here. Since these resources are non-renewable, proper conservation and management is essential.
Sand and gravel are the most common type of aggregate or non-renewable resources available in Huron County. Aggregates are used in the construction of buildings, roads, highways and bridges as well as in the production of glass, paint, plastics, paper, fertilizers, steel and pharmaceuticals.
In 2004, Huron County initiated a process to develop a strategy for aggregate extraction; balancing both protection of aggregate resources and other land-use features in the County. This strategy helps meet environmental, economic and social objectives.
Public information meetings were held in 2005 to provide opportunities for public awareness and input. During these public meetings, it was made widely known that the County of Huron was conducting this study in order to:
- plan now to ensure aggregate will be available to meet future demand;
- protect mineral aggregate resources for long-term use;
- determine which aggregate resources should be protected, while minimizing social conflict and environmental harm; and
- recommend detailed policies and management directions that could be incorporated into local official plans.
Below are a series of maps that show the location of the aggregate deposits in Huron County. Reading the Executive Summary in conjunction with viewing the map will assist in understanding the categories used in the mapping.
County Aggregate Maps
For additional information about the Aggregate Strategy please contact the Huron County Planning and Development Department.
Employment Lands Strategy, 2015
The County of Huron retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. in late 2014 to prepare an Employment Lands Strategy for Huron County to guide decisions and projects in Employment Areas (i.e. industrial areas) across the County.
The primary objective of the Strategy is to provide a long-term vision for the County to ensure that its area municipalities continue to develop in a competitive and sustainable manner which is well balanced between future population and employment growth. Fundamental to this objective is an adequate supply and market choice of industrial lands within well-defined designated industrial areas located throughout the County to accommodate demand over the next 20 years and beyond.
Groundwater Study
The County of Huron recognizes the importance of protecting the quality and quantity of groundwater to continue safe drinking water supplies and maintain ecosystem functions.
The Planning and Development Department has conducted a county-wide Groundwater Study identifying the location and character of aquifers and capture zones for municipal wells.
Selected facts about the water supplies throughout Huron County that were identified
during this examination include:
- For the County’s 60,000 permanent residents and up to 10,000 seasonal residents, water is provided as follows:
Approx. % of Population | |
---|---|
Municipal Wells | 30% |
Private Wells | 45% |
Lake Huron | 25% |
- Huron County has three main sources of drinking water:
- Water in bedrock (Northern 2/3 of the County)
- Water in the overburden (Southern 1/3 of the County)
- Surface water (Goderich and south along the lakeshore,
parts of Bayfield, and areas in South Huron)
- There are 34 municipal wells within the County of Huron and over 6,000 private wells
- Groundwater crosses County boundaries, especially deeper bedrock aquifers extending beyond the County limits
- Groundwater and surface water are inter-connected; efforts to protect one will benefit the other
- Protecting groundwater involves the public, groups, agencies and municipalities; no one single group can successfully address water protection
Additional information may be found in The Groundwater Study Summary prepared June 2001 by the Planning and Development Department.
Information regarding the implementation of the Groundwater Study and suggested protection measures for County, local municipalities and partner agencies is also available.
Growth Plan Best Practices Guide
The purpose of the Growth Planning Best Practices Guide is to serve as a resource of concepts and best practices related to planning for growth across Huron County. The Guide will be used by local municipalities and the County to proactively address infrastructure, studies and financial considerations related to growth (e.g. expansions to infrastructure, road and intersection improvements, pedestrian infrastructure, stormwater, etc.). From a development perspective, the Guide will help to ensure that requirements are clearly set out in advance so that developers are aware of the requirements of municipalities and approval agencies early in the process.
Huron County Cycling Strategy
The County of Huron has developed a strategy intended to improve cycling safety and enjoyment in our region.
A strategy has been created by the Huron County Cycling Strategy Committee, which includes stakeholders from the cycling, health, municipal, police, tourism and transportation sectors.
Working with the Share the Road Cycling Coalition – a leader in promoting bicycle friendly communities, the committee hosted two public workshops in May of 2016 to discuss education and awareness initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and best practices adopted in other areas of Ontario. The resulting Huron County Cycling Strategy recommends a number of actions and an implementation plan that will make our communities more bicycle friendly within the next 5 years.
Huron County Natural Environment Update
The Huron County countryside supports a variety of land use activities, with agriculture being prominent. Natural areas provide important services that help make Huron County a productive area for farming and a great place to live. Forests prevent soil erosion, wetlands filter our water.
The Natural Environment Update, which began as the Natural Heritage Plan (NHP), is a summary of Huron’s current approach to natural environment planning and contains suggestions for consideration at the time of local Official Plan and Zoning By-law updates. A supporting document, known as the Technical Document, defines what features are considered significant ecologically and maps these areas.
The Natural Environment Update was approved in principle in August 2019, and the document and mapping will be used to help make informed decisions when planning for the natural environment into the future. Implementation will occur at the local level at the time of a Five Year Review of an Official Plan and Zoning By-law update. A more detailed review and further public consultation under the Planning Act is required before any changes are made.
You can download the final Natural Environment Update document and the Technical Document below:
- Natural Environment Update for Huron County
- Technical Document – Natural Environment Update for Huron County
Water Protection: Huron Clean Water Project
The Huron Clean Water Project (HCWP) provides financial and technical assistance to Huron County residents to improve and protect water quality in Huron County. It is funded by the County of Huron and service delivery is provided by Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley conservation authorities.
- Clean Water Projects help protect the health of soil, water, and people.
- Clean Water Projects help keep bacteria, chemicals, and nutrients out of creeks, rivers, and Lake Huron.
- Clean Water Projects help to protect the water underground in aquifers.
- Groundwater is the source of water for private wells and municipal wells for many of our homes, farms, villages and towns, and businesses.
- Funding from the County of Huron is combined with other cost-share programs and landowner contributions and used to protect water quality on Huron County farms and rural properties.
- The total value of past projects completed is more than $16.3 million. That’s good for the environment and the economy!
Population and Housing Projections
Huron County retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. in 2023 to undertake an assessment of the County’s long-term residential development potential to the year 2051. Huron County has undertaken this work to reassess its long-term growth outlook due to the recent population, housing, and employment growth pressures that have been experienced across the County.
This report is foundational to Official Plan updates at the County and local level and will inform further technical analysis and decision making regarding the necessary infrastructure requirements and social services that will be required to accommodate relatively stronger levels of anticipated development across the County over the long term.
Planning Guides and Resources
Additional Residential Units Guide
Additional residential units go by many names. They used to be called granny flats or in-law suites. Sometimes, people refer to them by where they are, such as basement, laneway, or backyard apartments. Until recently the Province of Ontario referred to them as Secondary Dwelling Units, as one additional unit could be added to the main unit on a property. Now, with increasing pressure on housing affordability and supply across Ontario and here in Huron County, both the Province and local municipalities are considering permitting more than one additional unit for each main residence; thus, additional residential units.
Growth Plan Best Practices Guide
The purpose of the Growth Planning Best Practices Guide is to serve as a resource of concepts and best practices related to planning for growth across Huron County. The Guide will be used by local municipalities and the County to proactively address infrastructure, studies and financial considerations related to growth (e.g. expansions to infrastructure, road and intersection improvements, pedestrian infrastructure, stormwater, etc.). From a development perspective, the Guide will help to ensure that requirements are clearly set out in advance so that developers are aware of the requirements of municipalities and approval agencies early in the process.
Guide to Consent (Severance)
A land severance is the authorized separation of one portion from the rest of a piece of land, to form two or more adjoining properties. This is commonly known as a land severance but is formally called a consent. Making changes to existing properties through rights-of-way, long term leases, easements, or boundary adjustments may also require a severance approval.
Guide to Minor Variances
If a proposed use or structure does not comply with the provisions of the Zoning By-law, but follows its general intent, the owner may apply for a Minor Variance. It allows the owner to vary from a specific requirement of the By-law. A Zoning By-law amendment may be required if the relief from the Zoning By-law is not considered “minor”.
Guide to Surplus Farm Residence Severances
The Huron County Official Plan sets out criteria to be eligible to sever a surplus farm residence. The criteria of the local municipal official plan must also be met.
Guide to the Official Plan Amendment
If a proposed use or structure on a property does not meet the requirements of the Official Plan, the owner may apply for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA). In some cases, a combined Zoning By-law Amendment may also be required.
Guide to the Zoning By-Law Amendment Process
If a proposed use or structure on a property does not meet the requirements of the Zoning By-law, the owner may apply for a
Zoning By-law amendment, also known as a ‘rezoning’. A proposed zoning change must conform to the Official Plan, or an Official Plan amendment may also be required.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Citizen's Guide to Land-Use Planning
Learn about the rules and processes municipalities follow for community development and growth in Ontario.
Citizen’s Guide to Land Use Planning
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 Act, Aggregate Resources Act, Heritage Act, Municipal Act, Development 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.
Ontario Planning Act
Read the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13
Planning Procedures Manual
Learn about the administrative procedures for Planning Applications.
Population and Housing Projections
Huron County retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. in 2023 to undertake an assessment of the County’s long-term residential development potential to the year 2051. Huron County has undertaken this work to reassess its long-term growth outlook due to the recent population, housing, and employment growth pressures that have been experienced across the County.
This report is foundational to Official Plan updates at the County and local level and will inform further technical analysis and decision making regarding the necessary infrastructure requirements and social services that will be required to accommodate relatively stronger levels of anticipated development across the County over the long term.
Huron County 2023 Population and Housing Projections Study
Provincial Policy Statement
Learn how the Provincial Policy Statement sets the rules for land use planning in Ontario. It covers policies about managing growth, using and managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and public health and safety.
Residential Intensification Guidelines (RIGs)
What are the RIGS?
The Residential Intensification Guidelines (RIGS) is a comprehensive document that was developed as a tool for guiding the design of residential intensification projects in the County. The document applies to all residential intensification projects in the County with an emphasis on multi-unit forms of development. The guidelines also address residential conversions and Additional Residential Units (ARUs). The goal of this document is to help address concerns and compatibility in a comprehensive manner, ensuring that developers understand the goals and expectations of the community and that the community can benefit from increased housing choices.
How will the RIGS be used?
The RIGS are primarily intended to be used by the builder and development community to guide the design of residential developments. The guidelines address a full range of design considerations including site layout, building design, parking, and landscaping. The RIGS will be used by Municipal staff when reviewing development applications. The RIGS are not intended to add time to the development process, rather the RIGS are intended to streamline the process by setting out the design expectations early on and avoiding the back-and-forth between the development community and planning staff. By setting clear design objectives and priorities early in the process, the development community will understand what Staff will be looking for when reviewing applications.
Site Planning Servicing Guide
In conjunction with the local municipalities the County of Huron has established a Site Plan Development Technical Servicing Guide. This Guide will serve as a guide and reference to the the engineering components of the site plan development process such as roads, traffic management, water supply, sewage collection, storm water management, lighting. This guide complements the planning processes which focus on land management, permitted uses and restrictions defined through Official Plan and Zoning by-laws.
It is intended that this technical guide will provide developers, County and municipal staff with more of an understanding of technical expectations and studies that may be required to develop a site as well as a further explanation of procedures, , timelines, and a range of associated costs should be expected.
The Guide has been developed in an effort to provide as much information on the site plan process as possible to potential developers and municipal staff. If you have any questions please contact the municipality that the development will be taking place in and they will be happy to answer them for you.
Huron County Lower-Tier Municipalities Contact information:
Resources:
Site Servicing Development Guide V1
Transportation Impact Assessment and Access Management Guidelines
Urban Design Guide for Traditional Downtowns in Huron County
The purpose of the Urban Design Guide is to encourage future development in the downtowns of Huron County to complement and enhance the existing unique, small-town character of the main streets. This Guide has been developed to apply to all downtowns in Huron County, and its intent is to improve the built environment on the main streets by outlining ways to achieve cohesive urban design that enriches the experience of visitors, passers-by, and residents.
Urban Design Guide for Traditional Downtowns in Huron County
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I go for 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. Planning applications are to be submitted through Cloudpermit . If you require alternative formats please contact the Planning & Development office or your local municipal office. Before submitting an application, you should speak to the Planner responsible for your municipality.
Where can I get a copy of the Huron County Official Plan or local municipal Official Plans?
Copies of the Huron 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, Howick, Huron 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, Howick, Huron East, Morris-Turnberry, North Huron, South Huron and Town of Goderich have made copies of their Zoning By-laws available online.
Contact Planning & Development
County of Huron |
Planning & Development
57 Napier Street, 2nd Floor
Goderich, ON
N7A 1W2
Phone: 519.524.8394, ext 3
Toll Free: 1.888.524.8394, ext 3
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.