Mark Touw Planner mark.touw@ibigroup.com

Peter Yee Chief Building Official Andrew McGillivary Building Inspector Marcel A. Lavigne Building Inspector

Amanda Werner-Mackeler Administrative Assistant amanda@townshipleeds.on.ca

Ashley MacPherson Administrative Assistant ashley@townshipleeds.on.ca

 

Contact Information Telephone: 613-659-2415 Toll Free: 1-866-220-2327 Fax: 1-613-659-3619

Mailing Address 1233 Prince ST. PO Box 280 Lansdowne, ON  K0E 1L0

Planning and Development Department

 What is land use planning?

 Land use planning is a means of ensuring that land and resources are managed and that growth occurs in a manner that the community envisions. Planning guides development while protecting against negative impacts. The Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw are tools that the Township uses on a daily basis to implement its land use planning goals 

Planning is the primary focus, but economic development and the building department fall under its jurisdiction.

 

Planning involves many aspects, including:

• involving the public in planning issues;
• providing leadership and expert advice for controlled community development;
• preparing and maintaining the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw;
• coordinating the provision of municipal services in subdivisions;
• conducting studies for policy development by Township Council;
• drafting recommendations for consideration by Township Council;
• responding to applications for Official Plan or Zoning Bylaw amendments;
• preparing reports for applications for minor variances by the Committee of Adjustment;
• advising ratepayers on planning-related issues;
• advising Council at public meetings relating to planning issues;
• offering professional guidance to the committee of adjustment.

What follows are brief explanations of some common planning issues. Discussions about Official Plan or Zoning Bylaw changes are more complicated. The Township Planner is available for discussion of all planning issues.

 

What is an Official Plan?

 

Every municipality has an Official Plan. It reflects provisions of the provincial planning act and the municipality’s values concerning land development. The Official Plan is implemented through a Zoning Bylaw.

 

Click here to download the Official Plan.

Click here to download an Official Plan Amendment Application Form.

 

What is a Zoning Bylaw?

 

Every municipality also has a Zoning By-Law. This is the legal framework of the Official Plan. Together, these documents define how a municipality grows and develops. They are living documents that may be updated to reflect contemporary values.

  

To view Zoning By-Law 07-079 click here.

 

The following are the Schedules to Zoning By-Law 07-079.

 

Schedule A - Ward 1

Schedule B - Ward 1 - Shoreline

Schedule C - Ward 2

Schedule D - Ward 3

Schedule E - Ward 3 - Shoreline

Schedule F - Lansdowne, Maple Grove, Outlet

Schedule G - Lyndhurst, Seeley's Bay

 

Click here for a Zoning By-Law Amendment Application Form.

 

What is a Severance?

 

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Land Division Committee, controls land division through a severance process. Once a severance application is received, a public hearing is scheduled. Property owners within 60 metres (200 feet) of the property are notified. The application is circulated to the municipality and provincial agencies for comments. Click here to visit the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Land Division website.

 

What is a Minor Variance?

 

The Township’s Committee of Adjustment may grant minor variances to provide relief to property owners from Zoning Bylaw requirements they may be unable to comply with. Property owners are encouraged to discuss their applications for a minor variance with the planner before completing the appropriate application. Applicants are encouraged to include photographs as well as the appropriate drawings and plans as part of their submission to help the Committee reach a decision. Click here to download a copy of the minor variance application form.

 

What are Site Plans?

 

A site plan control agreement is created between a property owner and the Township prior to development taking place on a property. It is registered on the property title and describes how a property may be developed. Generally, site plan approval is required for more complex development and not for most single residential or agricultural buildings. The Township Planner can advise whether your plans may require site plan approval. Click here to download a Site Plan Control Application Form.

 

Economic Development

 

To view the Economic Development Strategic Plan please click here.

 

 

Building Department

A permit is required to Building Department build or demolish within the Township. An approved permit is formal permission to begin construction or demolition. It represents Township approval that your plans meet the provisions of the Ontario Building Code, zoning by-laws and other regulations. Please consult Township staff to discuss necessary approvals before constructing or demolishing.

 

The Ontario Building Code is a regulation governing all aspects of construction. It sets out standards and regulates design, construction or remodelling. This protects the occupants by guiding architects, engineers, contractors and builders in materials selection and quality of design and construction. The building code ensures a consistency in quality for all structures. The Province of Ontario is responsible for the code; however, each municipality enforces it.

 

The Building Inspector’s primary role is to ensure conformance with the building code and other applicable law through regular site inspections. The Inspector identifies deficiencies and requires corrective action. Builders are reminded that they are obliged by the building code to arrange site inspections at prescribed stages of construction.

 

The goal of the building department is ensure compliance. 

 

Click here for a copy of the building permit application form or here for the guidelines.

 

Sewage System Reinspection Program

 

In 2009, the Municipality, in conjunction with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, initiated the Sewage System Re-inspection Program. For 2009, the following areas were chosen to participate: Gananaque Lake, Lost Bay Lake, Long (Fodey) Lake, Killenbeck Lake and Higley Lake areas. To view a copy of the by-law click here.