Planning Certificates for Building Permit Applications

Beginning November 1, 2024, you will need a planning compliance certificate for your construction project when you apply for a building permit.

The planning compliance certificate confirms that your site plan and building plans comply with the Township’s Zoning By-law, as well as other planning instruments, such as requirements from development and site plan agreements, MDS requirements, and lot grading and drainage plans. 

A planning compliance certificate is not needed if you are proposing a temporary tent for an event, installing solar panels, replacing an existing sewage system, demolishing a structure, or installing a solid-fuel burning appliance (ie: fireplace, woodstove).

You can apply for a certificate when you submit your complete building permit application package.  The fee of $110 is collected upfront, and Planning Services will then review the project. 

Not ready to apply for a building permit?  You can still get a head-start on the zoning review.  Fill out the Application for Planning Compliance Certificate and forward it along with the required documents to Planning Services. The fee can be paid in person, by mail or on-line.

If the project does not comply, we will explain what changes or additional approvals are needed for it to become compliant.

A copy of the certificate will be sent to you and the Building Inspector if the project complies with the Zoning By-law and any agreements that apply to your property (for example, a development agreement or subdivision agreement).  The certificate is valid for 12 months.

A planning compliance certificate is not a building permit. Construction projects still need to be reviewed and approved under the Ontario Building Code.