Planning and Development

The Planning Services department co-ordinates land use initiatives across the County of Essex with the goal of making it a great place to live.

This planning involves “the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities, and services with a view to securing the physical, economic, and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities,” as set out by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

The County’s Manager of Planning Services is the approval authority for official plans, official plan amendments, plans of subdivision, plans of condominium and part lot control exemptions. The County is typically not engaged in the local municipal planning process except as a commenting agency. However, it does provide planning resources and guidance when needed.

Four main planning documents determine how each of the seven municipalities in Essex County is developed. The role of planners is to ensure that every development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, conforms to the County and local official plan, and complies with the zoning by-law.

Provincial Policy Statement

The Provincial Policy Statement provides direction on key land use planning issues that affect communities, such as efficient use and management of land and infrastructure.

County of Essex Official Plan

The County of Essex Official Plan consists of goals, objectives and policies to guide development and meet the physical, social and economic needs of the communities within the County.

It facilitates co-ordination and co-operation among the local municipalities and the County on planning and development issues that transcend municipal boundaries. It also provides guidance to the local municipalities in the preparation of local official plans and zoning by-laws.

Local (municipal) official plan

The local official plan provides specific and detailed strategies and policies for land use planning in a particular community with regard to housing, employment, resources, services, transportation and recreation. Each of the seven Essex County municipalities has a local official plan.

Zoning by-law

Municipal zoning by-laws control the use of land by stating things such as:

• The permitted uses on a property, such as whether it is residential or commercial.
• The types of buildings that are permitted, such as a semi-detached dwelling or an apartment building.
• Where buildings and other structures can be located. These include setbacks to property lines and maximum building height.
• Minimum lot sizes and dimensions.
• Parking requirements and the location of driveways.

Planning resources

The Province has prepared a citizen’s guide to land use planning in Ontario that explains the rules and processes municipalities follow. It covers the following:

• The Planning Act
• Official plans
• Zoning bylaws
• Subdivisions
• Land severances
• Ontario Land Tribunal
• Northern Ontario
• Building permits
• The plan review and approval process

Ready to make an application?

If you are familiar with the municipal planning process and prepared to make an application, go to our Planning Applications page.

Have questions? Contact our planning staff

County of Essex
Attn: Planning Services
360 Fairview Ave W,
Essex, ON
N8M 1Y6

Rebecca Belanger, MCIP, RPP
Manager of Planning Services
rbelanger@countyofessex.ca
519-776-6441, ext. 1325

Daryan Branch, MCIP, RPP 
Senior Planner
dbranch@countyofessex.ca
519-776-6441, ext. 1329