Planning Department

The Planning Department reviews all applications with respect to land use, development and building within the city of Brockville. All proposals and applications are checked against the Provincial Policy Statement, the City’s Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and other Planning Policies and Bylaws (such as the Sign Bylaw), to ensure that the project is in line with the City’s plan for growth and development.

The Planning Department provides advice to developers and property owners to ensure that their proposed project will adhere to the Provincial Policy Statement, Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw.

When an application does not meet the conditions of either the Official Plan or the Zoning Bylaw, the applicant may apply for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning Bylaw Amendment, or in some cases a Request for Minor Variance. Planning staff review the application and make a recommendation to Brockville City Council or the Committee of Adjustment, who have ultimate authority to make decisions on applications. Planning staff can help direct you on the best way to proceed with your project.

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Official Plan

The Planning Department is responsible for the City of Brockville Official Plan. The Official Plan is a policy document which sets guidelines for private development as well as municipal infrastructure improvements.

The Official Plan outlines the City’s goals, objectives, and policies primarily used to support growth, economic development, and building Brockville’s future. The plan also establishes a framework for managing the effects of growth on the social, economic, and natural environment of the City.

In accordance with the Planning Act, all of Council’s Bylaws approving development, as well as public works, must conform with the Official Plan.

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Zoning Bylaw

Planning Staff are also responsible for the City of Brockville Zoning Bylaw which divides the entire municipality into land use zones and tells you what type of use will take place in each, in keeping with the Official Plan.

A detailed map of these zones forms an important part of the written bylaw. Within each zone, the bylaw specifies the permitted uses (such high density residential, low density residential, or industrial) and the required standards.

The Zoning Bylaw is a precise document used to regulate the use of land. It states exactly what land uses are currently permitted in the city and provides detailed information such as:

• where buildings or structures may be located;
• types of uses and dwellings permitted;
• standards for lot size, parking requirements, building height, side yard dimensions and setback from the street.

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Minor Variance

A request for minor variance may be considered in regard to the Zoning Bylaw when the proposed scope of work does not meet the conditions set out in the bylaw (for example: setbacks or height restrictions) but where the intent of the Bylaw is still respected.

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Consent to Sever Land

Land Severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form two new properties within the City of Brockville. This is commonly known as a consent, and is required if you want to sell, mortgage or lease a newly created parcel of land. 

Where a consent to sever requires a minor variance, the Committee of Adjustment deals with the application for consent and minor variance concurrently.

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Public Process and Appeal

Different types of planning applications have slightly different processes to move from application to approval. Below you will find a breakdown of steps involved for Official Plan or Zoning Bylaw Amendments, Applications for Minor Variance, and Applications for Consent.

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Economic and Development Services staff are located inside City Hall. To meet with staff inside City Hall, you must first check in at Customer Service, located on your left after you enter through the building’s front doors.