Please contact Planning Staff to discuss County Official Plan Amendments using the contact information at the bottom of this page.
Planning Services
Land use planning ensures a balanced approach to growth management, protecting our natural and cultural heritage while encouraging development that respects our unique character and sense of place.
The Planning Services Department of the Public Works Division provides professional land use planning advice to Council, staff, member municipalities, and the public.
Core Responsibilities
- Official Plans: Implementing and updating the Official Plan for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, processing amendments, and approving local Official Plans and their amendments
- Development Approvals: Approving plans of subdivision, plans of condominium, and part lot control applications.
- Authority Administration: Administering the Consent Granting Authority (Land Division).
- Studies & Strategy: Conducting special studies in support of the Counties Official Plan (such as Population and Employment Lands Studies) and conducting regional studies like a Natural Heritage Strategy.
- Regional & Legal Participation: Participating in external regional planning initiatives and providing expert testimony before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
💡 Before You Apply
Pre-consultation is highly encouraged before making any applications to the United Counties. This ensures a smoother, more efficient review process for your project.
Counties Official Plan Amendments
Local Official Plan Amendments
Pre-Consultation
Pre-consult with the Counties and the local municipality. Arrange this through your local municipal office or by using the contact information at the bottom of this page.
Local Filing
File your amendment application with your local municipality. If supported at the local level, it requires approval from the Counties.
Application Access
Click here to obtain the application for approval of a local official plan amendment (to be completed after adoption by local Council).
Application Fee
For privately initiated local official plan amendments, the application fee to the County is $1,000.
- Payment Methods: Cheque payable to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, or credit card by contacting staff at 613-342-3840, Ext. 2422.
Not all lands are suitable or equally suitable for development, and sites carry unique development considerations. Because of this, pre-consultation with relevant staff early in the process is strongly recommended.
Resources & Downloads:
Why Pre-Consult?
Pre-consultation improves application quality before plans are finalized. This saves applicants time and costs, minimizes the need for multiple rounds of revisions, prevents unexpected study requests, and avoids detailed redesigns after submission.
Key Benefits
- Coordinated Agency Input: Input brought together from the County, the municipality, the conservation authority, and other potentially applicable commenting bodies.
- Design Optimization: Early suggestions for improving and refining the project design and layout
- .Policy Alignment: Early identification of policy considerations and constraint resolutions.
- Submission Clarity: A clear, complete understanding of application requirements.
Get Started!
To arrange a pre-consultation meeting or seek assistance with the approval process, please contact Elaine Mallory, Planner II (Tel: 613-342-3840, Ext. 2422 or Email staff).
- Step 1: Pre-Consultation: We strongly encourage you to pre-consult with the Counties and your local municipality before applying. Arrange this through your local municipal office or via the contact info below.
- Process Resources: Application to Lift Part Lot Control  | Process Flow Chart Part Lot Control
- County Application Fee: $600.00 per by-law (usually only one by-law is required).
- Payment Methods: Cheque payable to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, or credit card by calling 613-342-3840, Ext. 2422.
- Local Municipal Fees: Additional local fees apply. Payment can accompany your County application (via cheque), or you can submit receipts from a direct payment to the applicable lower-tier municipality.
This includes:
- Leeds and the Thousand Islands: $340.00 + $50.00 per lot
- North Grenville: $600.00
Explore the foundational planning studies driving regional growth management and resource protection:
- Aggregate Resources Master Plan (ARMP)
- Agriculture Area Review (AAR)
- Growth Management Study (GMS)
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