Planning and Development

Planning and development in Leeds Grenville is a shared responsibility between the United Counties and its member municipalities. This coordinated approach ensures that growth is well-managed, infrastructure is aligned, and development supports long-term economic priorities.

The United Counties provide the policy and strategic framework that guides how land is used across the region. Local municipalities are responsible for implementing that framework through zoning, approvals, and permitting.

Understanding how these roles work together will help you move through the development process more efficiently.

Planning responsibilities are divided between the County and local municipalities.

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Planning Services (Upper-Tier):

Official Plan (long-term land use policy)
Approving Plans of Subdivision and Condominiums
Administering the Consent Granting Authority (Land Division/Severances)
Conducting special studies in support of the Counties Official Plan (population and Employment Lands Studies

Local Municipalities (Lower-Tier):

Zoning by-laws
Development applications (e.g., site plan, severance, minor variance)
Building permits and inspections
Development Charges

In Ontario, municipalities have the authority to institute development charges when new homes, businesses, or other buildings are built. These charges help pay for the services and infrastructure needed to support growth—things like roads, water and sewer systems, fire services, parks, and recreation facilities. The idea is that “growth pays for growth,” meaning the cost of new development is not put on existing taxpayers. There are no development charges at the Counties level. Individual municipalities determine development charges, if any.

Please check with your municipality directly for information on local development charges.

Lot creation by consent to sever is one of the more important functions of the United Counties by creating new home lots and farms across the landscape of Leeds Grenville. The Consent Granting Authority processes between 100 and 160 applications per year. The separated municipalities of Brockville, Gananoque and Prescott have their own Land Division Committees and all enquiries and applications within their jurisdiction should be addressed directly to them.

Please refer to the Planning Services or Consent Granting Authority pages for additional information.

Zoning is a local municipal tool that regulates how land can be used and what can be built on a property. Zoning by-laws set out permitted uses such as residential, commercial, or industrial, along with requirements like building size, height, setbacks, and parking. Together, these rules ensure that development aligns with the community’s broader planning framework and long-term land use goals.

Please check with your municipality directly for information on zoning.

Planning and Development

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