Planning and Zoning Departments
An official plan is a legally binding document that guides a municipality's future growth and development by setting policies for land use, infrastructure, and services. It outlines long-term goals and objectives for how land should be used, determining where housing, industry, and shops will be located, and what services like roads, watermains, and parks will be needed. This comprehensive policy framework ensures that development is coordinated, balanced with environmental and social factors, and aligns with community needs.
What an official plan does
- Guides land use: It provides a framework for deciding where different types of development, such as residential, commercial, and industrial areas, can be located.
- Plans for infrastructure: It helps plan for future infrastructure needs, including roads, public transit, water and sewer systems, and parks.
- Manages growth: It determines the timing and order of future growth and development.
- Sets the legal framework: It serves as the basis for creating other local regulations, like zoning by-laws, which set specific rules for land use and building standards.
- Ensures consistency: Once approved, all municipal decisions, public works, and by-laws must conform to the official plan.
- Involves the public: It is created with public input and helps inform the community about the municipality's planning policies.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:
Zoning-or-Official-Plan-Amendment-Application-Updated
Adoption Notice of Official PlanThis link opens in a new window
East Nipissing Official Plan Part 1
East Nipissing Official Plan Part 2
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Mineral Resources Schedule A5This link opens in a new windowThis link opens in a new window
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If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not allowed by the zoning bylaw, you may apply for a zoning change, also known as a zoning bylaw amendment or a rezoning. Council can consider a change only if the new use is allowed by the official plan.
You may not be able to apply for a rezoning if your municipality passed a new comprehensive zoning bylaw within the past two years. Similarly, you may not be able to apply for a change to a community planning permit bylaw within five years of it being passed (see the “Community planning permit bylaw” section below). However, you would be allowed to apply for a change to the zoning bylaw if council passes a resolution to allow the application.
Before you set out to apply for a rezoning, please talk to the Municipality's Planner of Record to determine if your application can be made and for advice and information.
If it is determined that you are able to apply for a rezoning, you must complete an application form which requires information identified by the Ontario Government and the Municipality.
THE MUNICIPALITY'S PLANNER OF RECORD IS TULLOCH ENGINEERING.
Please address all your questions about process for zoning or official plan amendments by email to [email protected].
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:
Schedule D of the Fees and Schedule By-law sets out the costs of consulting with the Planner of Record and submitting Zoning or Official Plan amendment requests.
Zoning-or-Official-Plan-Amendment-Application-Updated
By-Law 2025-11 Fees and Charges (PAGE 6)
Road Use Agreement Report 2024
Notice of Decision of the Approval Authority for Zoning Amendment 2024-67
Thinking About Severing Your Property?
If you are considering severance of your property in Calvin it is likely that you have many questions such as:
- Is my property suitable for severance?
- What is the minimum acreage required for severance?
- How and where do I file an application?
- How much will it cost?
- What do I need to include with the Consent application?
- Will I need a survey?
- How long does the total process take?
- Is there a chance that my application will be denied?
East Nipissing Planning Board
The East Nipissing Planning Board is THE authorized agent delegated this authority by the Minister responsible for Ontario's Planning Act.
This delegation of authority set out in section 1 is subject to the condition that the planning board comply with the rules of procedure contained in Schedule 4 to Ontario Regulation 136/95. O. Reg. 338/98, s. 2.
When reviewing a consent application (land severance), planning boards must evaluate the proposal's merits against key criteria to ensure it aligns with provincial and municipal land use planning goals.
Primary considerations for planning boards include:
Planning Policy and Compatibility
- Consistency with Provincial Policy: The decision must be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and conform to any applicable provincial plans, which outline matters of provincial interest related to land use planning.
- Official Plan Conformity: The application must conform to the local municipality's Official Plan and not conflict with the community's overall future planning goals and policies.
- Zoning By-law Compliance: The proposal needs to comply with local zoning by-laws regarding permitted uses, lot size, and setbacks. Minor variances may be handled through a concurrent application process.
- Compatibility: The proposed new land use should be compatible with neighbouring uses and not negatively impact adjacent properties in terms of privacy, access, or general enjoyment.
Site Suitability and Servicing
- Suitability of the Land: The physical suitability of the land for the proposed purpose, including the size and shape of the resulting lots, is assessed.
- Adequacy of Services: Planning boards consider the adequacy of infrastructure, including:
- Vehicular access and road safety.
- Water supply (municipal or private).
- Sewage disposal systems (municipal or private septic).
- Stormwater management.
- Environmental Considerations: Boards ensure protection from potential hazards, such as flooding, and assess the impact on environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands or wooded areas.
- Conservation: The application's effect on the conservation of natural features is a factor in the review process.
Community and Public Interest
- Public Interest: Planning boards consider if the proposal is in the public interest.
- Agency and Public Input: The board evaluates comments and recommendations from municipal departments, various public bodies (e.g., conservation authorities, health units, MTO), and input from the public gathered during public meetings.
- Conditions of Consent: If the application is approved, the board may impose conditions (e.g., road widenings, parkland dedication fees) that must be met within a specified timeframe, usually two years, before final consent is granted.
ALL QUESTIONS AND APPLICATIONS RELATED TO SEVERING YOUR PROPERTY ARE TO BE ADDRESSED TO:
JoAnne Montreuil, Secretary-Treasurer, 705-825-2523, or by email at [email protected]
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:
Instructions & Application for Consent (Severance) Application
By-Law 2025-11 Fees and Charges (PAGE 6)
Planning Applications and Entrances from Highways 17 and 630
2025 Applications Currently Being Considered by the East Nipissing Planning Board:
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Lavigne File 2025-09 application
Lavigne File 2025-09 Public Notice & Map
Brooker File 2025-11 application & public notice