How Do I ?

PLANNING SERVICES QUESTIONS

1. How do I obtain a copy of a land survey for a property?

The Municipality of Clarington does not have record of legal surveys of individual properties and therefore is unable to provide copies to property owners. The following information booklet describes the process in which you may take to obtain a land survey for a property in Clarington: http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/documents/Planning/18%20Land%20Survey%20Plans.pdf -

2. I want permission to build a shed/detached garage in my yard…
What do I do?

You are required to meet the provisions of the Zoning By-law. Please review the requirements of the Zoning By-law section 3.1 found at http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/documents/Zoning%20Bylaw In many cases you will also require a building permit. Please contact the Building Division for more information about applying for a building permit. If at building permit is required, you must submit a plan showing the location and size of the structure you are planning to build and all existing structures on the property as well as the setbacks to your property lines.

3. I want permission to build an above-ground/in-ground
swimming pool or hot tub in my yard… What do I do?

You will require a Pool Enclosure Permit and must meet the requirements of the Zoning By-law. Please contact the Building Division to determine the exact requirements for a pool enclosure and refer to Zoning By-law 84-63 General Provisions Section 3.1 to determine the zoning requirements found at http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/documents/Zoning%20Bylaw

4. I need a letter confirming the zoning on my property…
How do I get a zoning clearance letter?

A Zoning Clearance Letter can be provided by the Planning Services Department by making a request in writing. Your request should include your name, the address of the property and any specific questions you may have as they relate to the zoning of the property. The letter can be sent to the Planning Services Department, Municipality of Clarington, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville L1C 3A6. Please
refer to the current Planning Fees Schedule for pricing.

5. I want to build a structure that does not meet the
requirements of the Zoning By-law… How can I do this?

A minor variance to the Zoning By-law can be applied for through the Planning Services Department. You must submit detailed, scaled drawings of the property where the variance is required along with the application form, application fee and applicable review fees. Your application will be heard at a Committee of Adjustment meeting within 30 days of your complete application being received.

6. I want to divide my property… How do I get a land division to create a new lot?

Land division is a responsibility of the Region of Durham Land Division office.
Please call Durham Region at 905-668-7711. You may also wish to review the Durham Region Official Plan http://www.region.durham.on.ca/planning.asp?nr=/departments/planning/
dr_official_plan_2008/officialplaninside.htm&setFooter=/includes/planningFooter.inc,
the Clarington Official Plan http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/planning_official_plan.html,

and the Provincial Policy Statement, Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page11.aspx to determine whether a property my be divided.

7. I want to change the use of my property or make changes to my
industrial or commercial property… How do I get a rezoning/site plan approval?

If you are looking to rezone a property or apply for site plan approval you must first
request a preconsultation meeting with the Municipality of Clarington Planning Services
Department. This request should be sent via email to planning@clarington.net or by
mail to the Planning Services Department, Municipality of Clarington 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville L1C 3A6. Your request should include a description of what you are proposing to do with the subject property as well as a site sketch. You should also research the Official Plan designation on the subject property to make sure that your proposal conforms. The Clarington Official Plan can be found at http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/planning_official_plan.html. At the preconsultation meeting, the policies applicable to what you are proposing will be examined
and the rezoning/site plan approval process will be explained in detail as well as what studies or other supporting documentation will be required with the submission. -

8. I want to build an apartment in my house or legalize an existing apartment… How do I register a basement apartment (apartment-in-house) in Clarington?

If you are looking to construct a new basement apartment, or simply wish to legalize an
existing basement apartment, you must first apply to register the apartment-in-house
with the Municipality (Planning Services Department). The application for registration
of an apartment-in-house should be submitted to the Planning Services Department.

9. I want to put up a sign… How do I apply to erect a sign in Clarington?

Prior to erecting any sign within the limits of the Municipality, permanent or temporary, you must first obtain a sign permit through the Planning Services Department.

10. How do I find the Zoning and Official Plan information for a property in Clarington?

The Clarington Official Plan and Zoning By-laws are available on the Municipality's website for your viewing.

11. How do I find information about the storage and parking of
recreational vehicles/trailers/ boats?

A General Zoning By-law amendment was passed by Council late 2008, to regulate the storage and parking of recreation vehicles, trailers and boats on residential and agricultural properties in Clarington. Section 3.16 m) of Zoning By-law 84-63 provides a full list of requirements: http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/documents/Zoning%20Bylaw/SECTION%203%20General%20Provisions.pdf