Planning Policy evolves over time in response to changing economic, social and environmental factors. It involves the preparation of long term land use plans for the Municipality which guide the management of land and resources. The key document for governing future growth is the Clarington Official Plan. The Plan is based on 3 principals - sustainable development; managed growth; and, a healthy community - and is implemented (in part) through the regulations detailed in the Municipality's Zoning By-Law. Development Approval involves processing applications for land use development and/or change. Applications include proposed Official Plan amendments, plans of subdivision, plans of condominium, rezonings, site plan applications, minor variances, consents, sign permits and registration of in-house apartments. Staff work closely with both applicants and the staff from other departments and agencies to ensure the project meets municipal objectivesand complies with all associated Provincial legislation. The Committee of Adjustment is a Council appointed group of citizens who review projects that do not fit within the exact regulations of the Municipality’s Zoning By-law. The Committee can authorize minor variances provided that the intent of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law are not compromised and is compatible with the surrounding area and minor in nature. Preconsultation It helps you…it helps us. As a result of Bill 51, changes to the Planning Act came into effect in October 2006 making preconsultation mandatory. An effective preconsultation can advance your project through the necessary approvals process quicker. It is a process where prospective development applicants consult with municipal and agency staff to discuss the development proposal in the context of all relevant provincial, regional and municipal policies, guidelines and requirements prior to their formal application submission. By addressing comments and issues raised at the preconsultation meeting an applicant can reduce the number of revisions to an application, thereby reducing the overall time of the approval process. Preconsultation meetings are required prior to the submission of any application for Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Draft Plans of Subdivision, Draft Plans of Condominium and Site Plans being submitted. There are no fees for a Preconsultation meeting with the Clarington Planning Services Department. To schedule a meeting contact the Planning Services Department or email planning@clarington.net. Predetermined dates have been reserved for these meetings; please refer to the Preconsultation Meeting Schedule. Community Development Initiatives are activities in which staff work with community volunteers to improve our quality of life. Planning Services consult with local committees assisting them in committee development, funding proposals and administrative support. Committees assisted include: Local Architectural Heritage Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC); Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington; Valleys 2000; and the St Marys Cement Community Relations Committee. Research and Special Studies involves social, economic, demographic and land use issues which are undertaken to assist Council in it's decision making. Planning Services is also responsible for the hiring and locating of School Crossing Guards. This is to ensure the safe movement of students across major roads to and from elementary schools in Clarington. This service is provided in partnership with the the Public and Separate School Districts who are responsible for submitting requests for new crossing guard locations. Geomatic Services are available to internal and external customers. The service includes digitized mapping, thematic analysis, orthophots and property addresses.
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