Planning Services
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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 Services is the branch responsible for processing applications
for land use development and/or change. Applications
include plans of subdivision; rezoning; site plan agreements;
sign permits and registration of in-house apartments.
Staff work closely with both applicants and the staff
of the Municipality's Building Services Division to
ensure the project meets municipal objectives and complies
with all associated Provincial legislation (e.g. fire
and building codes). 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.
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.
