Official Plan and Zoning

Official Plan

The Official Plan is the main policy document that municipalities use to manage growth and development decisions today and into the future.

Ontario's Planning Act requires that Clarington review its Official Plan every five years to ensure it conforms to, or does not conflict with, Provincial plans and policies.

A review of the Municipality of Clarington Official Plan is now complete. Read more about the Official Plan Review Process.

Adopted Clarington Official Plan Amendment No. 107

On November 1, 2016, Clarington Council adopted the Municipality's Official Plan Amendment No. 107, which updates the Clarington Official Plan to make sure it is relevant and complies with provincial and regional planning documents and overarching community goals for growth and development. On June 19, 2017, the Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development for the Regional Municipality of Durham, approved Amendment 107, with modifications.

The Official Plan includes new policies that provide for a more urban community, creates walkable neighbourhoods, builds great public spaces, and creates complete streets designed for people and not just cars. It also plans for the future development of Clarington to become a fully rounded community with jobs and services for residents and protects key environmental and agricultural lands.

• Current Official Plan

Zoning

Zoning by-laws implement the vision of the Official Plan for a specific area by regulating the use of the land (e.g. commercial or residential) and the required standards (e.g. building size and location) for each use.

The Planning Act also requires that the Municipality update its zoning by-laws within three years of a new Official Plan coming into effect. As the Official Plan Review nears completion, the Municipality has started planning for this next step.