Planning and Development Services

The Planning and Development Services Department is responsible for managing the growth of the Municipality. We perform a variety of services for the Corporation, residents and businesses.

Planning Policy

Planning Services is responsible for developing planning policy, looking at long-term land use plans for the Municipality which guide the management of land and resources. The Clarington Official Plan is a document that guides sustainable development, helps manage growth, focuses on the development of a healthy community, and is implemented (in part) through the regulations detailed in the Municipality's Zoning By-laws.

Development Approval

Planning is also responsible for development approvals involving applications for land use development and/or change. Applications include Official Plan amendments, proposed plans of subdivision, proposed plans of condominium, rezonings, site plan applications, consent applications, minor variances, sign permits and registration of in-house apartments. Staff work closely with applicants, agencies and staff from other departments. Some applications require a public meeting be scheduled and notice provided to neighbours through the mail as well as in the form of a sign on the property. Most applications are reviewed by Council for approval.

Building Services

The Planning Department issues building permits , conducts inspections , and services and reviews subdivisions. We are here to help answer your questions, so before you dig or do any kind of construction contact our Building Services division for help and information.

Community Development Initiatives

We provide support to a variety of community volunteers and groups. Planning Services also assists several local committees with committee development, funding proposals and administrative support. These committees include Clarington Heritage Committee, Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono Community Improvement Liaison Groups, St. Marys Cement Community Relations Committee and the Miller Compost Community Relations Committee.

Geomatic Services

We also provide Geomatic Services for internal and external customers. This includes digitized mapping, thematic analysis, orthophotos and property addresses.

Real Estate

Planning Services is responsible for acquiring real estate and property for public use. We are also responsible for the disposal of Municipal property that is no longer needed. The Clarington Official Plan identifies the general location of lands required for municipal purposes. Based on the visions set out in the Official Plan, Council approved a Land Acquisition Strategy. The Strategy covers the urban areas of Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle Village. It identifies those properties required for waterfront parks, community facilities, active and passive recreation areas, transportation needs, other municipal needs and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

Environmental Assessments and other studies

The Planning Services Department is involved in a variety of studies including Environmental Assessments (EAs). These studies are decision-making processes used to promote good environmental planning by assessing the potential effects of certain activities on the environment, economic and social viability and health of Clarington.

Stewardship

The Planning Services Department works with many partners to ensure the social and economic goals of residents are balanced with the need to protect the environment.

Planning Services is involved in ongoing incentive programs that establish best management practices for individuals and groups to protect public lands. Stewardship is a shared responsibility of government, corporations and residents.