Planning & Development
 
The Planning and Development Department for the Township of Essa deals with Minor Variances, Consents (severances), Subdivision Control, Zoning By-Laws, Official Plan Policies, Site Planning and Building Permits. When planning any construction project, please call the Manager of Planning and Development or the Chief Building Official to determine the approvals needed. For information on planning and building fees, see the Township's Fee Schedule.  All building in the Township must be in compliance with the Official Plan, Zoning By-Law and Building By-Law.

Building Permits
In general, Building Permits are required for all construction which exceeds 10 square metres. As well, permits are required for all construction attached to a dwelling unit (such as decks, fences & signs). In order to apply for a Building Permit, the following items must be submitted to the Township for review by the Planning and Development Department (this list is not necessarily all inclusive):

• site plan
• blue prints (two copies)
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority approval (where applicable)
• lot grading plan or engineered drawings (if required by a subdivision agreement or required by the CBO) - stamped and signed by a qualified Engineer

Download a Plumbing Application here.
Download a Building and Demolition Permit Application here.
Download a Sewage System Permit Application here.
Download a Fence Permit Application here.

Checklist for Deck Building Permit Application
Swimming Pool fence requirements
Pool safety tips

Official Plan Policy (OP)
The OP for the Township provides general designations for land use in the Township. This document contains the Municipality's vision for growth.

Download the current Official Plan in PDF format here.
Download the Official Plan "Schedule A - Land Use Designations" here.
Download the Official Plan "Schedule B - Angus" here.
Download an Official Plan Amendment application here.

Summary of Agricultural Policies.

Zoning By-laws (ZB)
The general ZB for the Township applies Zone categories to all lands within the Township, permitted uses for each Zone, and stipulates specific setback requirements for buildings. All buildings and structures should conform with all parts of the general ZB. The ZB is specific while the OP is more general in nature.

Download the Zoning By-law in PDF format here.
Download a Zoning By-law Amendment application here.
Download Zoning Schedule A (Township Zoning Map) here.
Download the Angus Zoning Map here.

Garden Suites Checklist

Site Planning
Site Planning is a means by which the Township is able to ensure a site is developed in a safe and orderly manner. Furthermore, Site Planning ensures that certain works are completed in a timely manner. All significant development (including multiple residential, commercial, and industrial construction) within the Township is subject to Site Planning.

Download a Site Plan application here. All Site Plan applications must be accompanied by engineered drawings. 

Committee of Adjustment
This is a three member Committee appointed by Council for a four year term to hear and decide on consents (severances) and minor variances. Applications for consent and minor variances are received by the Secretary-Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Administration Office. For more information, contact the Secretary-Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment.  To view the minutes of the Committee of Adjustment meetings, please see the Government Events calendar.

Minor Variances
Minor Variances, or exceptions to the general ZB for the Township, may be requested when a specific zoning requirement cannot be met. In order to be granted, the Variance requested must be minor in nature and generally in keeping with the overall intent of the general ZB. These applications are heard by the Committee of Adjustment.

Download a Minor Variance application here.

Consents
Policies concerning Consents, commonly referred to as severances, are contained within the Official Plan for the Township. These applications are also heard by the Committee of Adjustment.

Download an application for Consent here. 
Download Consent policies here (Section 26 of the Official Plan).  

Development Charges
The Township collects a Development Charge for all new development taking place within the Township prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. The money collected is put towards capital improvements needed as a direct result of growth. In addition, the Township collects a Development Charge on behalf of the Boards of Education.

Essa Township Development Charges Pamphlet
Indexed Development Charges for Essa Township - effective September 1, 2009

Business Improvement Area (Angus) Board of Management
This Board is appointed by Council for a four year term and has five members. For information on when and where the Committee meets, contact Mayor, David Guergis or Councillor Sandie Macdonald.

Economic Development Committee
This five member Committee is appointed by Council for a four year term. They meet once a month with the purpose of promoting development within the Township. Please contact the Manager of Planning and Development for upcoming meeting dates and topics.