Planning & Development

The City of Quinte West Planning & Development Services assists and advises the public, land stakeholders, government agencies, and Council on matters related to land use planning and development, municipal by-law enforcement, and animal control services.

Land Use Planning and Development

Land use planning affects almost every aspect of life in our City. It helps to determine the locations of:

• Homes, shopping facilities, and industrial development
• Parks and schools
• Other essential services

Good planning encourages public participation and leads to orderly growth and the efficient provision of services and resources.

Planning Services assists the public with proposals and applications for the development of land while ensuring that the Official Plan and Zoning By-law are being maintained. The department is responsible for the following services:

• Planning Advisory Committee
• Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments
• Plans of Subdivision and Condominiums 
• Committee of Adjustment 
• Minor Variances
• Severances of new lots, additions to holdings or easements 
• Policy development and administration of Official Plan 
• Site Plan Control 
• Building Services  
• By-law administration and enforcement - zoning, sign, and site plan control
• Accessibility Committee 
• Agricultural Advisory Committee

Official Plan

Planning Services is responsible for the City's Official Plan which provides policy and guidelines for private development, and for municipal infrastructure improvements. In accordance with the Planning Act, all of Council's by-laws approving development, as well as public works, must conform with the Official Plan. Planning Staff are also responsible for the City's Zoning By-laws (currently one for each Ward), which implement the Official Plan by establishing specific land use regulations.

Building Services

Development Services (Building) maintains building standards and inspections according to the Ontario Building Code Act as well as Municipal By-Laws.

Building Services is responsible for the following:

• Processing building permit applications - building, demolition, plumbing,
  septic, etc
• Conducting inspections for compliance with minimum health, life safety, and structural sufficiency requirements as required in the Building Code Act
• Investigating complaints related to unauthorized construction, unsafe conditions or buildings.

Municipal By-law Enforcement

Municipal By-law Enforcement is responsible for the enforcement of the City's Zoning, Parking and Property Standards, Yard Maintenance, Body Rub Parlour, Littering, Sign and Noise By-laws.

The City's Animal Control Services are contracted to Quinte West Animal Control operated by Price Morris. The contract provides for enforcement of by-laws related to animal control, certain services for a fee for animals other than cats and dogs, and livestock evaluation.