Within the County of Simcoe, the County has an approved Official Plan setting the direction for future growth. The objectives and policies contained in the
County Official Plan are further detailed through local municipal official plans, and are implemented through local municipal zoning by-laws. Regard should be had for all three documents (County Official Plan, local official plan, and zoning by-law) when contemplating a change in land use. For further information about local official plans or zoning by-laws, please contact your
local municipal Planning Department.
The official plan is a document containing long term objectives and policies, and land use designations established primarily to provide guidance for the physical development of a municipality, while having regard to relevant social, economic and environmental matters.
The zoning by-law is a municipal by-law to regulate the use of land, by specifically stating what uses are currently permitted and how the land can be specifically developed. In essence, the zoning by-law implements the objectives of the official plan.