County land use planning responsibilities include: the administration and application of the policies of the County of Simcoe Official Plan. As an "upper tier" level of government, County Council has been delegated the authority for the approval of local (lower tier) official plans and amendments to local official plans. The Director of Planning, Development and Tourism has been further delegated authority to approve, for some municipalities within the County that have not themselves acquired authority to approve, Plans of Subdivision/Condominium and Part Lot Control approval. Refusal of Plans of Subdivision/Condominium and Part Lot Control approval however remains the authority of County Council.
As a commenting agency, County planning staff comment on development applications such as "Minor Variance", "Consent", "Zoning By-law Amendment", "Local Official Plan Amendment", "Plans of Subdivision", "Condominiums" and "Site Plan Control".
County planning staff comment on applications that may have impact or potential impact on County issues such as County Roads, County Forests, County Landfill sites, the County Greenlands and County of Simcoe Official Plan conformity.