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Skip Navigation LinksSimcoe County > Departments > Planning > About Planning

About Planning

​Land Use Planning in Simcoe County

The goals of the County of Simcoe and its Planning Department are to guide the growth and development of the County of Simcoe, to conserve important natural and cultural resources, and to facilitate the provision of efficient municipal services, all with the objective of enhancing the quality of life for County citizens. 

The primary tool to achieve these goals is the Simcoe County Official Plan (SCOP), which sets out a broad County policy framework regarding development and land use.  The SCOP incorporates the basic planning policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and other Provincial policies, which the County administers on behalf of the Province of Ontario.

Besides being the approval authority for various land use development applications including local Official Plan Amendments, the Planning Department provides critical information to County Council and member municipalities, including growth projections and Provincial planning policy.  The Department assists in the achievement of County objectives and interests in transportation, waste management, natural heritage and forestry.

County of Simcoe Official Plan

Information on the County of Simcoe Official Plan and its Schedules can be found on the Official Plan webpage.  

Local Official Plan Approvals

Information related to the County Planning Department's approval of local municipal official plans, please visit the Local Official Plan Approvals webpage

Development Planning

For information on Development Planning, including the County's role in the planning process, please visit the Development Planning webpage.

Development Applications and Fees

Information on potential study requirements, application forms, and development charges can be found on the Development Applications and Fees webpage

Current Development Applications and Fees

For information on major development applications that are currently being processed by the County Planning Department, please visit the Current Development Applications webpage

Growth Information

For information related to the County Planning Department's residential and employment land budgets, please visit the Growth Information webpage

Initiatives, Studies and Statistics

For information on initiatives, studies and statistics undertaken and released by the Planning Department, please visit the Initiatives, Studies and Statistics webpage.

Planning Contacts

To contact someone within the County Planning Department, please visit the Planning Staff Contacts webpage.