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Planning and Development Services

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At the Municipality of Port Hope, Planning Services provides guidance to property owners, developers, Council and staff to ensure that all new developments follow the guidelines in the Planning Act, Official Plan, and Zoning By-law.

The Planning Division reviews development proposals and processes various Planning Applications under the Planning Act. These include:

  • Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments;
  • Consent to Sever and Minor Variances;
  • Plan of Subdivision and Plan of Condominium; and
  • Site Plan Approval.
Planning documents on table

Find property zoning documents 

Planning Guidelines

 The Planning Act

The Planning Act is provincial legislation that sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario. It describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them.

The purpose of the Act is to:

  • promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment within a provincial policy framework,
  • provide for a land use planning system led by provincial policy,
  • provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open, accessible, timely and efficient.
 Provincial Policy Statement
The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The Provincial Policy Statement sets the policy framework to regulate the development and use of land, including the creation of the built environment, and management of resources to support the provincial goal of enhancing the quality of life for all Ontarians.

All Planning decisions in Ontario must be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement.

 Official Plan
The Municipality of Port Hope Official Plan outlines our strategic land-use plans for the future. The main goals and objectives outlined in the Official Plan include:
  • Environment
  • Agriculture
  • Natural resources
  • Economic and financial
  • Social and housing
  • Transportation and public services
  • Waterfront

If your development application does not align with the Official Plan, you will need to apply for an Official Plan Amendment. Please visit our Official Plan webpage to access the Official Plan and for more information on the application process.

 Zoning By-law

The Municipality of Port Hope Zoning By-law regulates land use in each area of the Municipality. If your development application does not align with the Zoning By-law you will need to apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment. 

Please visit our Zoning webpage to access the following:

  • Zoning By-law document and maps;
  • Zoning By-law Amendment application; and,
  • Zoning Compliance Letter.
Citizen's Guide to Land Use Planning
The Citizen's Guide to Land Use Planning was developed by the Government of Ontario to provide property owners with helpful information about the legislation surrounding land use planning.
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Planning Applications and Fees

Find out more about our planning applications and the process. 

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Planning
Heritage Permits

Learn about the process for making changes to a heritage designated property. 

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Permits
Committee of Adjustment

Learn more about the role of the Committee of Adjustment and how it effects your application.

Learn more about this committee
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Current Planning Applications

Find out about the proposed and upcoming changes happening in Port Hope.

Find current planning applications
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Located along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Northumberland Hills.

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Port Hope ON L1A 3Z9

Phone 905-885-4544
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