Planning & Economic Initiatives
Planning and Economic Initiatives helps to guide, regulate and facilitate development within the Town of Wasaga Beach by balancing the interests of property owners, developers and the public with the broader needs and objectives of the community.
- Developing long range planning and development goals and objective
- Official Plan and Planning Act consultation
- Implementation of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law
- Review of Development Proposals
- Update and review development and land use regulations and policies
Review and processing of
- Official Plan Amendment
- Zoning By-law Amendments
- Minor variance and severance applications
- Building permits for zoning compliance
- Plans of Subdivision and Condominium
- Exceptions to part lot control
- Deeming By-laws and validations of title
- Development proposals
- Site Plans
Official Plan Review
The Town
invites you to participate in the review of the Official Plan. By providing
your input and ideas, you can help to shape the future of your community.
An Official
Plan is a forward-looking document that describes the community’s long term
vision and sets out related goals and policies for directing land use and
development and guiding decision-making by Town Council.
The
process of creating a new Official Plan is underway. It begins with a series of
consultation initiatives and preparing topic-specific discussion papers in 2017
to set the stage for preparing the draft Official Plan and reviewing it with
the community in 2018.
For further
information or to discuss your ideas, please contact:
Nathan
Wukasch, Planner
Planning Department
30 Lewis Street,
Wasaga Beach, Ontario L9Y 1A1
T:
(705) 429-3847 ext. 2273
F:
(705) 429-7603
n.wukasch@wasagabeach.com
What is an Official Plan?
An Official
Plan is a forward-looking document that describes the community’s long term
vision and sets out related goals and policies for directing land use and
development and guiding decision-making by Town Council. The Plan sets out the
criteria to be considered for all development proposals within the Town to
promote positive community growth and improvement. It provides direction
related to the location and density of housing, business and industry, tourism
and economic development, protection of the natural environment, managing
population and growth, planning of roads and infrastructure, the provision of
parks and community facilities, urban design and other matters. All by-laws
passed and all public works undertaken by the Town must conform to the Official
Plan.
Why is the Town reviewing the Official Plan?
The
Town’s current Official Plan was approved in 2004. Under the Planning Act, an
Official Plan must be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that it is
consistent with provincial plans and policies. The Town’s Official Plan must
also conform with the Simcoe County Official Plan, which received final
approval in December 2016.
In
addition, the Town wants to ensure that the Official Plan remains reflective of
community goals and priorities. Over the past 25 years, the population of
Wasaga Beach has more than tripled to reach a 2016 census population of 20,675.
About one in three residents arrived after the current Official Plan was
prepared.
A renewed
community discussion about the future of Wasaga Beach has begun. A new focal
point for future community development has emerged from the recently completed
Downtown Master Plan. The time is right to continue the momentum of the
Downtown Master Plan and pro-actively lead and guide future growth in a new
direction for the entire Town.
How does the Official Plan
affect you?
The Official
Plan is the guiding document for land use and development in your community. It
directs where new development will occur, what services will be needed and how
they will be provided, and when and in what order parts of your community will
grow and change. Policies of the Official Plan are implemented by a Zoning
By-law which regulates the use of land and the form of buildings and structures
on each property in the Town. The Zoning By-law must conform to the Official
Plan.
Active Development
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Planning & Development FAQs
Q: Why didn’t I get notice of the Public Meeting in my mailbox, but my neighbour did?
Q: Can I cut down trees on my property?
A: Generally, a permit is not required to remove trees from a single residential property. However, if your lands are commercially zoned, located in woodland, located on lands located in the Natural Heritage System as provided by the Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan, or are located on lands that are greater than 1 hectare in area, you are not permitted to remove trees.
You can contact the Planning Department to discuss, or on this website under By-laws, view Tree Injury By-law 2006-61 and Tree Cutting By-law 2004-72.
Q: When do I need to pay development charges and how do I find out how much I need to pay?
A: Development charges are generally due and payable at building permit stage. Typically, County, Education and Town of Wasaga Beach Development Charges are applied.
Please contact the Building Department to determine the most current charges applicable to your property. 
705 429-1120
Credits may be available for residential or commercial demolitions. You may visit the following link to view the Town of Wasaga Beach Development Charges By-law 2010-106
Zoning FAQs
Q: Can I operate a business out of my home?
A: Home Occupations are permitted in the Residential Type 1, Residential Type 2, and Estate Residential Zones.
Please See the Home Occupation Provisions within Sections 3.31, 3.32, and 3.33 of the Town of Wasaga Beach Zoning By-Law for a list of permitted home occupations and provisions.
Also, please consult with the By-Law Department for business licensing requirements.
Q: Who do I complain to if I believe someone is in contravention of the Zoning By-law?
A: Please file a complaint with the Planning Department.
Complaint Form
Q: What’s a zoning compliance letter? How do I get one and how much does it cost?
A: Town of Wasaga Beach Zoning compliance letters provide confirmation of the zoning of a property and the permitted uses within that zoning category. The zoning compliance letter will also include:
-civic address
-legal description
-if the building on site complies with minimum yard requirements (if an up to date survey prepared by an Ontario Land Survey is provided showing the location of the building)
-building permit information
-servicing available to the lands (i.e. if municipal water and sewer are available)
-if records indicate the lands were the subject of a minor variance or severance application
A zoning Compliance letter is available from the Planning Department for a fee of $125.00. Please allow for a minimum of two weeks to process your request.
Q: Can I have a pool? What are the requirements, if I was to install one?
A: Yes. The zoning by-law provides required setbacks to lot lines for the pool and any pumping equipment.
Please see Section 3.7 in the Town of Wasaga Beach Zoning By-law 2003-60.
The pool may also be required to be fenced and a permit is required from the Building Department prior to installation.
Please contact the Building Department to determine permit requirements.
705 429-1120
Q: Can I change the zoning of my property?
A: You have to submit an application for zoning by-law amendment to apply to have your zoning changed. Please contact the Planning Department to discuss your plans.
705-429-3847
planning@wasagabeach.com
Q: How long does it take to process a zoning by-law amendment application?
A: The process could take approximately 3-6 months from submission of the application to consideration by Town Council.
Complex rezoning applications and those that may involve an Official Plan amendment can take longer as they have to be forwarded to the County of Simcoe for approval.
Q: What does “F” or “H” mean when attached to a zone?
A: Please see Sections 3.11 and 3.24 of the Town of Wasaga Beach Zoning By-Law 2003-60.
Q: Can I rent my home to the travelling public?
A: If your home is residentially zoned, you may not rent your house as a rental cottage to the travelling public.
A Bed and Breakfast may be permitted in compliance with zoning and business licensing criteria.
Please contact the Planning Department and the Business Licensing Department for further details.
