Planning & Development

Planning a Vibrant Future

The Planning Department plays a key role in shaping Wasaga Beach’s growth and development. From reviewing site plans and zoning amendments to guiding long-term land use policies, we work to ensure that every project supports the community’s vision, balancing the needs of residents, property owners, and developers.

Get Started

Find everything you need to guide your planning application. This section provides downloadable forms, checklists, and resources to help you through the planning process—from preparing your application to receiving a decision.

Whether you’re applying for a minor variance, consent, site plan approval, or another planning application, these tools are designed to make it easier to meet all requirements and ensure a complete submission with the Town of Wasaga Beach.

Online Portal

Registered users of the Town of Wasaga Beach’s CityView Portal can now apply for planning applications, make payments, and check the status of their applications online. To get started, you will need to create an account. Before submitting, please ensure you have all required forms completed and signed, including the application form and Sworn Declaration form, as well as all supporting materials and fees.

At this time, the portal is only accepting first submission applications.

Zoning

The Zoning By-law sets out the rules and standards for land use throughout the Town of Wasaga Beach, including building setbacks, maximum heights, allowable residential units, land-use classifications, second dwellings and high-density housing, and parking requirements. All new developments must comply with these standards.

The Town is currently updating its Zoning By-law to replace the current 2003 version. To learn more about the new Zoning By-law and provide your input, please visit our Engage Wasaga webpage.

Site Plan Control

As per By-law 2010-115, the Town of Wasaga Beach as a whole is designated as a "Site Plan Control" Area pursuant to Section 41 of the Planning Act. This authority provides a process to examine the design and technical aspects of a proposed development.

For a “complete” Site Plan application, the following are typical requirements:

  • Parcel Register / PIN Abstract
  • Corporate Profile or Articles of Incorporation
  • Property Appraisal
  • Legal and/or Topographic Survey
  • Site Plan drawing
  • Floor Plan drawing(s)
  • Exterior Elevation drawings
  • Landscape Plans
  • Tree Identifications/Preservation Plan, Arborist Report
  • Conceptual Building Digital Renderings
  • Composite Servicing/Utility Plan
  • Functional Servicing Plan
  • Geotechnical/Soil Stability Report
  • Lighting Illumination Study/Plan
  • Lot Grading Plan
  • Noise/Vibration Impact Analysis
  • Operations and Maintenance Manual
  • Site Servicing Plan
  • Stormwater Management Report
  • Traffic Impact Study
  • Pre-Consultation Comments Response Matrix

  • Development of buildings and structures used for agricultural purposes;
  • Development in the form of a temporary structure used as a construction trailer or model home provided the temporary structure is located on the lands associated with the temporary use;
  • Development of single detached dwellings on existing lots of record or on lots created by Sections 51 or 52 of the Planning Act;
  • Development of semi-detached dwellings on lots created under Sections 51 or 52 of the Planning Act;
  • Development of lands which enjoy exemption to Part Lot Control pursuant to Section 50 of the Planning Act, at the discretion of the Director of Planning.
  • The placement of a portable classroom on a school site of a district school board if the school was in existence on January 1, 2007;
  • Minor alterations to existing development where a site plan agreement has not been registered on the property; or,
  • Where Council of the Town of Wasaga Beach, through a motion, has determined that a development proposal is exempt from site plan approval.

To ensure developments follow the towns direction and vision to ensure it is attractive and compatible with the surrounding areas and contributes to the Town's economic, social and environmental vitality.

As per Part 5 of the Site Plan control By-law, points 14 - 17

  • 14 - That the Standard Form of Site Plan Control Agreement attached hereto as Schedule “A” is approved as the Town of Wasaga Beach Standard Form of Site Plan Control Agreement.

  • 15 - That this Standard Form of Site Plan Control Agreement shall be used as the basis for all future Site Plan Control Agreements from the date of passage of this by-law.

  • 16 - That the Manager, at his or her discretion, is hereby authorized to make such minor alterations as necessary to the Standard Form of Site Plan Control Agreement attached hereto as Schedule “A.”

  • 17 - That Development Committee is hereby delegated the authority of Council to make any major alteration as necessary to the Standard Form of Site Plan Control Agreement attached hereto as Schedule “A.”

 Please refer to the following Site Plan Control Application Workflow

Official Plan

The Official Plan guides the Town’s growth and development, setting out where housing, businesses, and community services can go, how the environment is protected, and how infrastructure is planned. It shapes how the community grows and is implemented through the Zoning By-law, which regulates land use and building standards in line with the Plan.

The Town is currently updating its Official Plan to replace the 2003 Official Plan and the Wasaga West Secondary Plan. To learn more or provide input, please visit our Engage Wasaga webpage.

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