Land Use Planning | Town of The Blue Mountains, ON

Development and growth in the Town is managed through Land Use Planning in a way that respects environmental, social, and economic concerns while following the objectives and policies of the Town's Official Plan. The Planning Services Division provides services to residents and landowners regarding the use of land in the Town as it pertains to the Official Plan and Zoning By-laws.

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Official Plan Development Process Zoning Information Planning Application Fees Community Design Guidelines Old Lakeshore Road Neighbourhood Plan

Application Submission

All applications, forms, drawings and related documents including payment shall be submitted to the Town of The Blue Mountains, 32 Mill Street, PO Box 310, Thornbury, ON, N0H 2P0, Attn: Planning Services.

Payment Options

All Application fees are due at the time of submission and are required as part of a complete application. Planning Application fees are outlined in By-law 2022-14 (Schedule A & Schedule B)

Cash, cheque or debit at Town Hall
Mail or courier a cheque to 32 Mill Street, PO Box 310, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0, Attn: Planning Services
We do not accept credit cards or E-transfers

Submission Requirements

To complete a submission please click on the application below for further details and to obtain a copy of the submission application package.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.

At the beginning stage of a proposal, Planning Staff is available for an “Information Meeting”. This is a less formal meeting, usually one-on-one with a Town Planner related to your development concept or idea. This meeting does not replace the required pre-consultation meeting for some applications. During the meeting, the Town Planner can provide high-level feedback on the general concept or idea. Detailed comments, including complete application requirements, will NOT be provided.

Request an Information Meeting by completing the Information Meeting Form.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.
The Town requires “pre-consultation” through a formal meeting with proponents and Planning Staff on all applications for:
- Official Plan Amendment
- Zoning By-law Amendment
- Site Plan Control
- Draft Plan of Subdivision and Condominium
The purpose of the pre-consultation meeting is to identify all required information to be submitted to the Town as part of a complete application file. Proponents should have a detailed understanding of their project and be able to provide a project overview, site plan and any completed studies in support of the application. Pre-consultation does not imply support of Planning Staff or The Town of The Blue Mountains of any application.
The fee for a Pre-Consultation is $500.00.
To arrange a formal Pre-consultation, please complete the Pre-Consultation Application Form.
If you have any questions or require assistance please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.
What is a Minor Variance?
The Town’s Zoning By-law regulates the use of land within the Municipality by establishing zones that permit specific types of land uses. The Zoning By-law also applies rules to each zone outlining provisions regarding building setbacks and lot coverage. A “minor variance” allows for minor relief from the prescribed requirements of the land use zone, subject to review and approval by the Committee of Adjustment.
- 2024 Committee of Adjustment Schedule
Application Package:
Download a copy of the application package: TBM Minor Variance Application Package
If you require this document in an accessible or alternative format please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.
A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. Consent to sever is required if you wish to convey or create any interest or entitlement in land for a period that exceeds 21 years. The Town of The Blue Mountains Official Plan provides policies and requirements to guide the severance of land, including new lot creation, lot additions, and lot boundary adjustments, within the Municipality. These policies help to ensure that any division of land will not have a negative impact on the community.
Application Package:
Download a copy of the application package: TBM Consent to Sever Application Package
If you require this document in an accessible or alternative format please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.
What is an Official Plan Amendment?
An Official Plan is a general land use guide that sets out the Municipality’s long-term vision for growth and development and is intended to provide Council with the basis for making decisions on development applications, changes in land use, and community improvements. A proposed amendment to the Official Plan must maintain the general intent and direction of the document set out in the policies contained therein.
In order to ensure that an amendment and the development proposal is in keeping with the general direction of the Official Plan, it is necessary that Council has sufficient and relevant information to properly review the application and the potential impacts of the change on servicing, traffic patterns, existing land use and the maintenance of the highly valued community character. The Official Plan and its various policies provide that additional information, studies, or reports may be requested in support of the proposal.
Submitting Your Application
Before submitting an amendment application, it is mandatory that a pre-consultation meeting be held with Planning Staff. This consultation will provide an opportunity for staff to preview the proposal, identify any major issues, and confirm the requirements for a “complete application”. The standard requirements for a complete Official Plan amendment application are listed on the application checklist.
Application Package:
Download a copy of the application package: Official Plan Amendment Package
If you require this document in an accessible or alternative format please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.
The Town's Short Term Accommodation (STA) Licensing By-law provides a system for the licensing of STA premises.
There are specific areas of the Town that are zoned to allow for licensed Short Term Accommodation use.
Pre-Screening Meeting:
To arrange a pre-screening meeting to determine the necessary steps and planning approvals required to obtain a short term accommodation license, please contact Planning Services Staff.
Download a copy of the application package: Application for a Short Term Accommodation (STA) Licence
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact By-law Enforcement or visit the Short Term Accommodation page for additional information
What is a Zoning By-Law Amendment?
The Town’s Zoning By-law implements the community development goals and objectives outlined in the Municipal Official Plan. The Zoning By-law also provides a legal way of managing land use and future development in order to prevent conflicting and potentially dangerous land uses from being located in inappropriate areas within the community. The Zoning By-law outlines how land may be used, where buildings may be located, the types of buildings permitted on a property, as well as lot sizes, dimensions, parking requirements, building heights, and applicable setbacks from the street.
If a property owner wishes to use or develop land in a manner that is not permitted by the By-law then a zoning amendment is required prior to establishing the proposed use.
Application Package:
- Zoning By-law Amendment
- Request to remove Holding 'h' Symbol
- Request for Temporary Use By-law (Extension)
- Request for exemption to Park Lot Control
- Deeming By-law
Download a copy of the application package: TBM Zoning By-law Amendment Application Package
If you require this document in an accessible or alternative format please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.
Telecommunication facilities are under the authority of Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act of Canada. As these land uses are federally regulated, proposals to erect new masts, towers, and other antenna-supporting structures are not subject to local planning approvals. In order to ensure local planning concerns are considered in the site selection process, ISED Canada requires all proponents for new facilities to complete a mandated public consultation process with the local land-use authority. The Town of The Blue Mountains currently has a Protocol for Establishing Telecommunication Facilities in place to guide public consultation for telecommunication proposals. The Protocol begins to identify corridors of demand in the Town and provides general direction regarding location considerations when proponents are selecting a site for a new telecommunication facility. The Protocol also provides a general outline of the intended public consultation process. All new telecommunications facilities establishing in the Town must follow the protocol prior to approval by Industry Canada.

For all other applications or if you require additional information please contact the Planning & Development Services Department.

Citizen's Guide to Land Use Planning

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has created a guide to help residents learn the rules and processes municipalities follow for community growth and development in Ontario.

The Citizen's Guide to Land Use Planning is available online.