Resource information
This Planning Act sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario and describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them. In particular, the Act aims to: 1) promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment within a provincial policy framework; 2) provide for a land use planning system led by provincial policy; 3) integrate matters of provincial interest into provincial and municipal planning decisions by requiring that all decisions shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement when decision-makers exercise planning authority or provide advice on planning matters; 4) provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open, accessible, timely and efficient; 5) encourage co-operation and coordination among various interests; 6) recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal councils in planning.Moreover, the Act provides the basis for: 1) considering provincial interests, such as protecting and managing natural resources; 2) establishing local planning administration, including planning boards in northern Ontario; 3) preparing official plans and planning policies that will guide future development; 4) a variety of tools that municipalities can use to facilitate planning for the future establishing a streamlined planning process which emphasizes local autonomy in decision-making; 5) exempting official plans and official plan amendments from approval; 6) regulating and controlling land uses through zoning by-laws and minor variances; 7) dividing land into separate lots for sale or development through a plan of subdivision or a land severance; 8) ensuring the rights of local citizens to be notified about planning proposals, to give their views to their municipal council and, where permitted, to appeal decisions to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) or in some cases, a municipal Local Appeal Body (LAB); 9) ensuring that approval authorities or the Ontario Municipal Board have regard to decisions made by municipal councils and approval authorities when dealing with the same planning matters; 10) allowing provincial appeals only through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and HousingThe text consists of 7 Parts as follows: Provincial administration (I); Local planning administration (II); Official plans (III); Community improvement (IV); Land use control and related administration (V); Subdivision of land (VI); General (VII).
Implemented by: Energy Undertakings: Exempt Undertakings (O. Reg. 305/10). (2010)
Implemented by: Plans of Subdivision (O. Reg. 544/06). (2016)
