All land within the boundaries of West Grey has an official plan designation and is zoned according to the zoning bylaw. This allows for agriculture, business development or housing to happen in the appropriate places.
The rules around zoning are outlined in the municipality's zoning bylaw and are also guided by two policies: Grey County's Official Plan and for the primary settlement areas of Durham and Neustadt, the West Grey Official Plan.
The municipality is currently in the process of a review and update to the West Grey Official Plan. The County of Grey Official Plan and current West Grey Official Plan (Durham and Neustadt) will remain in effect until the new Official Plan is recommended for approval by the County of Grey.
Prior to starting new development, please contact the municipal planner for guidance and assistance.
Applying for consent/severance |
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A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. Officially, severances are called consents under the Planning Act. Making adjustments to existing properties through right-of-ways, long term leases, easements or boundary adjustments may also require consent. Before submitting an application, you need to consult with planning staff to discuss your proposal. At this time we will identify any documentation needed in support of the application. The application must be commissioned by an appointed individual at the municipal office. The required fee must be paid at the time of submission. To apply for a consent to sever, please contact us. |
Applying for a zoning bylaw amendment |
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If the proposed use or structure on a property does not meet the requirements of the West Grey zoning bylaw the property owner may apply for a zoning bylaw amendment. This is also referred to as a re-zoning. The proposed zoning bylaw amendment must conform to the official plan or an amendment to the official plan may be required. Before you submit your application, you need to consult with planning staff to discuss your proposal. At this time we will identify any documentation needed in support of the application. The application must be commissioned by an appointed individual at the municipal office. The required fee must be paid at the time of submission. To apply for a zoning bylaw amendment, please contact us. |
Zoning compliance request |
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All zoning inquires can be made by completing the attached form and sending it in with the required fee. Alternatively you can check your own zoning on the Grey County website following the below steps.
When you know your zoning you can look at the municipality’s zoning bylaw to find your zone specific page and it will give you the permitted uses and required setbacks. On the Grey County website you can turn on the conservation authority layer and it will display all regulated areas. Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority permits are required for any construction in a regulated area. Visit the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority website for more information. |
Applying for a minor variance |
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If your project needs a minor change, and follows the intent of the zoning bylaw, you can apply for a minor variance. Before you submit your application, you need to consult with planning staff to discuss your proposal and if a minor variance is the appropriate action. At this time staff will identify any documents needed in support of the application. The application must be commissioned by an appointed individual at the municipal office. The required fee must be paid at the time of submission. To apply for minor variance, please contact us. |
Official plan amendment |
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The Official Plan update requires the following stages of review and consultation which have recently commenced:
The County is currently updated its Growth Management Strategy and those results will be reflected in the West Grey Official Plan to 2041 to ensure that there are adequate lands available for predicted growth. |
Plan subdivision/condominium |
| For information please contact the planning department. |