Planning & Development

It is the goal of the department to create a strong and burgeoning economic base, while fostering the creation of healthy and sustainable communities and protect Dufferin County’s key natural heritage resources. The achievement of this goal will vastly improve the quality of life for County of Dufferin residents.

To achieve this goal, the County of Dufferin Planning and Development department utilizes its own planning policies, especially the County Official Plan and works closely with the local Towns and Townships on planning related matters. In addition to County Official Plan Amendments, the County of Dufferin also acts as the approval authority for local Official Plan Amendments, except for the Town of Orangeville and Town of Mono. Dufferin County is also a commenting agency for local Zoning By-law Amendments, Draft Plans, Site Plans, Minor Variance and Consent Applications, Environmental Assessments, and Part Lot Control.

Outside of the Planning and Development department’s role in County and local planning applications, the department works closely with County staff from Building Services, Public Works, Information Technology, and Economic Development. Planning and Development provides key planning and policy information for projects, ranging from Green Development Standards to Geographic Information System (GIS) updates.

Delegation of Authority of Subdivision and Condominium Plans
Exemption of Approval of Official Plan Amendments – Towns of Mono and Orangeville

The County of Dufferin has undertaken several strategic initiatives and special projects that aim to support existing planning policies, such as the County Official Plan, as well as Town and Township Official Plans and Zoning By-laws. Current initiatives and projects include the following: