What is Planning?
Land use planning helps municipalities manage land and resources and guides decisions about where:
- to build homes and factories
- to put parks and schools
- roads, sewers and other essential services are needed
Land use planning helps each community to set development goals while keeping social, economic and environmental factors in mind. It also balances the interests of individual property owners with the wider interests of the whole community.
The Planning and Development Services Department oversees all land use planning applications and administers the Municipality's land use planning documents such as the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. In development proposals, the Municipality must also have regard for the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 representing provincial interests, as well as, the County of Elgin Official Plan.
Before submitting a planning application, the applicant should consult Planning Services to engage in an informal discussion to explain the proposed application being contemplated.
Before You Apply — Talk to Us First
Not sure where to start? Contact Planning Services before submitting anything. A quick conversation can save you significant time and money.
Pre-Consultation
Before submitting a planning application, all applicants are encouraged to complete a Pre-Consultation with Planning Services. Pre-Consultation is an informal meeting between the applicant and municipal staff to discuss the proposed development, identify applicable planning approvals, and determine submission requirements before a formal application is filed.
Pre-Consultation helps to:
• Identify the planning approvals required for your proposal
• Clarify submission requirements and required studies or reports
• Flag site-specific constraints early (servicing, heritage, environmental features, etc.)
• Reduce delays caused by incomplete applications
• Allow staff to coordinate early with agencies such as Elgin County, LPRCA, or MTO where applicable
To request a Pre-Consultation, please complete the Pre-Consultation Request Form and submit it to abell@bayham.on.ca. A member of Planning Services will contact you to arrange a meeting.
Municipal Land use Planning Applications:
The type of planning application required depends on what you're proposing. We strongly encourage speaking with Planning Services before submitting — even a brief conversation can help ensure you're filing the right application with everything you need.
| Application Type |
When You Need It |
| Official Plan Amendment |
When your proposal doesn't conform to the current Official Plan policies |
| Zoning By-law Amendment |
When your proposal doesn't meet the current zoning rules for the property |
| Minor Variance |
When you need a small exception to zoning rules without changing the By-law |
|
Site Plan Approval
|
For site design details such as grading, drainage, landscaping, and access |
Each application form includes submission requirements and applicable fees. If you're unsure which application applies to your situation, contact Planning Services.
Additional Information:
For more Land Use Planning information, refer to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Planning Guides.
