Planning

Planning impacts many aspects of our community - the construction of new homes, stores and offices; the creation or improvement of natural areas, parks and trails, recreational facilities and other public spaces; the provision of roads, sidewalks, sewers and waterlines.

The Town of Essex Planning Department provides a broad range of policy planning and land development services. Through an open and inclusive public planning process, the department is committed to enhancing the liveability of the unique communities that comprise the Town of Essex.

Responsibilities

The Planning Department is composed of the Town Planner, the Policy Planner and support staff, whose responsibilities include the development and administration of the Town's Official Plan and zoning by-law, as well as the creation of long-range policies and guidelines for a sustainable and prosperous community.

Services are provided in the following five areas:

Public meetings

As part of the planning process, the Planning Department holds public meetings, workshops and information sessions to obtain public input. For information and notices announcing specific public meetings, refer to the Town's Council and Public Meetings Calendar.

Special projects

The Planning Department undertakes several special projects annually. We develop or assist with the development of broad-based community policies for the creation of a sustainable community, built and natural heritage conservation measures, streetscape improvement plans, stimulus plans for new business creation, and other measures to make the Town of Essex a healthy, sustainable and prosperous community for the long term.

Planning Fees

For planning fees, please refer to the planning section of the User Fees Schedule:

Description Unit / Notes Fee
Official Plan Amendment (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $7,714
Zoning By‐Law Amendment ‐ Major (Note 1) (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $3,978
Zoning By‐Law Amendment ‐ Minor (Note 1) (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $3,014
Holding Removal Each $1,447
Temporary Use By‐Law Each $3,014
Site Plan Control (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $3,496
Site Plan Amendment ‐ Major (Note 1) (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $3,014
Site Plan Amendment ‐ Minor (Note 1) (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $2,411
Plan of Subdivision and Condominium Each $6,600 Plus $10,000 Deposit
Minor Redline Amendment Each $572
Amendment to Development Agreement Each $980
Extension of Draft Plan Approval Each $572
Part Lot Control Exemption By‐Law ‐ Major (Note 1) Each $2,049
Part Lot Control Exemption By‐Law ‐ Minor (Note 1) Each $1,567
Consent to Sever Each $1,688
Complex Minor Variances (Note 1) Each $1,447
Minor Variances (Note 1) Each $1,085
Consent to Sever and Variance (applications submitted) Each $2,652
Change of Consent Conditions ‐ Minor Request Each $302
Change of Consent Conditions ‐ Major Request Each $483
Deferred Committee of Adjustment Application (without public circulation) Each $133
Deferred Committee of Adjustment Application (with public circulation) Each $600
Certificate of Validation Each $145
Consent Cancellations Each $474

Development Agreements: 

Description Unit / Notes Fee
Plan of Subdivision and Condominium (Note 2) Each $5,000
Site Plan Control (Note 3) Each $5,000
All Other Developments (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) $3,375.22
Sign By‐Law Amendment Each $868
Processing New applications for Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Antenna Systems (plus deposit) Each $3,414
Renewal/Extension of wireless of cell towers agreements Each $623
Drainage Apportionments   $216
Tax Screenprint   $14