Planning

The Township of North Dumfries and Region of Waterloo Official Plans can be found on our Official Plan page for more details.

For Township of North Dumfries Zoning By-law and maps, see our Zoning By-law page for more details.

For information about Pre-Consultation, Development Application Forms, Planning Fees, and Committee of Adjustment and Public Planning meetings, go to our Applications Forms and Fees page for more details.

For useful links related to land use planning, please see our Land Use Planning Resources page.

The Mineral Aggregate Resources Extraction page outlines the responsibilities of the Township of North Dumfries and the Ministry of Natural Resources in relation to the extraction process.

For information about heritage designated and listed properties, Greenfield Heritage Conservation District, and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment, see our Heritage Properties, Regulations, and Permits page. Further questions about cultural heritage and approvals can be directed as follows:

• Email the Municipal Heritage Committee
• For building permit approvals, please contact the Building Department
• For planning approvals, please contact the Planning Department

See the Development Applications and Approvals page for more details. Please contact Michelle Schaefle 519-632-8800 ext. 132 for more information.

Regulations in the Township’s Zoning By-law were updated on Secondary Dwelling Units, Coach Houses (accessory apartments), and Garden Suites. See our Second Units and Garden Suites page for more information.

The Township of North Dumfries has updated Zoning regulations affecting the parking of vehicles in residential areas.

The Zoning By-law Amendment has established provisions for:

-Off street parking requirments for commercial motor vehicles, and recreational vehicles and trailers.

-Driveway and soft landscaping requirements for residential areas.

-The amount of off street parking required in residential areas including parking standards for parking in a garage.

-Definitions have been provided for: a commercial motor vehicle; recreational vehicle; trailer; motor vehicle or vehicle; driveway; parking area; and soft landscaping.

See our Copy of Updated Parking Provisions in Zoning By-law

Where a New Lot May be Severed

The Region of Waterloo Official Plan and the Township of North Dumfries Official  Plan, https://www.northdumfries.ca/en/doing-business/official-plan-amendment.aspx, contain polices on where a severance (creation of a new lot) may be permitted.

The Official Plan policies generally only permit severances in Settlement Areas that are designated in the Official Plan

• Township Wide Map of Settlement Areas 
• Ayr Urban Boundary (Map 2.1 of the Official Plan)
• Highway 401/ Regional Road 97 Employment Area (Map 2.27 of the Official Plan)
• Rural Settlement Areas (Maps 2.2 to 2.35 of the Official Plan)

The Official Plan policies do not typically support severances in agricultural areas that are outside of designated settlement areas.

How to Severe a Property

Please see the Information Guide on the Consent Process for details on how to severe a lot including anticipated fees and studies.