The planning and development guides and resources linked below are helpful in understanding various aspects of the development application process and land use planning policy. For more information, you can contact one of Middlesex County's planners.
Local Municipalities
Each of the eight local municipalities within Middlesex County has its own Official Plan and Zoning By-law to regulate land use. Please visit your local municipality's website to view land use plans and policies, or to get more information about development applications.
Provincial Resources
Provincial guides and manuals help to direct municipal policies and/or explain planning processes and practices to the general public. The links provided below include reference guides created by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs which are relevant to Middlesex County's Agricultural Areas, as well as guides on land use planning and land use planning processes created by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Legislation & Regulation
The Planning Act establishes the rules for land use planning within the Province of Ontario and describes how land may be controlled. The Provincial Policy Statement is a guidance document issued under the Planning Act that contains clear, overall policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. Municipalities implement these policies through Official Plans and local Zoning By-laws.
Conservation Authorities
The function of Conservation Authorities is to regulate land uses in flood zones for the protection of people and property and to coordinate the implementation of source water protection planning. Regulations can take the form of development set back requirements from natural heritage features and hazardous lands to land use regulations that protect our water sources from environmental contaminants. Find your local Conservation Authority or use the links below for more information about the Conservation Authorities in Middlesex County.
Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) is an adjudicative tribunal that hears cases in relation to a range of municipal planning, financial, and land matters such as Official Plans, Zoning By-laws, Subdivision Plans, Consents and Minor Variances, and other issues assigned by Ontario statutes. The LPAT reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. When an Applicant appeals to the LPAT, Middlesex County does not have the authority to make any decisions, however, the LPAT provides the municipality the opportunity to work with the Applicant to resolve issues. To learn more about the LPAT, visit:
Local Mapping
Middlesex County's interactive mapping tool allows you to view map layers in order to get information about locations in the County. Search by address, streets, or facilities to find a location. Many different layers of information are available such as property parcels, roads, and aerial photos.