Planning in Ontario is governed by the provincial Planning Act. The Act sets out the steps that the County must follow in planning, and requires County staff to make recommendations that will fit with provincial policies for environmental protection, the preservation of farmland, and the use of natural resources. The County is required to notify the public about planning proposals and hold public meetings to discuss these proposals.

If a member of the public considers that a planning decision needs to be re-examined, he or she can appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). If you wish to appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board, a copy of the Appellant Form is available from the Ontario Municipal Board website at www.omb.gov.on.ca or from the Clerk of the Corporation of Norfolk County.

The Appellant Form must be accompanied by the fee of $125.00 required by the Ontario Municipal Board (established by Regulation 888, R.R.O. 1990). Fees are payable by certified cheque or money order and should be made payable to the “Minister of Finance”.

How long does it take to process a planning application?

Each type of planning application has its own processing time. For example, although a complex plan of subdivision could take several months to process, minor applications take less time. The processing time for each type of application may depend on its complexity and individual issues. Requirements such as public notification; public meetings; the submission and approval of required studies supporting the proposal, all play a role in determining the processing time.

What is an offical plan amendment?

The Official Plan is the County’s blueprint for the future. It contains maps that show where residential, commercial, recreational, and industrial development can go and what areas must be protected from development. An Official Plan Amendment is a formal document that changes the County’s Official Plan. Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the County or because of a request made by property owners.

What is the official plan amendment process?

1. Council or the public initiates an amendment to the official plan.
2. The proposed amendment by-law is prepared.
3. Agencies are consulted.
4. A public meeting is held.
5. Council passes or refuses to pass by-law amendment.
6. The County sends Notice of Decision.
7. Any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.
8. If appealed, the Ontario Municipal Board holds hearing and makes final decisions.

What is a zoning By-Law?

The Zoning By-law is a regulatory document which implements the policy direction outlined in the County’s Official Plan. A Zoning By-law generally spells out how land and building may be used, where buildings and other structures may be located, and what constraints may be applicable to the development of a particular property. Significant changes to the Zoning By-law may require a Zoning By-law Amendment. Zoning by-laws are legally enforceable decisions of Council. 

What is the zoning By-Law Amendment Process?

1. Council or the public initiates an amendment to the zoning by-law.
2. The proposed amendment by-law is prepared.
3. Agencies are consulted.
4. A public meeting is held.
5. Council passes or refuses to pass by-law amendment.
6. The County sends Notice of Decision.
7. Any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.
8. If appealed, the Ontario Municipal Board holds hearing and makes final decisions.

What is a plan of Subdivision?

When undeveloped land is divided into lots for development, the developer must prepare a plan of subdivision, showing the position and width of roads, the size and shape of the lots, the location of schools and parks, and the availability of watermains and sewers. The County examines the plan to ensure that it will not create problems for the surrounding area. In considering approval of a Plan of Subdivision, Council must have regard to Provincial policy, the County Official Plan, the Zoning By-Law and other planning, environmental and engineering issues. Usually accompanying a plan of subdivision is a binding agreement between the subdivider and the municipality concerning the development of land. This agreement, which is registered against the land, sets out details on various matters such as servicing, road construction, and easements.

What is a plan of Subdivision Process?

1. Submission of application.
2. Preliminary review for compliance with County Official Plan and Provincial policies.
3. Agencies consulted.
4. Public Meeting is held.
5. Draft approval or refusal (decision) by County Council (usually with attached conditions).
6. County sends Notice of Decision.
7. Any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.
8. Subdivision Agreement and clearing of conditions by developer.
9. Final approval and Registration of Final Plan of Subdivision.
10. Construction.
11. Maintenance Period (Assumption).

What is a Consent?

The process required to divide a property is known as a Consent for land severance. Unlike other Planning Applications, approval of a Consent is considered by the County’s Committee of Adjustment. The Committee has the same powers as Council in considering and approving consents. 

What is the Consent Process?

1. Application is submitted
2. Agencies are consulted
3. A public meeting is held
4. Application approved or refused
5. The notice of decision is sent to applicant and those requesting notice
6. Any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board
7. If appealed, the Ontario Municipal Board holds hearing and makes final decision.

What is a Minor Variance?

A Minor Variance is a small, technical adjustment to the Zoning By-law. Examples of such adjustments include regulations in setbacks for buildings, decks, lot dimensions, and other similar By-law regulations. Significant adjustments to a Zoning By-law require an amendment.

What is the Minor Variance Process?

1. Application is submitted
2. Agencies are consulted
3. A public meeting is held
4. Application approved or refused
5. The notice of decision is sent to applicant and those requesting notification
6. Any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board
7. If appealed, the Ontario Municipal Board holds hearing and makes final decision.

What is Site Plan Control?

Site Plan Control is a tool utilized by the County to ensure that specific development proposals meet the Official Plan and Zoning By-law objectives. Essentially, site plans approved under this process are very detailed and outline precisely how a particular property will be developed. Site Plan Approval is typically the last planning approval necessary before a Building Permit is issued. Site Plan Approval is not usually required for single unit residential development. A Site Plan Agreement is sometimes required for more complicated developments. 

Summary of the Planning Process

• Pre-consultation Meeting
  The owner, or representative of the owner, of a property must meet with staff from the Planning Department to discuss a possible development application. Staff will tell the owner what will be required for the proposal and whether special studies, such as environmental impact or traffic studies, will be needed.
• Planning application is submitted
  The owner, or a representative of the owner, submits an application to Norfolk County’s Planning Department, along with the required fees and background studies (if applicable). The owner will be given a sign which must be put up on the property. The information on the sign describes the proposed development and lists the phone number of the Planning Department, so members of the public can call for information.
• Circulation of application to Agencies
  The Planner sends information about the application to agencies or County Departments that may have an interest in the proposal asking for comments and any conditions that must be imposed on the development.
• Preparation of Staff Report
  The Planner analyzes the proposal in light of the County’s planning policies, reviews any technical studies, and considers comments submitted by agencies or the public. The Planner writes a report that incorporates all this information and recommends that Council approve, modify, or refuse the application. Letters from the public may be attached to the report to Council.
• Notice of Public Meeting
  The neighbouring property owners are sent a notice of public meeting inviting them to attend a Public Meeting which is held during regular County Council.
• Public Meeting
  At the Public Meeting, Planning Staff describe the proposal and the issues raised in the planning report. Members of the public who have registered to speak, make presentations about their concerns or support for the application. Council discusses the proposal and votes on it.
• Notice of Council decision and appeal period
  Anyone who has sent in comments, spoken at the Public Meeting, or have asked to be kept informed about a proposal, receives a notice of the Council’s decision. The notice includes information on how to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board, if necessary.

The post Community Planning FAQ’s appeared first on Norfolk County.

Each fire district is serviced by a fire station. Fire stations vary in size and capability according to the fire protection and rescue needs of the fire district. The fire districts do not operate independently since all operations are coordinated through a common fire dispatch centre and it is very common for firefighters and fire apparatus to respond from more than one station to an incident, depending on the need.

All fire stations are staffed by volunteer firefighters. Norfolk County has 240 volunteer firefighters. Fire stations are managed by a District Chief with the assistance of a Deputy, Captains, and various specialty ranks.

The Fire and Rescue Service Division meets its Federal, Provincial, and Municipal mandates through the skilled and dedicated efforts of Administration, Programs, Enforcement, and Operations staff. The Division has organized these activities into a number of Bureaus and Districts for management convenience.

Norfolk County does have a Burn Permit and By-Law that regulates the setting of fires in Norfolk County. 

Fire Stations

Station #1 - Culver Street in Simcoe

Station #2 - Nelson Street in Port Dover

Station #3 - Main Street in Waterford

Station #4 - Teeter Street in Teeterville

Station #5 - Argyle Avenue in Delhi

Station #6 - Main Street in Courtland

Station #7 – Queen Street-Hwy 59 in Langton

Station #8 – County Road 28 in Fairground

Station #9 – Erie Street in Port Rowan

Station #10 – County Road 16 in St. Williams

Station #11 – Brock Street in Vittoria

Norfolk County Fire & Rescue Services

FOR ANY EMERGENCIES DIAL 9-1-1

Administration Headquarters

The post Fire and Rescue Services appeared first on Norfolk County.

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit gives you the legal authorization to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Building permits are issued by the Building Division and are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the applicable municipal Zoning By-Law and other applicable provincial and municipal regulations. Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards, and other building standards are met.

In most cases, a customer applying for a permit will deal directly with the same Building Inspector who will oversee the permit from the initial application stage through to issuance. The one-on-one approach enables the staff to serve the public in the most efficient manner possible. The Building Division is also responsible for collecting applicable fees, such as Development Charges.

When are Building Permits Required?

In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter or repair a building. The following are examples of projects that require building permits:

• Construction of a new home
• Demolish any part of a residential structure
• Addition of a carport, garage, porch or room(s) to an existing home.
• Any structural work, including alterations to interior partitions or the installation of new skylights, windows or doors.
• New openings for, or changes to the size of doors and windows
• Addition of dormer(s).
• Enclosing a porch or deck.
• Retaining Walls over 1.0meters in height
• Addition of a deck to an existing home.
• Raising a house to provide a full basement.
• Constructing or installing detached accessory buildings such as a garage, shed, or playhouse larger than 108 square feet (10 square metres).
• Installation of fireplaces and woodstoves and chimneys.
• Installation of above ground or inground pools.
• Installation of insulation, air/vapour barrier and drywall.
• Replacing or installing new plumbing.
• Dampproofing or waterproofing foundation walls including installation of weeping tile.
• Installing a ramp or elevating device.

The following are examples of projects that may not require a building permit:

• Repair or renovations that have no impact on structure
• Replacement of windows. Note: A permit is not required if you are replacing windows that are the same size and same location.
• Re-shingle a roof provided there are no structural changes
• Erection of a fence, (except for swimming pools that may require a fence. See fencing by-law)

If these lists do not include specifics of your project or you are not sure if a permit will be required, please review the details of the work with our Building Inspectors, prior to construction.

NOTE: Although a building permit may not be required, you MUST still comply with the requirements of the applicable municipal Zoning By-Law.

Swimming Pool Permits?

A building permit is required for the installation of a pool. The pool location, enclosure and equipment must conform to applicable municipal by-laws. Please be advised that each of the former municipalities may have unique requirements with respect to the permitted location of the swimming pool. Please contact the Building Division for specific information.  Please read the Swimming Pools Requirements for more information.

Building a Fence?

A permit is not required to build a fence. For residential fence regulations please read the Building Fences Requirements. For other questions relating to fencing please contact the By-Law Enforcement division (via our Customer Service numbers – 519-426-4377 or 519-875-4485). A fence may be required for your swimming pool.

Demolition Permits?

If you propose to demolish any residential structure occupying an area greater than 108 square feet (10 square metres) or part of such a structure, you will require a Building Permit. Please refer to our FORMS for application for demolition.

Accessory Building Permits?

A building permit is required for an accessory building attached to a structure, or if detached exceeding 10 sq. m. (108 sq. ft.) in size. For more details on requirements for building your accessory structure, please read Building Accessory Structure Requirements. Zoning requirements apply at all times.

Tent Permits?

A building permit may be needed for a tent. For more details on the requirements for a tent permit please view the attached Tent Permits.

Residential Wind Turbines?

A building permit is required for a residential wind turbine and its supporting structure only if it has a rated output of more than 3 kilowatts (Ontario Building Code Division B, 1.3.1.1(g). For more information please see our Residential Wind Turbine Requirements brochure.

Mobile or Modular Homes?

A building permit is required to move in a modular home. Please read Mobile Home Requirements for a permit for this type of structure.

Deck & Patio Building Permits?

A building permit is required for a deck or patio regardless of size if it serves an entrance. A building permit is required for a deck/patio if attached to a structure, or if detached, exceeds 10 sq. m. (108 sq. ft.) in size. Please read the requirements for building your deck.  Zoning requirements apply at all times.

Septic System Permits?

A building permit is required to install a new septic system, repair or replace any part of the septic system. Please refer to our FORMS for more information on applying for a septic system permit.

Solar Panels?

See attached brochure Solar Panels Information Sheet detailing information on when a building permit is needed for solar panel installation

The post Building Permit FAQ’s appeared first on Norfolk County.

What is the new two-box recycling program all about?

The County has a new way of setting recyclables at the curb for collection. Instead of separating paper, boxboard and containers inside or beside the current box, the ‘Simple Sort’ system requires that materials be sorted into two separate boxes. All paper products like newspapers, flyers, cereal and tissue boxes, magazines and small corrugated cardboard boxes, plus the bag of plastic bags go into the existing black (or blue) recycling box. Containers like metal cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, jars and tubs go into the new, taller black box.

Why is it called ‘Simple Sort’?

‘Simple Sort’ is the theme for the 2-box system. It is being used on all of the promotion and education materials. It reflects that fact that the new 2-box recycling system is easy to do!

When does the program start?

‘Simple Sort’ started May 2, 2011.

Why did everyone get a new, tall black box?

The ‘Simple Sort’ 2-box system is a more effective and efficient means of managing recyclable materials from the set-out at the curb to the material processing at the material recovery centre (MRF). Technological improvements in MRF processing equipment over the past decade have made it possible to sort recyclables and separate glass more effectively on the processing line. This means that all of the container packaging materials can be collected together and all paper recyclables can be collected and set out together. Other Ontario municipalities that have adopted 2-box recycling have increased the capture rate of the materials they collect.

Adopting the 2-box system of separating recyclables is considered a ‘best practice’ in the recycling industry.

Why is the new box so much larger than the traditional recycling boxes we’ve used up until now? 

A taller recycling box for container-type recyclables ensures that you have increased capacity for sorting and storing the range of container materials (e.g. metal cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, jars and tubs, Tetra PakTM boxes, spiral tubes, empty paint cans, empty aerosol cans) that go into the box.

What if I don’t have a tall, black box?

Contact Norfolk County’s Customer Service staff at:

Who is supposed to use the new black boxes?

Everyone who has recycling service (e.g. they set their recyclables out at the curb) should be using the new box. This includes homes, businesses and small multi-family locations with relatively few apartments where the residents take their recyclables to the curb in recycling boxes.

What about people who live in larger multi-family residences?

People who live in larger apartment buildings who take their recyclables to rollout carts or “totes” (e.g. not to the curb in boxes) do not use the new tall black boxes; however, should include the new materials added on May 2 to the program (see the ‘Simple Sort’ Recycling Guide for the list of materials accepted in the program).

In apartment and condo buildings, there are only two types of carts: one cart for containers and one cart for papers. It does not matter which colour is used for containers or papers but they should be labelled as such. Now glass bottles and jars can go into the same cart with metal cans, plastic bottles, jars and tubs, empty paint cans, empty aerosol cans, Tetra PakTM boxes and spiral tubes and tubs. Newspapers, fine paper, boxboard and small corrugated boxes can go together into the cart labelled for paper recyclables. Large corrugated cardboard boxes should be flattened and bundled separately and set by the rollout carts.

New Materials Accepted

What are the new materials accepted in the ‘Simple Sort’ program?

In addition to the regular materials, Norfolk now accepts the following recyclables:

• Empty metal paint cans and metal lids (lids placed in the recycling box separately)
• Empty aerosol cans
• Tetra PakTM containers such as juice drinking boxes, soup and beverage boxes (these boxes come in various shapes and are made from paper with a thin coating of plastic; they go into the tall container box)
• Cardboard spiral cans with metal bottoms, e.g. for frozen juice, dough tubes, baby formula, potato chips.

Where do plastic bags go?

Loose plastic bags should be stuffed into a single plastic bag, tied, and placed with newspapers, magazines, boxboard (e.g. cereal and tissue boxes) and small corrugated cardboard boxes in the small box. The reason for putting the bag of plastic bags in the small box is that plastic bags can be separated from papers more easily during processing than they can from containers. Accepted bags are: retail shopping and grocery bags; bread and frozen vegetable bags; outer milk bags; RINSED AND CLEAN inner milk bags; dry cleaning bags; clean bubble wrap; and plastic wrap used for pop and water bottles, tissue boxes, toilet issue and paper towels.

Shredded paper (only) should be placed inside a firmly-tied plastic bag or a paper bag with the top folded or rolled down, and placed at the curb beside the recycling boxes. Large quantities of shredded paper should be placed in a firmly tied, clear plastic bag and set beside the boxes.

Why 2-Box Recycling?

Why do we have to have another box?

Two-box recycling (e.g. separating paper recyclable materials from container packaging materials) is more efficient. The collectors save time at the curb by unloading the contents of each box into the truck (into two separate compartments) instead of hand sorting materials into six different bins on the side of the truck. Also, because of technological advancements in processing equipment, recyclables sorted into paper and containers can be managed efficiently at the processing MRF. When you place recyclables into your recycling boxes, you take the first step in making the overall recycling program more efficient. The tall black box gives you more capacity to collect all the recyclable containers together in one box.

Why can’t paper recyclables go into the bigger black box? (Some people have more paper recyclables than containers.)

Recyclable containers tend to be lighter weight so a bigger box works for them. Paper products like newspapers, magazines, catalogues, etc. can be heavier, so the smaller box allows the box to be handled more easily. It’s better for you and it’s especially important for the people who collect the recyclables since they lift hundreds of boxes every day.

What if I have more paper recyclables than will fit in my small box?

You can use a spare small recycling or similar size cardboard box for extra paper recyclables. Even a laundry basket will do. Or you can save extra materials for the next collection.

What do I do to keep papers from flying out of the small box on windy days?

On windy days, use newspapers in an untied plastic bag as a weight to keep other loose papers in the small box.

If I have a smaller blue box, can I still use it?

Yes. You can continue to use your smaller blue box for paper recyclables or extra materials.

Can I use blue plastic bags to set out recyclables?

No. Large plastic blue bags do not work well because the recyclables get caught in the plastic with the result that workers have to pull the bags off the processing line, causing inefficiencies.

Can I use the tall container box for paper?

No, because paper recyclables are heavier than container recyclables and then it might be too heavy to lift safely.

Why is Norfolk changing the recycling program? Isn’t the way we recycle now working?

Recycling systems have improved over the years. By moving to a two-sort (papers and containers) system, Norfolk will improve the efficiency of the recycling program from the curb to the processing centre. Better efficiency means the program will be more effective overall and we’ll capture more materials for recycling.

Why are Norfolk’s recycling boxes black instead of blue?

The black boxes contain a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content which means that some of the plastic materials recycled in Ontario’s programs go into making new black boxes. By purchasing black boxes, it helps to close the recycling loop.

My recycling wasn’t picked up today. Why?

The reason likely is that the paper and container recyclables were not sorted into separate boxes. Norfolk County has switched to 2-box recycling which means that recyclers must put all paper recyclables, as well as plastic bags (stuffed into one bag and tied) into a small recycling box and containers such as plastic, metal and glass bottles, jars, jugs and tubs into the new tall recycling box. Please resort your recyclables and put them at the curb again next week.

I got a green sticker on my recycling box. Why?

The green “oops” sticker is meant to tell you that the recycling collector could not empty your recycling boxes because the paper and container recyclables were not sorted separately into the small and tall recycling boxes properly. Please resort your recyclables and put them at the curb again next week.

Program Costs

Who is paying for this new program?

Norfolk County will receive a sizeable grant from an industry-municipal organization called the Continuous Improvement Fund (CIF) which was set up to help municipalities apply best practices to improve the efficiency of their recycling programs. The remainder of the program costs are funded from Norfolk County’s waste management budget; however, a portion of the net cost of the system is reimbursed by industry through a municipal-industry cost sharing agreement.

Was the advertising campaign necessary?

A number of studies have been conducted by provincial organizations on best practices in municipal recycling programs. One of the findings is that a sustained promotion and education program is essential to inform residents of program changes and to remind them continuously of what’s recyclable and how to prepare materials. The investment in promotion and education pays off. People recycle more materials and more frequently, and they more readily adopt the proper procedures which lead to a higher quality product when it comes time to sell materials to end-markets. The ‘Simple Sort’ campaign ensured that everyone was aware of the fact that they would have a new recycling system beginning on May 2.

The post Recycling FAQ’s appeared first on Norfolk County.