Development Applications

Public notification, including a public hearing, is required for most Development Planning application types to allow public input. 

On this page

• Planning application process
• Pre-consultation meetings
• Submit a Development application
• Forms
• Fees
• Pending Development applications

Land use planning in Ontario is governed by provincial legislation, such as the Planning Act. The Act sets out the statutory framework and steps required for each type of development application. It identifies items of provincial interest and enables other documents, including the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020. Section 3 of the Planning Act requires that decisions affecting matters “shall be consistent with” policy statements issued under the Act.

Municipal Official Plans are the most important vehicle for implementing the Provincial Policy Statement and achieving comprehensive, integrated long-term planning. Official Plans are required to identify provincial interests and set out appropriate land use designations and policies.

Planning applications must be available for public review before a public hearing. 

Pre-consultation meeting

A pre-consultation meeting is required before submitting any planning application, except for some Committee of Adjustment applications.

The Planning Department hosts these confidential meetings and include staff from various departments (and agencies, as applicable) who will provide valuable feedback on your proposal and outline what is required for a complete application.

To request a pre-consultation meeting

1. Complete the Pre-Consultation Meeting Request Form (PDF). Please ensure all requested information is included so that staff can give detailed feedback
2. Provide a site sketch of the proposal
3. Fee of $500 is required once a Planner has reviewed your Request for completeness

When all of the required information is received, you will be contacted to confirm the date and time of the meeting. Once confirmed, the meeting invitation will be sent with a Microsoft Teams meeting link (there is also a call-in function if joining online is not possible).

If you are mailing your payment, please ensure it is addressed to the attention of the Planning Department and is clearly labelled with the applicable address and names for the proposal. Missing information can lead to delays in scheduling your pre-consultation meeting.

After the meeting, you will receive a meeting notes summary summarizing each department's feedback.  The document will include a list of requirements for the complete submission of the development application.

Submit a Development application

Online portal

Visit the Norfolk CityView Portal and make your application online. 

In-person

Our in-person service counter is at the Gilbertson Administration Building (GAB), 12 Gilbertson Drive, Simcoe. Please first call or email to make an appointment.

Forms

To request documents in an alternative format or with communication support, please submit an Accessible Formats and Communication Supports Request form.

• Development Application Form (PDF)
• Committee of Adjustment Application Form (PDF)
• Existing On-Site Sewage System Evaluation Form (PDF)
• Site Plan Waiver Request Form (PDF)
• Ontario Land Tribunal
• Pre-Consultation Meeting Request Form (PDF)
• Civic Address Request

Fees

Planning application Development fees are not required when you submit your completed and signed Development application. The planner will determine your planning application fee when your application has been verified and deemed complete. Prepayments will not be accepted.

• Planning Fees - Long Point Region Conservation Authority
• Plan Review fees | Grand River Conservation Authority
• Norfolk County Community Planning User Fees (updated yearly)

Pending Development applications

View all pending Development applications.