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Planning Applications

Community Planning Permit & Amendment

On this page:

About the CPP by-law

The Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law applies Town-wide and outlines rules for what can be developed, where and under what conditions. It replaced the Town’s Zoning Bylaw and provides greater direction regarding aspects of development typically outside of zoning such as site alteration, grading, tree removal, natural feature protection and shoreline controls.

The Community Planning Permit streamlines the development process by combining the previously separate applications of minor variances, zoning amendments and site plan agreements while also increasing the scope to cover site alteration and vegetation removal. The class of permit depends on the type of relief that is required from the By-law.

Purpose of the Community Planning Permit by-law

The Community Planning Permit By-law is intended to:

  • Ensure that buildings and structures are appropriately situated;
  • Ensure compatible development;
  • Ensure environmental conservation and restoration;
  • Provide for functional and safe access to properties, buildings and structures;
  • Control site grading and vegetation removal to ensure appropriate development; and
  • Contribute to the creation of resilient communities.

A Community Planning Permit is required for development within the Town. Development means:

  • The construction, erection or placing of one or more buildings or structures (including additions), parking lots, or three or more mobile homes, land lease community homes or trailers.
  • Site alteration, including but not limited to alteration of the grade of land and placing or dumping fill.
  • Vegetation removal.

CPP by-law amendment

A By-law amendment is required to change the precinct designation on the property or to make site specific exceptions related to permitted uses.

2025

CPP classes: Fees & timelines

There are three main permit classes to the CPP By-law, each with their own "Major" subclass. A CPP application may be classified as a "Major" subclass if:

  • A residential application involves development of more than five residential units on a lot.
  • A non-residential application involves development of a vacant lot or an addition with a gross floor area greater than that of the existing building or structure to which it is being added.

The pre-consultation fee is $292.00. If an application is made within 3 months of receiving comments, the pre-consultation fee will be deducted from the application cost.

Application meets all applicable development standards. No variations are required. Approval is provided by staff. Staff have delegated approval authority.

Timeline

Staff review and approval is as follows:

  • Class 1: Approximately 4 weeks
  • Class 1 Major: Approximately 8 weeks

CPP application fees

  • Class 1: $1000.00
  • Class 1 Major: $3,608.00

Application generally meets the requirements, standards, and provisions of the CPP By-law, but requires minor relief from one or more applicable by-law requirements and/or involves the approval of a listed Discretionary Use. Approval is provided by staff. Staff have delegated approval authority.

Timeline

Staff review includes a 14 calendar day commenting period with a notice placed on subject site and on the Town website. If no significant issues are raised that require an upgrade to a Class 3, timing is as follows:

  • Class 2: Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

CPP application fees

  • Class 2: $1,500.00
  • Class 2 Major: $3,608.00

Application requires more substantial or complete relief from one or more applicable by-law requirements. Approval is provided by Council or Planning Council.

Timeline

Staff review includes a 20 calendar day commenting period with a notice placed on subject property and on the Town website, as well as a mail out to property owners within 120 m. Staff will present their recommendation to Planning Council and Council will reach a decision. Timing is as follows:

  • Class 3: Approximately 8 weeks

CPP application fees

  • Class 3: $2,282.00
  • Class 3 Major: $3,608.00

Timeline

Staff review includes a 20 calendar day commenting period with a notice placed on subject site and on the Town website, as well as a mail out to property owners within 120 metres. Staff will present their recommendation to Planning Council and Council will reach a decision.

CPP by-law amendment application fees

  • Amendment application: $2,282.00

Payment can be made over the phone (credit card only) or in person (credit card, debit, or cheque). Payment of fees is required to consider an application complete and delay in payment may result in a delay to the next steps. Fees are updated on an annual basis.

Application process

Step 1: Gather required documentation

  • Visit Town of Huntsville map to see mapping and determine Precinct and Natural Constraints on the property.
  • Visit section 1.3 to review exemptions.
  • Visit page xiii for information on how to read the CPP By-law.
  • Looking to make changes to or develop waterfront property? Learn more about Waterfront Development and applicable by-law.

Step 2: Pre-consultation

  • Complete the pre-consultation form through Cloudpermit. A fee of $285 is paid online after completing the form.
  • Receive feedback from the Town after reviewing your development proposal.
  • The Town will confirm requirements for a Permit.
  • The permit class, and/or other application requirements are identified.

Step 3: Application submission

  • Application must be submitted with all required studies, plans, etc. Only once all required documentation is received will the application be reviewed and the 45 business day review period begin.

  • Record of pre-consultation
  • Commissioned signatures of Owner and/or Agent
  • Parcel Registry (or Title Abstract) from Land Registry Office dated within 14 calendar days of the submission of application
  • Written description (in a separate attachment) summarizing proposal and planning justification
  • Financial Securities (when applicable - minimum of $2000.00 and set by staff)
  • An Authorization & Affidavit or Sworn Declaration 
  • Any requests made during pre-consultation
  • One copy of applicable drawings - must be to scale and include: 
    • Boundaries and dimensions of lot
    • Location, size, and type of all existing and proposed buildings and structures
    • Existing and proposed setbacks for all buildings and structures to front, side and rear lot lines
    • Lot area
    • Existing and proposed vegetation
    • Septic field
    • Rights-of-way
    • Easements
    • Driveway
    • Parking area(s)
    • Natural features and building footprints within or adjacent to lot
  • Application is then circulated to commenting agencies and departments. Once all comments are received and addressed, the application is deemed complete, and public notification is sent out.

Note: If it was identified as a requirement in your pre-consultation meeting, visit the CPP Amendment Application page for more information.

Step 4: Application review

  • Once an application has been deemed complete by Planning staff, a decision must be made within 45 business days. 
  • Class 1 and Class 2 applications (applications with no or few variations required) are reviewed and approved by staff.
  • Class 3 applications (applications with substantial or complete variations) are reviewed and approved by Planning Council.
  • By-law amendments are reviewed and approved by Planning Council.

Step 5: Decision

For the CPP, upon review of a complete application the Town of Huntsville may:

  • Approve the application and issue a permit with no conditions;
  • Approve the application subject to conditions being met before the issuance of a permit (i.e. a provisional approval);
  • Approve the application and issue a permit with conditions attached;
  • Approve the application subject to conditions being met before the issuance of a permit and with conditions attached; or 
  • Refuse the application and no permit is issued.

For the CPP by-law amendment, an approval or denial decision will be given at Planning Council. If approved, then the Amendment must be given a by-law number and ratified at Town Council. Once ratified, a Notice of Passage will be issued.

Step 6: Appeal period

Following a CPP application, there is a 20 calendar day appeal period for the applicant. Only the applicant can appeal. This can be deferred if the applicant lets the Town know they have no intention to appeal the decision. If there are no appeals, the applicant will receive the permit.

Following the issuance of a CPP by-law amendment Notice of Passage, there is a 20 calendar day appeal period. In addition to the applicant, anyone who submitted comments (written or oral) has the right to appeal.

Exemptions

For certain types of “development”, a Community Planning Permit is not required, please see Section 1.3 of the By-law for the full list of exemptions. The following list is an overview of types of development that may be exempted. If you are undergoing one of the following, you may not need a CPP:

  • Development that was approved under the Site Plan Control By-law
  • Interior renovations
  • Repairs, maintenance or replacement of existing lawful buildings or structures
  • A new single detached dwelling, an addition to a single detached dwelling, and/or any associated accessory structure that meet all requirements of the CPP By-law
  • Development approved through an issued building permit
  • Seasonal water structures
  • Construction of fences that are compliant with applicable provisions of this By-law
  • Vegetation removal that meet all requirements of the CPP By-law

A CPP is required for any development on Waterfront Properties. Properties with proximity to natural features may require a CPP regardless of the type of development.

Resources

Community Planning Permit

By-law #2022-97

View the conflict of interest list for the current term of Council.

Term of Council

2018-2022

View the conflict of interest list for the previous term of Council.

For lists related to previous terms of council, please contact the Clerks Department.

View Contacts directory

Contact Us

Town of Huntsville
37 Main St. East
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1A1

Open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30
Phone: 705-789-1751
Fax: 705-788-5153
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