Planning & Development
Planning & Development
The Town of Aylmer is responsible for both current development and long-term policy projects in the Town’s boundaries. You will find information below that can help you with your planning application, as well as details about ongoing projects.
Online Interactive Map
Elgin County GIS provides a public portal for lookup of zoning designation, lot lines, and Town boundaries. Please contact Town staff if you require assistance navigating the site.
Zoning Certificate
A zoning certificate provides zoning information available in the Town’s Zoning By-law and Official Plan, current owner, and if there are work orders outstanding.
Planning Policy
The Town of Aylmer has published the Design Guidelines Manual for use with municipal construction projects and private development within the Town.
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.
Zoning By-Law Amendment
Significant changes to the Zoning By-law may require a Zoning By-law Amendment. Zoning by-laws are legally enforceable decisions of Council.
Documents
Official Plan
The Official Plan is the Town’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.
Official Plan Amendment
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.
Documents
Download the Town of Aylmer Official Plan
Download the Town of Aylmer Official Plan Schedule A
Planning Applications & Approvals
What is Exemption from Part Lot Control?
The Planning Act permits municipalities to pass by-laws to exempt any or all lots or blocks within registered plans of subdivision from part-lot control, so that further subdivision of individual lots of blocks can take place.
Exemption from part-lot control is commonly used to facilitate semi-detached and town-house developments.
Pre-Consultation
Prior to submitting an application, consultation with the Manager of Planning and Development is recommended to determine whether exemption is appropriate.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is the Official Plan?
The Official Plan for the Town of Aylmer is a planning document that includes a statement of goals, objectives, and policies for managing growth and development while protecting the environment and heritage characteristics of our community. It sets out a comprehensive framework for land use decision-making in our community.
- View the Official Plan
What is an Official Plan Amendment?
After reviewing the Official Plan for your property, if the use, building, or structure you are proposing is not permitted on your property, you will require an Official Plan amendment.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is a Consent (Severance) Application?
A consent (severance) application is required to create a new lot, add to an existing lot or give the right to use part of a lot.
Elgin County Land Division Committee is the approval authority for consents. Town of Aylmer Council is required to provide a recommendation to the Elgin County Land Division Committee for consents, as a commenting agency.
Pre-Consultation
Planning Pre-application Consultation is required prior to application(s) submission with the Town of Aylmer and applicable agencies.
Application & Fees
You are required complete and submit the Elgin County Land Division Committee Application for Consent to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Elgin County Land Division Committee.
The application fee is payable to Treasurer, County of Elgin. Please refer to the County of Elgin’s website for more details.
Once the application is received by the County of Elgin, the Town of Aylmer will be notified.
New Entrance
If a new entrance on Town-owned road is proposed with your application, you will require a Road Occupancy Permit.
If entrance is proposed on a County of Elgin Road, please see the County of Elgin’s website for more details.
What is the Zoning By-Law?
The Town of Aylmer Zoning By-law regulates the use of land, buildings and structures and the general use of property. It also protects environmentally and ecologically sensitive lands, natural heritage features and lands impacted by development.
It is recommend to review the Zoning By-law and Maps to identify which map and zoning information is applicable to your property.
Download the Town of Aylmer Zoning By-Law
Download the Town of Aylmer Zoning By-Law Maps
What is a Zoning By-Law Amendment?
After reviewing the Zoning for your property, if the use, building or structure you are proposing is not permitted on your property, you will require a zoning by-law amendment.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is a Minor Variance?
A minor variance is a change or permission from the zoning regulations of the Municipality’s Zoning By-law. The minor variance process allows a property owner the opportunity to seek permission or relief from a specific zoning regulation of the Municipality’s Zoning By-law by applying to the Committee of Adjustment.
Other processes include the following:
- Extensions, enlargements or variations of existing legal non-conforming uses under the Zoning By-law; and,
- Determine whether a particular use conforms with the provisions of the Zoning By-law where the uses of land, buildings or structures permitted in the by-law are defined in general terms.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is Removal of Holding Symbol?
Within a Zoning By-law, a holding zone (“H”) may be applied to properties that Council has approved to be used for future development in compliance with the zoning by-law.
The holding zone shall restrict development on designated lands until certain conditions are met that would warrant development. The holding symbol can be removed from all or part of a property through a zoning by-law amendment.
Pre-Consultation
Consultation with the Manager of Planning and Development is recommended prior to applying for removal of the holding symbol.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is Site Plan Approval?
Site Plans ensure that development proceeds as approved and to minimize impacts. It is a detailed plan of development that shows the location of buildings, services, driveways, walkways, parking, landscaping and how these related the surrounding land uses.
Pre-Consultation
Contact the Manager of Planning and Development to determine if your proposed development requires Site Plan Approval.
Pre-application Consultation is required prior to application(s) submission with the Town of Aylmer and applicable agencies.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is a Temporary Use By-Law?
Under section 39 of the Planning Act, council may pass a by-law to authorize the temporary use of land, buildings or structures for any purpose that is otherwise prohibited in the zoning by-law.
A by-law permitting a temporary use shall define the area to which it applies and prescribe the period of time for which the temporary use shall be in effect.
The application for a Temporary Use By-law is processed in a similar manner as a zoning bylaw. The local municipality is the approval authority for a Temporary Use By-law.
Types of Temporary Use By-laws
- Temporary use by-laws to zone land or buildings for a specific use for a maximum period of three years.
- Temporary use by-laws which permit the establishment of a garden suite for a period of up to 20 years. A “garden suite” means a one-unit detached residential structure containing bathroom and kitchen facilities that is ancillary to an existing residential structure and that is designed to be portable.
Time and Effect of Temporary Use By-laws
- Temporary use by-laws zone land or buildings for a specific use for a maximum of three years at a time, with further extensions (three years) possible.
- In cases of authorizing the temporary use of a garden suite the temporary by-law may allow it for a period not exceeding twenty years, with further extension (three years each renewal) possible.
Expiration of a Temporary Use By-law
Upon expiry of a Temporary Use By-law, uses permitted by that By-law must cease and cannot be considered as Non-Conforming Uses. It is the responsibility of the applicant or the owner of the property to renew the temporary use by-law prior to its expiration.
Development Agreement
In the case of a garden suite, council will require, as a condition of the temporary use by-law, that the owner of the garden suite or any other person enter into an agreement dealing with matters related to:
- The installation, maintenance and removal of the garden suite;
- The period of occupancy of the garden suite by any of the persons named in the agreement;
The monetary or other form of security that the council will require for actual or potential costs to the municipality related to the garden suite.
Pre-Consultation
Consultation with the Manager of Planning and Development is recommended prior to applying for temporary use.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
Current Applications & Public Participation
The Town shares public notices for planning applications such as zoning changes, Official Plan amendments, and minor variances. Residents can take part in the process by attending public meetings, sending comments, or contacting the Manager of Planning and Development before Council makes a decision.
Heritage Designation
Register of Properties
Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act (the Act) requires Ontario municipalities to keep a Register of properties that are of cultural heritage value or interest. A Heritage Register can include a list of properties designated under Part IV or Part V of the Act and non-designated properties, subject to requirements established under section 27(3).
Designated Properties
Designated properties are heritage properties that have been legally designated by a municipal by-law, which is registered on title to the property. Once designated, an owner will require a heritage permit to alter or demolish a designated property.
Non-Designated Properties
Non-designated properties are those that have been identified as having some cultural heritage value or interest but have not been legally designated under the Act by a municipal by-law. The only provision applied to non-designated properties is that an owner must give the municipality 60 days’ notice before demolishing the property. This notice period allows municipalities to consider whether protection from demolition through designation should be pursued.
Designating Individual Properties
A municipality may designate an individual property under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act if it is determined to meet two or more criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06: Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
Designation Process
Heritage designation is voluntary and initiated at the property owner’s request.
Heritage designation does not prevent owners from maintaining or living in their property. However, it does introduce a review process for certain changes.
- Routine upkeep such as painting, repairing damaged materials, and general maintenance is permitted. Where protected features are involved, repairs may be expected to match existing materials or appearance.
- Changes that affect the exterior appearance typically require a heritage permit before work begins.
- Heritage attributes identified in the designating by-law cannot be removed or significantly altered without approval through the heritage permit process.
- Renovations are often possible. Proposed changes are reviewed to ensure that protected features are conserved or respectfully restored.
- Demolition of a designated building, or protected portions of it, is subject to a higher level of review and requires approvals under the Ontario Heritage Act and other applicable legislation.
- Owners usually submit drawings, photographs, and a description of the proposed work. Depending on the scope of changes, Council approval may be required.
Potential Benefits of Designation
- Helps prevent inappropriate alterations or demolition, preserving important architectural and historical features over the long term.
- Designated properties may be eligible for provincial or other heritage grant programs, when available, to help offset conservation or restoration costs.
- Provides long-term recognition of a property’s cultural heritage value and contribution to the community.
- Supports neighbourhood character and reinforces a sense of place and continuity with the past.
- Can contribute to cultural tourism and heritage-related restoration activity, supporting vibrant and attractive areas.
- Clearly identifies which elements of the property are considered heritage features, providing certainty when planning future work.
Land Use & Property Matters
What is a Deeming By-Law?
A Deeming By-Law removes lands (lots or blocks) from a registered plan of subdivision, providing the plan of subdivision has been registered for more than 8 years. It can remove all of the lots or blocks of land within a registered plan, or only some of the lots or blocks within a plan of subdivision.
The effect of a deeming by-law is to merge two or more lots or blocks of lands within a plan of subdivision into one legally conveyable lot, under common ownership. Approval of a deeming by-law consolidates individual lots into one parcel of land. Generally this is required to allow development to occur, which would otherwise be constrained by lots lines traversing a site.
Deeming by-laws are typically used to merge lots from very old plans of subdivision, which no longer meet current zoning standards.
Pre-Consultation
Prior to submitting an application, consultation with the Manager of Planning and Development is recommended to determine whether a deeming by-law is appropriate.
Application & Fees
Application can be made through our online form which includes a requirement for a Statutory Declaration. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths which can be completed at Town Hall.
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
What is Parkland Conveyance and Cash-in-Lieu?
When new development or redevelopment happens, the Town can require one of the following:
- Dedication of land for parks or other public recreational purposes
- Payment called cash-in-lieu (CIL) of parkland
- Combination of parkland conveyance and a CIL of parkland payment
- The amount of parkland and CIL are calculated in accordance with the Town’s Parkland Conveyance By-law and the Planning Act.
The Parkland Conveyance By-Law outlines the requirements and CIL of parkland rates.
What is Legal Non-Conforming Use?
In Ontario, lawfully existing uses may continue and cannot be ‘zoned’ out of existence.
However, in the Ontario Planning system, legal non-conforming uses are intended to cease to exist in the long run and eventually be replaced with uses that conform to current standards as set out in the Municipal Zoning By-law and Official Plan.
The Planning Act governs how a Municipality’s Zoning By-laws can be used for regulating the use of land. Municipal Zoning Bylaws are updated and change over time in response to changing circumstances and new or updated Provincial policies such as the Provincial Policy Statement, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Greenbelt Plan.
Provisions of the Planning Act (Section 45(2)) empower the Committee of Adjustment to authorize the expansion of buildings and structures associated with legal non-conforming uses, and some minor variation or more compatible continuation of legal non-conforming uses.
Legal non-complying use – where a use continues to be permitted by a successive zoning by-law but one or more of the physical land or building regulations (e.g. lot area, setbacks, height, coverage, etc.) have changed and the site no longer complies to the new zoning regulations.
Legal non-conforming use – a use that is not permitted in the current Zoning By-Law but lawfully existed under the previous zoning by-law that was in place.
Please note, legal non-conforming uses are based on the use(s) actually carried on, and not all of the uses from the previous zoning. Therefore, it is not sufficient to conclude that a use continues to be “commercial” or “industrial”. When seeking recognition of a commercial use, be specific. For example, a retail store that was lawfully in existence at the time the zoning by-law changed cannot necessarily be converted into a restaurant simply because both are commercial uses.
When do I need to establish a Legal Non-Conforming Use?
There are generally three (3) circumstances in which the Town may require completion of an Application to Establish a Legal Non-Conforming Use for a piece of property and/or use:
- Committee of Adjustment application – when applying for a minor variance or consent
- Search of Record request made for a subject property
- By-law investigation
Forms of Evidence in Establishing Legal Non-Conforming Use
The Owner is responsible for providing evidence in support of legal non-conforming use claims.
Examples of forms of evidence that must be submitted as part of the Application include: explanatory cover letter, owner’s affidavit confirming use, neighbour’s affidavit(s), confirming use, property survey, property deed, building permit(s), tax records, business licence(s), business records / receipts, dated photograph(s), and dated aerial photo(s).
Staff will review submitted Applications to confirm a legal non-conforming use against all available Town records.
In all cases, the purpose of the evidence is to establish: the date from which the use was in place; the specific nature of the activity(ies); and the location, size, and use of all buildings and structures associated with use.
Pre-Consultation
If you believe you require Legal Non-Conforming Use designation, please contact the Manager of Planning and Development for appropriate next steps.
Application & Fees
Please see the User Fees By-Law for current application fees.
- Placement or dumping of fill on a property
- Removal of soil from a property
- Altering a swale, ditch or stormwater management feature
- Placement of a pool
- Major landscaping works
- Altering or widening your driveway within your property lines
The Site Alteration Permit is a “no-fee” permit that will provide a description of the works and other information. The requirements of a permit will grant the Town the ability to ensure that:
- Unanticipated drainage and site alteration is prevented;
- Appropriate drainage patterns of the property are maintained;
- Interference and damage to watercourses or water bodies is limited;
- The use of hazardous and/or improper fill is prevented;
- Erosion or sedimentation is prevented.
Examples of what is required on a site or lot grading plan include:
- Property lines and dimensions
- Dimenions of any proposed or existing buildings or structure on-site
- Existing and proposed elevations of lot grading
- Spot elevations on the property lines
- All existing or proposed drains, swales, ditches, etc.
- Any utilities in the work area
- Any silt or erosion controls
For further details, please see the Site Alteration By-Law.
Licencing, Registration & Compliance
What is CLI ECA?
The Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI ECA) is a new process governed by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks. This approach is meant to streamline ECA applications for municipalities, developers, and the ministry while ensuring consistent requirements that improve environmental protection are met.
Like the former ECA process, developers and their engineering consultants must complete the application package(s) to seek approval from the Town of Aylmer under the new CLI ECA process governing the municipal sewage collection and stormwater management systems.
Information Packages
Sewage Collection
- Checklist – Sewage Collection Application
- Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers, and Forcemains for Alterations Authorized under ECA
- Form A1 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Discharging a Contaminant from a Municipal Sewage System
- Form CS1 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Combined Sewers/Partially Separated Sewers/Storage Tanks
- Form SS1 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Separate Sewers/Nominally Separate Sewers/Forcemains
- Form SS2 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Components of the Municipal Sewage Collection System
Stormwater
- Checklist – Stormwater Application
- Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers, and Forcemains for Alterations Authorized under ECA
- Form SW1 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Storm Sewers/Ditches/Culverts
- Form SW2 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Stormwater Management Facilities
- Form SW3 – Record of Future Alteration Authorized for Third Pipe Collection Systems
Watermains
- Checklist – Watermain Application
- Form 1 – Record of Watermains Authorized as Future Alteration
- Form 23 – Watermain Inspection Report
Application
Complete the application specific to your request(s).
Annual registration is required for all mobile food trucks, carts, trailers, and BBQ units wishing to operate within the Town of Aylmer. In accordance with the Town’s Zoning By-Law, all units must be registered and comply with location, zoning, and health and safety regulations.
Submission of this form does not guarantee approval.
Applications must include all supporting documentation before operation begins.
Annual registration of Mobile Food Trucks/Carts is required in the Town of Aylmer. If you have previously registered, you will receive an automated message prompted you to renew your registration.
Town of Aylmer Zoning By-Law 57-99 (as amended) outlines provisions for Group Homes within the Town of Aylmer. Section 3(7) of the Zoning By-Law states that Group Homes Type 1 must be registered with the municipality.
Group Home registration includes a zoning review as well as Building and Fire inspections to ensure the subject property conforms with all municipal requirements.
Waste Collection
Ontario municipalities are not responsible for providing any Waste Collection Services to Multi-Residential properties or Residential Dwelling Units fronting on Private Roads.
Despite this, the Town of Aylmer wishes to provide these services for reduced costs if possible.
Policy
The Multi-Residential & Private Road Waste Collection Policy was implemented to enable owners of Multi-Residential Properties or Condominiums to enter into private agreements with the Town’s vendor for Waste Collection Services.
For applications that meet the minimum requirements as outlined in this policy, the Town will agree to permit waste collection alongside the Town’s regular residential collection.
Recycling
Effective July 2023, the Town of Aylmer is no longer responsible for residential collection or processing of recyclables. Owners of Multi-Residential properties or Residential Dwelling Units fronting on Private Roads are responsible for any additional agreements required for recycling collection.