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Planning Services

The Official Plan (OP) sets out the direction for residential and employment growth in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan. The OP designates each property as having one or more land use designations.
These designations include:

  • aggregate,
  • agriculture,
  • commercial,
  • employment area,
  • environmental protection,
  • existing residential,
  • hamlet,
  • recreation/conservation,
  • rural,
  • shoreline, or
  • waste disposal

The Planning Department works closely with the Building Department to make sure new development meets the Official Plan and Zoning requirements.

The Official Plan (OP) applies to all lands in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan. The current Official Plan covers a 20 year planning period ending in 2023.

The Official Plan law can be very complex. Please contact the planning department if you would like to discuss the official plan requirements for your parcel of land or require more information, contact the Junior Planner at 705-295-6852 Ext. 232.

The County of Peterborough has an Official Plan that sets out the direction of land use across the eight (8) member municipalities.

The OSM Township Official Plan map can be found in the Peterborough County - Public GIS mapping system or individually below.

On the Peterborough County - Public GIS site: to see the Official Plan, on the left-hand side under "Build Your Map" click on Layers; then Official Plan. You can click on the + beside Official Plan and deselect all but "Otonabee-South Monaghan Official Plan".

Official Plan Maps

Official Plan Amendment

If you have a proposal that does not fit within the permitted uses of the land designation for your parcel of land, you may need to apply for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and/or Zoning By-Law Amendment (ZBA).

Pre-consultation with both the Township and Peterborough County is mandatory before making an application for an OPA.

Contact the Building and Planning Department to arrange an appointment to discuss your proposal.

An OPA requires a deposit of $4,000, as well as an administrative application fee of $8,000.

For a combined OPA and ZBA the required deposit is $10,000, as well as a $7,000 administrative fee. 

An OPA can take many months to complete.

This is due to:

  • the requirement for the complete application to be submitted, which can include a planning justification report, and any mandatory studies,
  • the mandatory notification process for neighbouring property owners and agenices,
  • a technical review is carried out in consultaton with the County of Peterborough.
  • once the Township is satisfied with the technical review completness, Council authorizes a public meeting, and
  • following this meeting, and prior to adopting and OPA or passing a ZBA, Council reviews and makes any changes based on the public and agency consultation.

After the adoption by Council, the OPA is then sent to the County of Peterborough for final review and approval.

Anyone who objects to an OPA may appeal a decision of the County to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).

ZBAs are passed by Council and are also open to appeal to the LPAT.

NEW - Cloudpermit e-permitting system

Otonabee – South Monaghan has updated their application and permitting process by implementing the Cloudpermit e-permitting system. Cloudpermit allows applications to be completed entirely online! 

Public Consultation

The Ontario Planning Act and regulations and Provincial Policy Statements that govern land use in Ontario. 

A period of public notice is required when a landowner applies for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA).

If you have questions about any of the information listed on this page please contact the Junior Planner at 705-295-6852 Ext. 232.

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