Planning and Zoning

The Official Plan is a statement of goals, objectives and policies intended to guide future land use, physical development, and growth within the boundaries of the Municipality of Leamington. The policies of the Official Plan are designed to promote the public interest in the future development of the Municipality. 

Official Plan

Land Use Schedules and Overlay Maps

The Zoning By-law regulates the use of land, buildings and structures in Leamington and how properties can be developed. It includes regulations for things such as lot size, building height and setbacks, landscaped open space, and parking requirements.

Leamington Zoning By-law 890-09 was adopted by Council on January 12, 2009. Please note that amendments to the Zoning By-law are common; each document has a date that is reflective of the update.

Zoning By-law 890-09, as amended

Zoning Maps

The Official Plan is a high-level document that brings the Municipality’s general land use planning policies together in a single plan, whereas the Zoning By-law is much more specific. The Zoning By-law regulates what properties can be used for and sets out provisions for those uses. 

Use the Interactive Municipal Map to find the zoning of a property in Leamington.

Tip: Turn on the Planning layer in the legend on the left hand side to view zoning.

Interactive Municipal Map

The Committee of Adjustment is the approval body for Minor Variance and Consent Applications and permissions to extend or enlarge Legal Non-Conforming Uses under the Planning Act. The Committee hears applications from property owners, discusses concerns related to each application, and makes decisions on applications.

The Committee evaluates the merits of each proposal with consideration of the following documents:

• Provincial Policy Statement
• County of Essex Official Plan
• Leamington Official Plan
• Leamington Zoning By-law No. 890-09, as amended

The Committee is administered by Planning Services through monthly meetings and is comprised of two Council members and three appointed members of the public. The Public is welcome to attend the Committee of Adjustment meetings, held on the last Wednesday of every month.   

Committee of Adjustment Meeting Calendar and Agenda

A Minor Variance is a minor change to a provision under the Zoning By-law, granted by the Committee of Adjustment. 

A Minor Variance cannot add a use that is not permitted under the Zoning By-law. A Minor Variance can change:

• Maximum/Minimum lot area
• Maximum/Minimum lot frontage
• Maximum/Minimum lot coverage
• Maximum/Minimum landscaped open space requirements
• Maximum/Minimum building height
• Distance between lot lines and the building (setback) 
• Parking requirements

The most common types of Consent Applications are severances, which divide land into 2 or more lots, as well as lot line adjustments.

Other types include, but are not limited to:

• Registration of easements
• Lease agreements exceeding 21 years

The Committee of Adjustment usually imposes conditions on the approval of a consent application. The owner has two years to fulfill the conditions or the approval of the application lapses. Some common examples of conditions include ensuring that taxes are paid in full, that lots are properly consolidated if necessary, or confirming you have legal drainage for both of the new lots. 

Site Plan Control is a development review process which examines the design and technical aspects of a proposed development to ensure that it is safe, functional, and compatible with the surrounding area. It seeks to mitigate the impact of development on neighbouring uses and municipal infrastructure as well as encourage a high standard of design.

Site Plan Control is implemented through the Municipality of Leamington Official Plan and Site Plan Control By-law 632-05. Under Section 41 of the Planning Act, the Municipality of Leamington has the ability to create areas throughout the municipality where Site Plan Control is required. At this time, all Commercial, Industrial, Greenhouse, Boarding house, Off-Site and On-Site Farm Worker Dwelling, and Multi-Unit Residential (over 10 units) Developments are subject to Site Plan Control.

Site Plan approval is intended to ensure development:

• Conforms to the policies and objectives of the Official Plan
• Complies with Zoning By-law regulations and other appropriate by-laws/regulations
• Ensures sufficient municipal services and on-site facilities
• Eliminates or reduces negative impacts on adjacent land uses

If a development proposal requires Site Plan Control, it will proceed through a formal process of review and approval. This involves circulation of the proposal to relevant internal departments and external agencies, including, but not limited to: conservation authorities, provincial bodies, utility companies, school boards, etc. 

To submit a development proposal, please see the Planning Applications and Process page.

Coordinated by Planning Services, the Development Support Committee (DSC) meets weekly to review development proposals and provide high-level direction on municipal standards and processes. This Committee is comprised of representatives from Planning, Fire, Building, Water, Legal, Environmental, and Engineering Services. 

Developers and applicants who are looking to receive guidance/comments/support are welcome to contact our office to request attendance at DSC. 

Any general Planning questions or inquiries not associated with a Planning Cloudpermit workspace may be sent to planning@leamington.ca or call 519-326-5761 ext. 1407.

For inquiries regarding Cloudpermit applications, kindly use the “Public Messages” function directly through Cloudpermit.