Planning and Development

The design guidelines and associated recommendations in this document are the result of a study completed by MHBC Planning on behalf of the Township of Zorra and County of Oxford. The purpose for developing the guidelines was to establish comprehensive design direction and related implementation guidance for the Township of Zorra to assist in:

• the implementation of Provincial and Official Plan policies relating to such matters as the promotion of efficient land use and development patterns, the creation of strong, liveable and healthy communities and the protection of the environment and public health and safety; and

• achieving a high quality standard of urban design throughout the Township.

You can download a copy of the design guidelines here (large file size).

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has developed a series of Citizen Guides to Land-Use Planning.  These guides are user-friendly and provide helpful information about Ontario's planning system.  You can view or download copies of the guides here.

These Servicing Standards provide for the standardization of the design and construction of roads, storm sewers, and lot grading in the Township of Zorra. These standards shall be used in the design and construction of the above-mentioned services. Deviations from these

standards will be acceptable only under unusual circumstances and shall be approved in writing by the Township's Engineer. Notwithstanding any provision of the Design and Construction Standards for the Township of Zorra, these design and Construction Standards may not apply to capital works undertaken by the Township on existing municipal infrastructure designed or constructed to previous standards.

For developments prepared subject to these guidelines, the Developer shall retain a Professional Engineer, licensed in the Province of Ontario, for design and preparation of Contract Drawings, Specifications and Reports.

These standards shall apply to all design and construction projects after land use planning approvals have been finally granted and the proposed development shall comply with the applicable Official Plan policies, Zoning By-law regulations, subdivision and consent approvals and site plan as required for the site. These design and construction submissions may fulfill conditions of approval related to these planning approvals.

Click here to view the Design and Construction Standards document.

If your proposed change doesn't conform exactly to the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you might want to locate something on your property but the shape of your lot won't let you meet the minimum setback.

To obtain a minor variance, you will have to apply to your local committee of adjustment appointed by Council to deal with minor problems in meeting by-law standards. A minor variance does not change a zoning by-law. It simply excuses you from a specific requirement of the by-law and allows you to obtain a building permit.

Please visit the Minor Variances page in the Planning & Development section of this website for further information and to access a copy of the Minor Variance Application Form.

For further information, please contact the Township Planner.

If you have concerns or comments about a proposed zoning by-law or amendment that may affect you, you should:

• find out as much as possible about the proposed by-law and how it affects your property

• go to the public meeting and give your opinions

• discuss the proposal with municipal staff and Council members

• write to your Council member or municipal clerk

If Councillors knows about your concerns early in the process, they can try to take them into account before passing the by-law. Please see the listing of municipal staff and council members under the "Our Township" tab of this website.