Planning & Development | Township of Woolwich

The Planning Section of Development Services is responsible for preparing planning policies and managing key documents, including the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. It oversees the processing and evaluation of development applications to ensure conformity with provincial, local, and other government policies.

Visit the Planning Public Calendar or the Engage WR page to view information on some of the applications currently being processed.

Policy Documents

These policies offer an overview of key guidelines and regulations shaping development in the Township. They provide essential information on housing, land use, transportation, and community standards, helping residents and developers understand the Township’s goals for sustainable growth and community well-being. Explore the links below.

The Official Plan is the long-term policy document that guides our community's growth and land use. It sets out goals for housing, transportation, and environmental protection, ensuring development aligns with sustainability and complies with provincial and local policies.

The Zoning By-law regulates how land can be used in a community, specifying things like building types, height, density, and setbacks to ensure development aligns with the Official Plan.

Affordable Housing Framework

The Affordable Housing Framework provides guidelines and strategies to support the development of affordable housing. It outlines goals, policies, and actions to streamline processes, offer incentives, and collaborate with developers to increase affordable housing options.

Housing Needs Assessment

The Housing Needs Assessment examines Woolwich’s current and future housing demands, identifying gaps in availability, affordability, and diversity. This study, completed in 2024, will inform policies to create a more inclusive, accessible housing environment to meet community needs.

Active Transportation Master Plan

The Active Transportation Master Plan promotes walking, cycling, and other non-motorized travel by improving infrastructure like sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails. It aims to create safer, more accessible routes, encouraging sustainable and healthy transportation options.

Comprehensive Transportation and Mobility Plan

Please visit Engage Woolwich for ongoing updates on the progress of the Comprehensive Transportation and Mobility Plan.

Elmira Core Urban Design Study

The Elmira Core Urban Design Study provides a vision and guidelines for the development and revitalization of Elmira's downtown area. It focuses on enhancing public spaces, improving streetscapes, and promoting a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly core that reflects the town’s character while supporting future growth.

Landscape and Design Guidelines

The Landscape and Design Guidelines outline standards for creating appealing, sustainable outdoor spaces that enhance community character, promote biodiversity, and support climate resilience. They cover plant selection, water management, pedestrian access, and more to guide developers and residents in designing landscapes that benefit everyone.

Elmira’s Community Improvement Plan

Elmira’s Community Improvement Plan: "Improving the Public Realm" focuses on enhancing shared public spaces like streets, parks, and plazas. It aims to create a more attractive, functional, and accessible environment, encouraging community engagement and supporting local businesses through improved infrastructure and beautification efforts.

Mixed Use Urban Design Guidelines

Please visit Engage Woolwich for ongoing updates on the progress of the Mixed Use Urban Design Guidelines.

Summary of Fees

Select the links below to view a summary of some of the Planning application fees:

Committee of Adjustment - Minor Variance, Consent and Sign Variance
Official Plan Amendment and Zone Change Applications
Site Plan Development Applications

Visit the By-laws pages and select the Fees and Charges By-laws to view the full Planning Department Fees By-law related to the development applications noted below.

Development Applications

Below is a list of the various development applications that are processed by Planning staff. Certain applications require the applicant to meet with Township and Regional staff ahead of making a formal application. Please review the Pre-application Consultation information below to determine what steps you may need to follow prior to making a formal application.

Pre-application Consultation Meeting Request

If you are planning to apply for an:

Official Plan Amendment;
Zone Change;
Plan of Subdivision;
Site Plan Approval;
Minor Variance; or
Consent (Severance)

for your property, you are required to discuss the proposal with Township and/or Regional staff through a pre-application consultation meeting, ahead of making a formal application. Please complete the necessary meeting request form and submit it to Planning staff for review. Once received Planning staff will contact you to advise the applicable pre-application meeting fee and steps to move forward.

Pre-application Consultation Meeting Request Form (including the Region of Waterloo Environmental Site Screening Questionnaire

At times, an individual property may need an amendment to the Official Plan for new development or redevelopment proposals. Prior to submitting an application to amend the Official Plan please consult with Planning staff. The public always has opportunity to review and provide input on a proposed amendment prior to the adoption by the Township.

Site Plan Approval is required for all commercial, institutional, industrial and some multi-residential developments within the Township and must be completed prior to the issuance of any building permits.

Site Plan approval is an interactive process involving the property owner, their consultant(s), Township staff and other local government agencies. The Site Plan process is intended to match the property owner's requirements with the unique characteristics of each property while protecting the interests of all parties and ensuring development is designed to municipal standards. Typical agreements that are entered into and registered on title of the property are:

For Site Plan application submission requirements please view the applicable Landscape and Design Guidelines.

Contact Planning staff to arrange a pre-application consultation meeting for your proposal.

Subdivision approvals are handled between the Region, who is the approval authority, and the Township, which holds the public meeting. Generally, when you divide a piece of land into multiple lots (i.e. three or more), you are subdividing the property. Subdivisions can be created for residential, industrial or multi-use developments.

If you are considering a subdivision development on a parcel of land a pre-application consultation meeting with the applicable Regional, Township and other agency staff will be required prior to submission of an application.

Every property in the Township is subject to policies in the Zoning By-law. A zoning by-law contains provisions that regulate the use, size, height, density and location of buildings on properties. The by-law consists of the following basic components:

Maps are the most common feature of any zoning by-law as they indicate which zone a property is in.
The corresponding wording for the zone lists the permitted uses and regulations applicable to that zone.

Property owners are advised to consult with Planning staff regarding the zone change process before submitting an application for consideration by Council.

A property owner who wishes to:

divide their land for the purposes of selling it
make a lot line adjustment between properties
create an easement or right of way, or
lease land for a period over 21 years

is required to meet with Township staff to discuss the consent (severance) process prior to submitting an application for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment.

A variance is a minor change to the Zoning By-law for a specific property. Property owners are advised to consult with Planning staff regarding the minor variance process prior to submitting an application for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment.

The Committee of Adjustment also acts as the Sign Variance Committee to regulate signs on private property. If you have a sign that does not meet the standards of the Sign By-law, you will need to submit a sign variance application to the committee.

Accessory Dwelling Units

Are you looking to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)? Explore our Accessory Dwelling Unit Information Package, to help guide you through the process of planning, designing, and building your ADU. This resource includes information on zoning regulations, design options and requirements, fees, and more to ensure you are ready to achieve your goal. Before submitting your building permit application, be sure to complete the Zoning Compliance Certificate Application.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Information Package

Zoning Compliance Certificate Application

Effective September 1, 2024, all ADU applications must follow the steps described in this Information Package. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to us at planning@woolwich.ca.

Zoning Compliance Certificate

Are you planning to start a home-based business or establish/change a commercial or industrial business? See the new regulations for establishing a home business for a tradesperson on Agricultural properties that are 6 hectares or less in area.

Please contact Planning staff to discuss the necessary requirements and how to obtain a Zoning Compliance Certificate.

Compliance Letter

A compliance letter is normally for mortgage renewals and property sales. It offers information on the Official Plan and Zoning for the property and comments on any open building permits. A compliance letter can be requested through a written letter and submitted with the fee to Development Services Staff.