Community Planning Permit System
At a Glance
The County of Brant is modernizing its entire zoning framework through the introduction of a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). This new system combines several approval processes into one streamlined process and ensuring community needs are at the heart of every decision.
The Details
The County of Brant is creating a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to guide how land is used and developed in our community.
Right now, development applications such as zoning changes, minor variances, and site plans are handled through separate processes. The CPPS will bring these into one clear and streamlinedContinue reading
At a Glance
The County of Brant is modernizing its entire zoning framework through the introduction of a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). This new system combines several approval processes into one streamlined process and ensuring community needs are at the heart of every decision.
The Details
The County of Brant is creating a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to guide how land is used and developed in our community.
Right now, development applications such as zoning changes, minor variances, and site plans are handled through separate processes. The CPPS will bring these into one clear and streamlined process. This means applications can be reviewed more efficiently, with fewer steps, while ensuring that community needs remain the top priority throughout the process.
The CPPS will help the County:
- Support the goals of the County’s Official Plan.
- Secure community benefits such as space for community facilities, parks, open spaces, and affordable housing options as a condition of the Community Planning Permit application.
- Protect our environment, cultural heritage, and archaeological sites.
- Provide greater flexibility in development standards.
- Encourage attractive, well-designed development.
In short, the CPPS will make the planning process easier to understand and more flexible, while making sure that community needs and values guide the way our County grows and changes. This is a major change to localize how development decisions are made, which is why we're inviting all residents, property owners, and businesses to learn more, ask questions and share feedback. Together, we can build a community planning permit system that supports growth while preserving what makes Brant unique.
Real-life examples
View these real-life examples of the current development approval process versus the new proposed CPPS.
View the CPPS Process Vs. Typical Development Approval Process.
Stay Informed
News feed: The Newsfeed is where you’ll find the latest updates about this project. It helps keep you informed about progress, upcoming opportunities to participate, important decisions, and more.
Subscribe for updates and be the first to get updates. Simply add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
FAQs
We have included a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have.
-
Share your thoughts about the Community Planning Permit System and join us at an open house to learn more!
Share Share your thoughts about the Community Planning Permit System and join us at an open house to learn more! on Facebook Share Share your thoughts about the Community Planning Permit System and join us at an open house to learn more! on Twitter Share Share your thoughts about the Community Planning Permit System and join us at an open house to learn more! on Linkedin Email Share your thoughts about the Community Planning Permit System and join us at an open house to learn more! linkWe’ve heard concerns about growth, development, and how difficult the planning process can be. Now we want your feedback about the proposed new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) that will:
- Make planning rules easier to understand
- Provide more predictability for property owners and builders
- Support a faster and more responsive planning approvals process
- Help secure community benefits like parks and heritage protection
View these real-life example videos of the current development approval process versus the new proposed CPPS.
Share your thoughts
Complete the survey by Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Take the online survey
- Prefer a printed survey? Stop by the main County of Brant Customer Service locations to pick up a copy.
- Complete the survey over the phone by calling 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT (1.855.442.7268).
Attend an open house
Prefer to speak with staff and learn more about this project in person? You're invited to join us at our upcoming open houses to learn more about this project, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the CPPS and draft CPP Bylaw:
- Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Gaukel Memorial Community Centre, 7 Gaukel Drive in St. George
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Brant Sports Complex, Lafarge Hall, 944 Powerline Road in Paris
- Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the TF Warren Group Cainsville Community Centre, 15 Ewart Avenue in Cainsville
- Monday, March 2, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Burford Community Centre, 14 Potter Drive in Burford
You're invited to join the online Community Conversations Forum
This is your opportunity to discuss development challenges, community-focused design, planning for community needs such as housing, public engagement, and what makes a complete community.
By participating, you can:
- Share what matters most to you in how our communities grow.
- Learn from the perspectives of your neighbours.
- Offer solutions and ideas to help shape future planning decisions.
Join the conversation until March 3, 2026.
-
Join the CPPS Community Conversations Forum
Share Join the CPPS Community Conversations Forum on Facebook Share Join the CPPS Community Conversations Forum on Twitter Share Join the CPPS Community Conversations Forum on Linkedin Email Join the CPPS Community Conversations Forum linkThe County of Brant has launched a Community Conversations Forum as part of the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) project, and we want to hear from you!
The forum is an open discussion space where residents and community partners can share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives about how land is developed in the County.
Here, you can:
- Comment on the discussion questions posted by the County.
- Respectfully respond to other participants’ contributions.
- Like or support comments you agree with.
This is your opportunity to discuss development challenges, community-focused design, planning for community needs such as housing, public engagement, and what makes a complete community.
By participating, you can:
- Share what matters most to you in how our communities grow.
- Learn from the perspectives of your neighbours.
- Offer solutions and ideas to help shape future planning decisions.
Respectful Participation
We encourage open and honest conversation, but ask that everyone:
- Be respectful of different opinions and experiences.
- Keep comments constructive and on topic.
- Avoid personal, offensive, or hateful remarks. Remarks such as these will be removed.
Your feedback will help ensure that the CPPS reflects the values and needs of residents, while supporting clear, transparent, and community-focused planning in the County of Brant.
Join the conversation
-
Trends and Issues Report to be presented to Council on Tuesday, October 14
Share Trends and Issues Report to be presented to Council on Tuesday, October 14 on Facebook Share Trends and Issues Report to be presented to Council on Tuesday, October 14 on Twitter Share Trends and Issues Report to be presented to Council on Tuesday, October 14 on Linkedin Email Trends and Issues Report to be presented to Council on Tuesday, October 14 linkThe County of Brant is beginning work on a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS), a tool that will make the development process clearer, faster, and easier to navigate. Most importantly, this new system will put community needs at the centre of every decision, ensuring that growth in the County reflects our shared values and vision for the future.
With the project planning and background review (Phase 1) underway, a Trends and Issues Report will be presented to Council at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14 at County of Brant Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street West, Paris.
This report will provide more detailed information regarding the existing challenges in the County’s development approval processes, share lessons learned from other municipalities, and offer recommendations for how the County can move forward with its own CPP bylaw.
Council meetings are open to the public and can also be viewed on the County of Brant's YouTube channel at brant.ca/Live.
Follow Project
Videos
-
Click here to play video
CPPS Real-life Examples: Building an Additional Residential Unit (ARU)
The County of Brant is introducing a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to make development approvals clearer, faster and more predictable for residents and business owners.
In this video, we compare the current zoning bylaw process with the proposed CPPS using a real-life example.
Under the current system, even a small setback change may require a minor variance application, a Committee of Adjustment meeting and an appeal period before construction can begin.
Under the proposed CPPS, minor adjustments that meet established criteria could be reviewed and approved directly by staff within 45 days.
-
Click here to play video
CPPS Real-life Examples: Mixed-Use Main Street Development
The County of Brant is introducing a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to make development approvals clearer, faster and more transparent for residents and business owners.
In this video, we compare the current zoning bylaw process with the proposed CPPS using a mixed-use development example.
A developer proposes a six-storey mixed-use building on a main street, with retail at ground level and residential units above. Under the current zoning bylaw, only four storeys are permitted.
Under the current system, the proposal must go through separate approval processes, including a zoning bylaw amendment and site plan control. Because these approvals happen at different times and involve different decision-makers, it can be difficult for residents to understand what is being decided and when their input matters.
Under the proposed CPPS, zoning and site design would be reviewed together through a single, coordinated process with one Council decision. Public engagement would occur earlier, timelines would be shorter, and expectations would be clearer.
The CPPS also allows the County to secure community benefits, such as affordable housing or other public amenities, in exchange for additional height or density.
This provides a clearer, faster and more transparent way to manage growth on main streets while ensuring neighbourhoods benefit from that growth.
Key Dates - Have your say
-
March 02 2026
-
February 26 2026
-
February 25 2026
-
February 23 2026
-
February 2026
Project Timeline
-
August to October 2025: Phase 1
Community Planning Permit System has finished this stageProject planning and background review are underway.
-
October 2025 to January 2026: Phase 2
Community Planning Permit System has finished this stageDraft CPP Bylaw development takes place.
-
January to March 2026: Phase 3
Community Planning Permit System is currently at this stageEngagement and draft revisions will begin including open houses and a public survey that will be held in winter 2026.
-
March to May 2026: Phase 4
this is an upcoming stage for Community Planning Permit SystemFinalization and adoption.
-
May to June 2026: Phase 5
this is an upcoming stage for Community Planning Permit SystemImplementation and training.
FAQs
- What is the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS)?
- How would a CPPS in the County of Brant be different from the usual development approval process?
- Does the CPPS provide opportunities for public engagement, even if it's not required by legislation?
- What are the benefits of developing a CPP By-law in Brant?
- Does obtaining a planning permit under a CPP By-law mean a building permit is no longer required?
- Is there an opportunity to integrate other municipal bylaws into the CPP Bylaw?
- Are there other municipalities in Ontario that use CPPS?
- Where can I find more information about CPPS?
Who's Listening
-
Phone 519-44BRANT (519-442-7268) Email Alysha.Dyjach@brant.ca -
Phone 519-44BRANT (519-442-7268) Email brandon.kortleve@brant.ca -
Phone 519-44BRANT (519-442-7268) Email negin.mousaviberenjaghi@brant.ca
