FAQs

A CPPS is a land use planning tool available to municipalities in Ontario that combines multiple development applications into a single application and approval process. A CPPS is implemented through a Community Planning Permit By-law (CPP Bylaw), which, once in place, replaces:

• Minor Variances: A minor variance allows a property owner to seek some relief from zoning regulations. 
• Zoning By-law Amendments: Zoning by-laws set regulations for how land can be used and what can be built on it. If a proposed development doesn’t fit these regulations, a change to the zoning bylaw is needed, which is called a zoning by-law amendment. 
• Site Plan Controls: Site plan is a planning tool that a municipality uses to evaluate and ensure certain site elements, such as walkways, parking areas, landscaping or exterior design on a parcel of land where development is proposed to build complete, healthy communities.  

If you’re planning to build or renovate in the County of Brant, you may need approval from the municipality. The Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) is a new way to make that planning approval process faster and simpler, replacing the zoning and associated process with a new bylaw and approval process. 

A CPPS reduces the number and complexity of applications that need to be submitted, as well as the overall development timeline for projects. Under a CPPS, the County must make a decision on your application within 45 days, much faster than traditional processes, which can take several months.

The graphic below compares a typical development application process with the process through a CPPS.

Yes. While public engagement isn’t required under CPPS legislation, the County values early input and is committed to tailoring engagement to local needs. Although appeal rights are limited by the Province to applicants, landowners of the subject property, and public bodies, the County believes that sharing information and gathering feedback early before formal applications are made remains essential. This framework will support better local notification and meaningful input during the early stages of development planning, in a way that is chosen by the community. 

With respect to appeal rights, landowners who comment on the Official Plan or CPP By-law before approval can appeal that process because it will apply to the entire municipality. However, Once the CPPS is approved, appeal rights are limited to those same groups, similar to current zoning rules. Through the CPPS project, The County is exploring new ways to enhance localized notification and gather meaningful input on development proposals. These efforts will help establish a strong foundation for public notice and engagement in a modernized development application process.

A CPP By-law helps achieve the County’s vision and goals, as outlined in the Official Plan, by:

• Enabling faster, more flexible, and responsive development process
• Preserving environmental, cultural, and archaeological resources
• Supporting mixed-use, affordable, and innovative development to meet diverse community needs
• Enabling the County to receive community benefits such as affordable housing, parklands and open spaces, and preservation of cultural heritage resources as part of the Community Planning Permit application. 
• Providing greater flexibility for farmers and agri-businesses to help rural areas thrive and protect farmland
• Encouraging thoughtful urban design that reflects community values and needs

No, obtaining a planning permit under a CPP By-law does not replace the requirement for a building permit. Even after the planning permit is approved, a building permit must still be obtained before construction can begin.

Yes, given the more flexible and broader definition of “Development” within the CPPS regulation, there is an opportunity to integrate other municipal bylaws, such as the Fence Bylaw, Sign Bylaw, Good Forestry Practices Bylaw, and Site Alteration Bylaw, into the CPP Bylaw. This would support a more comprehensive and cohesive development review process. Heritage permit processes could also be incorporated into the CPP Bylaw to support a more consistent and proactive approach to managing cultural and built heritage resources.

There are several municipalities across Ontario that have developed or are in the process of developing CPPS. Examples include the Town of Innisfil, Town of Huntsville, City of Guelph, City of Waterloo, City of Burlington, Town of Gananoque, and County of Frontenac.

You can find more information about the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) on the Province of Ontario’s website:

• Overview of CPPS: www.ontario.ca/page/community-planning-permit-system 
• Regulation details (O. Reg. 173/16): www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/160173 

These resources explain how CPPS works, its legal framework, and how it can be implemented by municipalities.