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
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FAQs
We have included a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have.
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Take Survey
This survey asks about your priorities, concerns, and expectations for how development should be guided across the County of Brant. Your feedback will help shape the overall goals and structure of a new planning bylaw and help inform how the detailed rules are written.
This survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and your responses are anonymous.
Share CPPS Survey on Facebook Share CPPS Survey on Twitter Share CPPS Survey on Linkedin Email CPPS Survey link
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Videos
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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.
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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
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March 02 2026
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February 26 2026
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February 25 2026
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February 23 2026
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February 2026
Project Timeline
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August to October 2025: Phase 1
Community Planning Permit System has finished this stageProject planning and background review are underway.
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October 2025 to January 2026: Phase 2
Community Planning Permit System has finished this stageDraft CPP Bylaw development takes place.
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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.
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March to May 2026: Phase 4
this is an upcoming stage for Community Planning Permit SystemFinalization and adoption.
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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
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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
