Planning Documents

The Town is required by the Planning Act to conform to its Official Plan in any by-laws or capital works initiatives. This Plan projects a long-term vision for the physical development of the Town. Its policies provide the direction for managing long term development to achieve social, economic, and environmental objectives of the Town’s vision.

The Planning Department is involved in the preparation and review of plans for future development within the Town. Two documents are primarily used to administer the municipality's planning department.

The "Official Plan" sets out a general policy framework for decisions on planning-related matters. For example, it indicates where housing, commercial and industrial activity will be encouraged to locate and what services will be needed for anticipated growth.

The Town's new Official Plan came into force and effect on January 9, 2020, excluding a site-specific appeal of a single privately owned property.  

The Zoning By-law provides provisions to implement the policies of the Official Plan. All lots, buildings, and structures must comply with the Zoning By-law. Please refer to section 2.0 of the Zoning By-law for instructions on how to use the By-law.

The Penetanguishene Community Design Manual (PCDM) directs the design of development to create a built environment that supports community well-being, while being consistent with the existing character of Penetanguishene. The PCDM applies to all projects subject to review and Planning approval by the Municipality through subdivisions and site plan approval applications, among others.

All types of development are subject to review in reference to the Site Plan Control By-law 2014-30, as amended. This document provides the design guidelines to be applied for development that is subject to Site Plan Control pursuant to the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990.

Engineering designs for infrastructure works for the development or redevelopment of lands within the Town will be reviewed for acceptance by the Town's Public Works staff and/or professionals retained on behalf of the Town. The Policy sets out the parameters for Developers contemplating the development or redevelopment of lands within the Town.

The Town of Penetanguishene has developed a Community Improvement Plan as a tool to improve and revitalize Downtown Penetanguishene and other targeted commercial and mixed-use area. Programs administered through a CIP include financial incentives for private property owners and tenants to achieve the goals and objectives of the Plan.