County of Peterborough Planning Department – Peterborough, ON

Regional Land Use and Development

The County of Peterborough Planning Department is located within the County Court House building on Water Street, serving as the central hub for land use planning across the eight lower-tier townships that make up Peterborough County. Unlike the city’s municipal planning office, this department focuses on the broader regional strategy, managing the County Official Plan which sets the long-term framework for growth, agriculture, and environmental protection in the rural and semi-rural areas surrounding the City of Peterborough. The office acts as the approval authority for various development applications, ensuring that local growth aligns with provincial policy statements and the county’s strategic vision.

Development Applications and Approvals

Property owners and developers engage with this department for high-level planning matters. The County Planning Department is responsible for the processing and approval of Plans of Subdivision and Condominium descriptions, which are necessary for creating new residential or commercial communities. Additionally, the department administers the Land Division process, handling applications for severances (creating new lots) and lot additions. While minor variances and zoning by-law amendments are typically handled by local township offices, the County provides essential advisory services to these local councils to ensure consistency across the region.

Environmental and Strategic Initiatives

Beyond regulatory approvals, the department spearheads major strategic initiatives such as the Peterborough County Watershed Plan and the Active Transportation Master Plan. These projects are designed to protect natural resources and improve connectivity for residents. Staff are available to provide pre-consultation services, helping applicants understand the complex requirements of provincial and county policies before they submit formal applications. This proactive approach helps streamline the development process and fosters responsible stewardship of the county’s diverse landscape.

Public Access and Inquiries

The office is open to the public during standard business hours for inquiries regarding active planning files or general land use information. Residents can visit the Water Street location to view the Official Plan or discuss specific property designations with county planners. The department also maintains an online dashboard for tracking active applications, promoting transparency in the decision-making process.

• Land Division: Processing consent applications for new lot creation.
• Subdivisions: Approval authority for large-scale development projects.
• Official Plan: Maintenance and amendment of the County’s guiding land-use document.