Development Toolbox

Area studies are a planning tool used to indicate the manner in which the objectives, policies, and land use designations of the County's Official Plan are to be implemented within specific areas of the County of Brant. Before growth and development can occur on large tracts of vacant land within the County's settlement, the preparation of an area study is required.

An area study is intended to include figures, graphics, and technical reports related to detailed land use and densities, integrated transportation networks, servicing infrastructure, natural heritage protection, and financial assessment. The study provides guiding principles for the development to be implemented consistently by the County, agencies, and developers.

Specific Area Studies Criteria (PDF) is required for submission of area studies within the County of Brant to ensure development is consistent, coordinated, and comprehensively planned. Part 6, Section 3.2 of the County of Brant Official Plan (2023) also outlines the purpose and requirements for area studies completed within the County.

Nith Peninsula Area Study

This area study was prepared by Losani Homes for the purposes of guiding the development of the Nith Peninsula area of Paris. The Nith Peninsula Area Study began in 2006 and was finalized in 2017. The development of this area was subject to an appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT, now the Ontario Land Tribunal) which was settled in 2020. The development began construction in 2022.

North-West Paris Area Study

This area study was prepared for a collection of vacant properties in North-West Paris, including lands west of Pinehurst Road, south of Watt's Pond Road, north of Scott Avenue and extending west of Oak Avenue. The North-West Paris Area Study began in 2008 and was approved by the County of Brant in March 2014. For the development of the lands east of Pinehurst Road and north of Scott Avenue, an amendment to the approved area study is required.

Paris Grand Area Study

The Paris Grand Area Study was prepared by Paris Grand Estates Inc. for the lands formerly occupied by the Paris Grand Golf Club, bisected by Paris Links Road in the North-East portion of Paris. The Paris Grand Area Study was completed in 2013. The development of this area was subject to an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB, now the Ontario Land Tribunal) which was settled in February 2021.

St. George Area Study

This area study began in 2008 to provide a technical basis and analysis of future development in St. George. The St. George Area Study was approved by the County of Brant in 2014, with an amendment to the study approved in 2018. The recommendations of the 2018 approval were incorporated into the County's Official Plan as Official Plan Amendment #8 and these amendments were appealed to the OMB (now the Ontario Land Tribunal), being settled by the Tribunal in November 2020. At this time, before development in St. George can begin, further upgrades to servicing infrastructure is needed to support future growth.

The County of Brant Development and Engineering Standards document describes the engineering review processes and design standards. All development-related engineering design proposals should follow the guidelines in the standards document.

Each property is reviewed specifically. Some properties may require items over and above the Zoning Bylaw requirements. Any standard within this standards document may be modified by the conditions of a development agreement.

Developers must contact the County of Brant before submitting engineering drawings. The Development Services division will coordinate the submission and circulation of the documents. Engineering drawings must be accepted by the appropriate departments before any development works commence.

• View the Development and Engineering Standards document (PDF)

An Environmental Impact Study is a detailed ecological and hydrological study, which generally includes a review of policy and legislation; an inventory and evaluation of natural heritage and hydrologic features, areas, systems and functions; identification of constraints to development; recommendations on preservation, mitigation, enhancement, and environmental offsetting; and how recommendations will be implemented through the approval process.

View the Environmental Impact Studies and Environmental Implementation Plans Submission Guide (PDF)

• Appendix 1 – Environmental Impact Study Waiving Assessment Application Form (PDF)
• Appendix 2 – Environmental Impact Study Terms of Reference Application Form (PDF)
• Appendix 3 – Environmental Implementation Plan Terms of Reference Application Form (PDF)

A Heritage Impact Study is an evaluation of a historic property or area to determine what heritage conservation methods should be considered before a development takes place. The study is intended to assess the current state of the property and recommend how a new development should integrate the history of the site into the project. 

View the Heritage Impact Study Submission Guidelines (PDF)

A Lot Grading and Drainage Plan will demonstrate that the proposed grading on the lot will not interfere with, or significantly alter existing drainage patterns and that the proposed building will have positive drainage away from the structures while not discharging any additional drainage to adjacent properties.

View the Lot Grading and Drainage Plan Guidelines (PDF)

For more information, view the Lot Grading Webpage

The objective of the Minimum Distance Separation is to minimize land use conflicts and nuisance complaints related to odour and sensitive uses. The Minimum Distance Separation does not account for other nuisances such as noise or dust.

Municipalities are responsible for ensuring that Minimum Distance Separation setbacks are met when reviewing land use planning applications (i.e. lot creation applications) or building permits. An application may be deemed not complete without the calculation. 

Minimum Distance Separation calculations are required for Building Permits and Planning Act applications associated and/or near livestock facilities.

Minimum Distance Separation calculations are performed via the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) AgriSuite which is an online calculator and can be performed by the applicant or by a Nutrient Management Consultant.

On-site parking design guidelines are intended to provide further direction on the implementation of the policies of the County of Brant Official Plan. These guidelines apply to all development and redevelopment involving on-street parking opportunities, ensuring that planning, review, and construction align with the objectives of the Official Plan.

View On-site Parking Design Guidelines (PDF)

A Planning Justification is the unifying component of a development application, intended to provide:

• a background context;
• an overview of the purpose and effect of an application; and,
• establish a professional planning rationale for the application by:
  • demonstrating how a proposal conforms to applicable planning policy documents;
  • aligns with local planning goals and community needs; and
  • good planning principles.

View the Planning Justification Guidelines (PDF)

A Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) is an evaluation of the effects a proposed development is expected to have on the existing road network. The study is intended to recommend mitigation measures to address travel demands generated by the development, if necessary.

View the Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines (PDF)

The County of Brant’s Tree Protection Guide is intended to provide guidance, advice and direction for landowners and developers who are performing construction or development near trees and to provide an outline of considerations when preparing a Tree Protection Plan to be submitted to the County for proposed development.

View the County of Brant Tree Protection Guidelines (PDF)

The water and wastewater treatment capacity reports provide a simplified figure to show developers how much system capacity is available and what is already allocated to draft approved and registered developments.

• View the Mount Pleasant Water Allocation Policy (PDF)
• View the Mount Pleasant Water Capacities (PDF)
• View the Paris Water Capacities (PDF)
• View the Paris Wastewater Capacities (PDF)
• View the County of Brant Servicing Allocation Policy (PDF)