Planning and Development

To get started with CloudPermit, the first step is to create an account. Please note that an email address is needed to use the system.

1. Go to the CloudPermit site.
2. Click on “CREATE NOW” found under the Register for an account column.
3. Provide your email address and CloudPermit will send an email to the address you provided.
4. Open the email and complete the registration process.

Note: This email is only valid for 24 hours.

The next time you visit the site, login using the email and password you created.

1. Click on Create a New Application in your Dashboard.
2. Select Province and Municipality from the drop-down menus in Location for the application section.
3. Select the type of application, Planning Approval and click Create Application.
4. Select the category of the application.
5. Under initialization of application, select if you are the applicant or agent.
6. Give a name for your application that includes the property address and type of application. For example, “123 Walnut Street Minor Variance”, and click Next.
7. Enter the property’s address or a roll number to find your property. You can also click and drag with a mouse on the interactive map with GIS to search for the property on the map.
8. Click Finish & Create.

Resources that may help during this step:

• Completing required application data

The Agent Authorization Form, if applicable, is to be filled out and signed by the registered owner of the subject lands. This document must be downloaded, printed, signed, and uploaded onto CloudPermit.

The Statutory Declaration Form must be filled out and signed either by the authorized agent, if applicable, or the registered owner of the subject lands under the witness of a Commissioner of Oaths. This document must be downloaded, printed, signed, and uploaded onto cloud permit. If you require a qualified individual to witness the signature(s), please contact the Municipal Office to schedule an appointment.

Please note that payment will not be accepted until the application has been deemed complete by the Township with the exception of pre-consultation requests where payment can be made at the time of submission.

Payment for planning applications can be made digitally within CloudPermit or by visiting the Municipal Office (cash, credit, debit and cheque are accepted).

If submitting the cheque by mail or through the drop box located at the municipal office, please use a sealed envelope clearly labelled with the application file number, the property address, and your name to avoid processing delays.

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The Township of Puslinch requires every Site Plan Control Applicant, Zoning By-law Amendment Applicant to submit a Pre-Consultation Application in accordance with the Mandatory Pre-Consultation By-law 2022-054.

Applicants submitting a Minor Variance Application through CloudPermit are encouraged to contact staff to determine if a Pre-Consultation Application is recommended.

Pre-Consultation will help identify:

• What types of planning applications may be necessary, such as minor variance, zoning by-law amendments, official plan amendment, site plan control, or subdivision/condominium applications;
• Any required plans, studies or information required to submit a complete application; and,
• Feedback from interested agencies or public bodies (such as the Ministry of Transportation, local conservation authority, Township and County staff).

The Pre-Consultation Application is intended to streamline processes by assisting applicants in determining submission requirements early in the process thereby reducing the number of incomplete and premature applications.

What is the Pre-Consultation Process ?

Pre-Consultations are held in two stages:

Pre-Consultation Stage 1

An in person meeting with the applicant and Township staff, regulatory agencies and Township Consultants to determine a list of require documents for the proposal.

Pre-Consultation Stage 2

Should the applicant choose to proceed with their proposal, the applicant shall submit the required list of documents for an initial circulation to Township staff, regulatory agencies and Township Consultants for review and preparation of formal written comments, which will be provided to the applicant. Subsequent submission by the applicant may be required as determined through the Pre-Consultation Process.

Pre-Consultation Schedule

Pre-consultation meetings will be held on the 3^rd Thursday of each month. For submissions deadlines view the Pre-Consultation Schedule. Submissions received after the deadline will be moved to the following month.

Application Fee

Application fees are listed in the User Fees and Charges By-law on the By-laws page.

(subject to third party cost recovery).

For multi-lot creations, please contact the County of Wellington prior to submitting a Pre-consultation application.

Please note that before applying for a Zoning By-law Amendment Application, applicant’s must apply for a Pre-Consultation Meeting through CloudPermit.

What is the Zoning By-law?

The Township of Puslinch zoning by-law governs the way land in the Township is used in the following ways:

• How land may be used;
• Where buildings and other structures can be located;
• The types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used;
• The lot size and dimensions, lot coverage, building height, and setbacks; and
• Shoreline buffer areas, landscaping areas, planting strips, parking requirements.

What is a Zoning By-law Amendment?

If a proposed use is not permitted in the zone for a property, or if the standards of that zone can’t be met by a proposed development, an application for a zoning by-law amendment may be needed to change or amend the existing zoning. A zoning by-law amendment is a by-law passed by the Township and is a public process.

It is recommended that applicants retain a planning consultant prior to submitting a zoning by-law amendment application in order to meet the requirements of a complete application.

What is the Zoning By-law Amendment Process?

All applications must be submitted through our online platform, CloudPermit. More information can be found at the top of this page.

Application Fee

Application fees are listed in the User Fees and Charges By-law on the By-laws page.

(subject to third party cost recovery)

Supporting Information

• Township of Puslinch Comprehensive Zoning By-law
• Zoning by-law guidelines sheet
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Citizen’s Guide to Land Use Planning
• Puslinch Municipal Development Standards

Before applying for a Minor Variance application it is recommended that applicant’s contact staff about our Pre-Consultation Meeting process to determine if a meeting is necessary.

What is a Minor Variance?

If your proposed change doesn’t conform exactly to the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you might want to locate something on your property, but you are unable to meet the minimum setback requirements because of the shape of your lot.

Minor Variance applications are considered by the Committee of Adjustment (also known in the Township of Puslinch as the Planning and Development Advisory Committee).

The Four Minor Variance Tests

When considering a minor variance application, the Committee will apply four tests, as outlined in the Planning Act, to determine if the minor variance should be approved:

1. Is the application minor in nature?
2. Is it desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure?
3. Is it in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law?
4. Is it in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Office Plan?

Types of Minor Variances

There are two types of minor variance applications: Type 1 and Type 2. Click each type for a list of what is included within each Type:

What is the Minor Variance Application Process?

All applications must be submitted through our online platform, CloudPermit. More information can be found at the top of this page.

Application Fee

Application fees are listed in the User Fees and Charges By-law on the By-laws page.

Before applying for a Site Plan Control Application, applicant’s must apply for a Pre-Consultation Meeting through CloudPermit.

What is Site Plan Control?

A site plan approval application is required for commercial, industrial, and institutional development proposals to:

• Construct a new building or structure;
• Construct an addition to an existing building or structure; and/or,
• Undertake major siteworks.

Site Plan Control is regulated by the Township’s Site Plan Control By-law.

Site Plan Application and Agreement

• Site works associated with the change of use of an existing building;
• Parking lot modifications, outdoor patios, landscape work and the placement of accessory building and structures;
• Minor revisions or building additions to existing commercial, industrial or residential developments;
• Requirement of technical studies (e.g. storm water management, geotechnical, hydrological, environmental impact assessment, etc.); and/or,
• A new development or major additions/alterations to an existing development or site design.

What is the Site Plan Control Application Process?

All applications must be submitted through our online platform, CloudPermit. More information can be found at the top of this page.

Application Fee

Application fees are listed in the User Fees and Charges By-law on the By-laws page.

(subject to third party cost recovery)

Supporting Information

• Site Plan Control By-law

Prior to submitting Pre-Consultation Meeting Application it is essential applicants review the Township of Puslinch Municipal Development Standards, 2019.

The development standards with the Township’s regulatory by-laws act as a reference guide for each type of development request by outlining the process for development applications, submission requirements and establishes standards for design and construction throughout the Township. The guidelines and standards should be followed whenever possible and any deviations shall only be made through consultation with the Township.

• Puslinch Municipal Development Standards

In March 2016, the Township adopted a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Aberfoyle and Morriston corridor (referred to in the plan as “Our Corridor”), as well as the Brock Road mixed-use industrial area. The CIP supports the revitalization, beautification, renewal, and economic activity in the the Township’s urban corridor. The CIP is intended to serve as a long-term framework that will be implemented over the next fifteen years. Specifically, during this time it is anticipated that the CIP will:

• Stimulate investment in privately owned land and building by providing financial assistance to property owners and tenants; and,
• Focus municipal resources on programs, studies, and other initiatives that will contribute to the overall improvement of Our Corridor.

Property owners may be eligible to apply for grant funding for development projects with this corridor. Click here to learn more about the CIP and grant funding opportunities.

• Our Corridor Community Improvement Plan
• Puslinch Design Guidelines

Name of Bylaw: Site Alteration

Number: 2023-057

Summary: A by-law to control the dumping of fill and alterations of grades. To apply for a permit for the importation or exportation of fill or to alter the grading of a property, otherwise known as a site alteration, please contact the By-law Department.

To view all active site alterations permits, please view the Map.

View By-law

Site Alteration Permit Application and Process (FAQ & Application Assessment)

By-law Complaint Form (Online)

What is an Entrance Permit?

An Entrance Permit is required to install or change an entrance onto private property off of a public road. The purpose of an Entrance Permit is to ensure safe access to and from the property, and to maintain existing drainage.

If the property is on a County-owned roadway a County Entrance Permit and approval is required.

If the property is on a Townline roadway, contact the Township Office to confirm which municipality is required to grant approval for the entrance permit.

Safe Access for Active Consent Applications

If safe access is required as a condition of an active consent application, a Safe Access Clearance is required.

Application Fee

Application fees are listed in the User Fees and Charges By-law on the By-laws page.

Application and Supporting Information

• Application for Entrance Permit
• Entrance Permit By-law

The Township of Puslinch requires every Radiocommunication Tower and Antenna Applicant to submit for a Pre-Consultation Application in accordance with the Township’s 2023-003 Radiocommunication Tower and Antenna Protocol Policy.

Application and Supporting Information

For more information on the Radiocommunication Tower and Antenna Protocol Policy and Application, please visit the Radiocommunication Tower page.