Zoning, Planning and Development

Township of Champlain supports property owners and investors by providing advice on a broad range of development applications including local Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-Law Amendments, Minor Variances, Consent Application Reviews, Site Plan Approvals and Part Lot Control.

On this page

1. Official Plan
2. Zoning by-law
3. Minor variance
4. Site plan control
5. Part lot control
6. Subdivision and servicing agreement
7. Removal of holding provisions
8. Planning fees

The Township of Champlain strongly recommends that any investor or property owner considering a development application, pre-consult with the Planning department prior to submitting an application.

The easiest and fastest way to contact the Township planning department is through online service request.

Official Plan

The Official Plan for the Urban Areas of the Township of Champlain establishes a long term vision for development within the village areas of Vankleek Hill and L’Original. The local Official Plan determines the location of housing, industrial uses offices, and shopping as well as goals for infrastructure, growth and community improvement. This local Official Plan was prepared based on the findings provided in the 2012 Land Needs Background Study prepared by JL Richards.

If your project or proposal does not align with the policies contained within the local Official Plan, you will require an Official Plan Amendment. 

Zoning By-Law

Zoning by-laws are the implementing tool for the Official Plans. The Zoning By-law directs how individual land and parcels may be used, where buildings may be located, what type of building is permitted as well as building height, parking ratios and setbacks.

If your project does not align with the regulations contained within the Township of Champlain Zoning By-Law 2000-75, you will require an application for a Zoning By-Law Amendment.

Minor Variance

A minor variance is a small variation from the requirements of the zoning bylaw. In order to qualify for a minor variance, the proposal must continue to conform to the applicable Official Plan policies. A minor variance approval is a certificate of permission, allowing a property owner to obtain a building permit if specific criteria can be met. In most cases, an application for minor variance must be accompanied with necessary supporting materials, including a proposed site plan, survey and/or other technical studies. Minor variances are approved by the Committee of Adjustment.

Site Plan Control

Site plan control bylaws are planning tools used to establish areas where site plan control will be applied. The entire geographical area of the Corporation of the Township of Champlain is designated as a site plan control area. Approval of plans and drawings is required in accordance with Section 41 of the Planning Act before development is undertaken. This bylaw primarily applies to large residential projects, commercial development and industrial development. 

Additional legal fees may apply. Pre-consultation is required prior to application for Site Plan Approval.

Part Lot Control

Part Lot Control is a provision under the Planning Act that regulates the transfer or sale of part of a lot or block within a registered plan of subdivision. The Town uses this provision to prevent the further dividing of lots or blocks within a plan of subdivision, after that plan has been registered.

Subdivision and Servicing Agreement

In the Township of Champlain, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell are the Approval Authority for draft plans of subdivision. Once a draft plan of subdivision is approved, the developer may be required to sign a subdivision agreement with the Township of Champlain. This subdivision agreement outlines the extent of services such as sidewalks, utilities, and roads are provided by the developer.

Additional legal fees associated with the registration of these agreements may apply. The Township of Champlain also charges fees per dwelling unit  or block or a minimum amount based on the draft plan of subdivision as part of the subdivision agreement.

Removal of Holding (H) Provisions

Holding designations and by-laws allow future uses for land or buildings but delay development until, for example, local services, such as roads, are in place. Existing holding designations are identified in the zoning by-law and schedules. Holding provisions may only be removed upon the submission of necessary reports and/or completion of required subdivision or servicing agreement.

Planning Fees

Note: Applicant to pay legal fees for all agreements /by-laws that are to be registered on title.

Any and all fees incurred by the municipality for the review and approval of the studies and analysis supporting the revision of a development application shall be assumed by the applicant.

[1]  Taxes not included. Prices are given for information purposes. If there are differences between the rates given on the website and in the User Fees document adopted by Council, the User Fees document shall be taken as correct.