Development Toolbox

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.

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)

Heritage Impact Study

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

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) 

Tree Protection

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) 

Water and Wastewater Capacities 

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)