Planning and Development

Development Charges

A growing municipality requires investment in growth related infrastructure to service new development. Development charges are fees that are paid by new development upon the issuance of a building permit to fund the capital cost of growth related services constructed throughout the municipality.

Notice of Passing of a Development Charges By-Law by the Township of Stone Mills

Stone Mills Township Council passed Development Charges By-Law 2024-1276, being a By-law For the Imposition of Development Charges on November 18, 2024, pursuant to Section 2 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997 c. 27. The By-law is subject to a 40 day appeal period with the last date of appeal being December 28th, 2024 (NOTE: If the final appeal date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the appeal date will extend to the first Monday at 4:30 p.m., following the last appeal day.)   The development charges imposed by the By-law, will come into effect on January 1, 2025. For more information, please see the following links:

• Notice of Passing
• Background Study

Proposed Official Plan & Zoning By-law Amendments

The Township of Stone Mills is considering the adoption of an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to amend Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 2014-744, as amended for the purpose of protecting agricultural lands throughout the Township. Documents presented at the June 24, 2024 Public Meeting pertaining to the proposed amendments can be viewed here: Township of Stone Mills CivicWeb Portal . Due to the volume of feedback being received,  a designated email for feedback and comments has been created. Please forward correspondence to submit@stonemills.com.

For all other general planning inquiries, please submit to: planningapps@stonemills.com.

Land Use Planning

Land use planning is a means of evaluating and directing development within the Township of Stone Mills in a way that is logical, efficient and attractive. For more information, please see our Official Plan and Zoning pages.

Good planning will avoid land use conflicts, encourage development that meets the needs of the community and provides a healthy and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike.

The Development Services Department reviews development applications for severances; minor variances; rezonings; amendments to the Official Plan; plans of subdivision and site plan control (used for complex developments such as industrial, commercial or institutional buildings).

Policy Planning

We are also responsible for long-range planning and policy development. The primary roles in policy planning include:

• Guidance of the preparation and maintenance of an Official Plan that establishes the Township's goals, objectives and land use policies for guiding long-term physical growth and development of Stone Mills Township
• Preparation of Community Improvement Plans for promoting the renewal and revitalization of older areas and the rehabilitation of private properties
• Advise Council of the initiatives, plans, and policies of other levels of government as they may affect the Township of Stone Mills