Planning policy basics
We must follow a series of rules and guidelines from different policies while setting a planning vision, directing growth and reviewing new development proposals.
Policy framework
Many policies and legislation from all levels of government play a role in how the City plans. From the Planning Act to the Mississauga Official Plan and Zoning By-law, each policy informs the next.
The Planning Act
The Planning Act is the Provincial law that establishes the framework around how planning in Ontario should happen. It requires municipalities to develop Official Plans and provides for tools like zoning by-laws.
The Planning Act:
- Establishes the approval process for land development
- Outlines requirements for public consultation
- Provides parties the ability to appeal planning decisions through the Ontario Land Tribunal (residents no longer have the ability to appeal)
Provincial Policy Statement
The Provincial Policy Statement establishes a vision for land use planning in Ontario. It covers policies about managing change and efficient land use and development patterns. It aims to optimize the use of land and resources.
Places to Grow Act
The Places to Grow Act is a Provincial statute that enables the development of growth plans, like the Provincial Growth Plan. It helps to guide government investments and land use planning policies.
A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
The Provincial Growth Plan is a long term plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe that promotes building compact, vibrant, complete communities around transit to support a strong competitive economy.
This plan sets the growth targets and provides a detailed framework for where and how growth should be accommodated.
Mississauga Official Plan
The Mississauga Official Plan (MOP) implements the Provincial Planning Statement and Growth Plan at the local level. Its policies address how and where we’ll grow and affects everyone who lives and works in Mississauga. It looks at transportation, housing, culture and heritage, the environment and the economy. It’s prepared with input from the community and helps to ensure future planning and development meets the needs of the community.
The MOP is updated through amendments from development applications and city-led initiatives. It gets a formal review and update every ten years.
Zoning By-law
The Zoning By-law is the main tool for implementing the objectives and policies of the City’s Official Plan. It regulates exactly what land can be used for.
It also outlines what can be built in different areas or zones around the city, including:
- How big and tall a building can be
- How much parking is needed
- Landscaping and amenity requirements
- What the lot or property can be used for