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 Planning impacts almost every aspect of the communities of Essex – the construction of new homes, stores and offices; the creation or improvement of natural areas, parks and trails, recreational facilities and other public spaces; the provision of roads, sidewalks, sewers and waterlines.
The Town of Essex Planning department provides a broad range of policy planning and land development review services. Through an open and inclusive public planning process, the department is committed to enhancing the livability of the unique communities that comprise the Town of Essex.
In carrying out its mandate, the department performs the following functions:
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Prepares official plan amendments and policy proposals for Council consideration and approval;
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Reviews, processes and provides professional recommendations on land use and development applications;
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Ensures public awareness of development proposals as required;
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Provides advice on planning matters to Town Council, the Committee of Adjustment and other committees of Council, other departments and agencies, community and business groups and the citizens of Essex;
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Works as part of the Town administration to formulate and implement specific initiatives and capital spending programs of Council;
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Provides mapping, demographic, economic and social data related to planning and other matters
Town of Essex Official Plans:
An official plan provides the blueprint for the future growth and development of a municipality. It establishes goals and ways to achieve them by taking into consideration important social, economic and environmental factors. Currently, the Town is guided by the Official Plans of the four former municipalities. The Town is currently working toward consolidating these documents and updating their policies in an effort to produce a comprehensive, relevant and unified Official Plan for the entire Town.
Planning Fees:
Town of Essex Planning fees can be found here.
Planning Application Forms:
Can be found on the Forms & Applications Page
Zoning By-laws:
The policies and objectives of the Official Plan are implemented through the Zoning By-law. The Zoning By-law is a legal document that sets out detailed regulations for the creation of new lots and the construction of buildings, other structures and additions to them. The Town is currently using the Zoning By-laws of the four former municipalities, but has now adopted a new comprehensive zoning by-law for the entire Town.
This by-law replaces the 4 current zoning by-laws for Essex Centre, Harrow, Colchester North and South (Bylaws 2010, 694, 2125 and 1902), respectively. While it is a consolidation of the various regulations and mandates of these by-laws, it has new provisions necessary to bring the zoning by-laws into conformity with the new Town of Essex Official Plan and Provincial Policy Statements. Consequently, it may have new or expanded provisions which differ somewhatfrom those that currently apply to your property. It is recommended that you review the by-law mapping and text to determine for yourself if that is the case. In order to make the by-law more accessible, land use charts and a condensed regulation format is included at the front of the by-law. Copies of the by-law will also be on display at the Town of Essex Town Hall and the Gesto municipal offices. For more information, please contact
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to view it (519.776.7336 x16) or
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(519.776.7336 x12) in the Planning Department.
Development Standards Manual
In an effort to streamline and ensure a fair and equitable development review process, the Corporation of the Town of Essex has consolidated its development requirements in a Development Standards Manual. In addition to providing specifications for municipal services such as sanitary and storm sewers and water lines, this Manual establishes requirements for street widths, sidewalk widths and location, street trees, and other municipal infrastructure.  Click to download the Development Standards Manual or for a hard copy please contact the Planning Department.
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