Planning and Permit FAQ

Please refer to our online regulation mapping.

Our permit processing timelines are based on requirements found in Section 28.1 of the Conservation Authorities Act and Section 7 of Ontario Regulation 41/24. Upon receipt of the required documents and permit fee the authority shall notify the applicant in writing within 21 days, whether or not the application complies with subsection 28.1 (3) of the Act and is deemed to be a complete application. Once an application is deemed complete, if CVC fails to give the applicant notice of a decision with respect to the application within 90 days after the application is made, the applicant may appeal the application directly to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Yes. Our fees vary on the type and scale of a proposal. View our fee schedule for more information.

As always, planning applications should be made through your municipality. Do not submit applications directly to CVC. The municipality will circulate your application to us. Please copy all review agencies directly when you are resubmitting changes to an application to ensure that each agency is reviewing the same information.

Digital submissions are preferred. Be sure to include all necessary information to form a complete application. Please contact the relevant municipality for more information on how they are processing applications.

Please contact your local municipality for information relating to tree cutting by-laws that may affect your property. A permit from CVC is not required for tree removal on private lands.

Please refer to A Guide to Credit Valley Conservation Agricultural Development Permitting for more information.

Not seeing your question? Submit your question, and our expert staff will do their best to answer it.

If you would like to report a violation or what may be unlawful activity, please contact a Regulations Officers by

• Calling 905-670-1615 extension ‘0’ where CVC staff will be able to direct your call to an officer. You can make an anonymous report by phone.
• Emailing us at [email protected].

A floodplain map shows areas near rivers, streams or other watercourses that are prone to flooding during major storm events. It outlines the boundaries of flood-prone zones to help visualize potential flood risks. CVC’s Floodplain Mapping Portal displays flood extents based on the regulatory storm, defined as the greater of Hurricane Hazel or the 100-year storm.

Floodplain maps help identify flood risk areas, enabling homeowners, buyers, insurers and emergency responders to make informed decisions. These maps support:

• Safer land use planning
• Smarter property investment decisions
• Better emergency preparedness
• Risk assessment for insurance and infrastructure design

Municipalities, planners and developers rely on floodplain maps to guide responsible growth and protect communities.

Floodplain maps are essential tools for CVC to fulfill its mandate under the Conservation Authorities Act and provincial policies like the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). They help:

• Regulate development in flood-prone or hazard areas
• Protect public safety and property
• Support evidence-based decision-making

Floodplain maps are developed using a combination of:

• Topographic and land elevation data
• Aerial imagery and field surveys
• Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling

Maps may be available as digital GIS layers. On this portal, you will see floodplains categorized as:

1. Engineered (CVC Approved): Mapped by CVC or a consultant under CVC’s supervision and officially approved by CVC.
2. Engineered (Third-Party Preliminary): Prepared by a consultant during development planning in consultation with municipal and CVC staff. Final mapping will be completed by CVC after urban development occurs.
3. Engineered (Under Review): Created by CVC or under its guidance but now outdated due to changes in the area. These are currently being reviewed and updated by CVC.
4. Estimated: Generated using approximate methods to provide a general indication of flood risk. These maps have not been approved by CVC and are based on a 2005 study.

Floodplain maps are updated as needed, typically after:

• Significant land use changes
• Major flood events
• Advances in flood modeling techniques

Regular updates ensure maps reflect current risks and conditions.

Floodplain maps serve as important screening tools for:

• Identifying areas where development may be restricted or require additional review
• Ensuring new construction complies with floodplain regulations
• Supporting safe and sustainable growth

Floodplain maps provide a helpful overview of general flood risks in a given area. However, they may not offer the detailed information needed for site-specific assessments. For a more accurate evaluation of the flood hazard on your property, please contact CVC’s Planning team or consult a qualified professional.

Yes, development and other activities within or adjacent to a floodplain are subject to restrictions. Flooding is one of several natural hazards regulated by conservation authorities. If your property is located in or near a floodplain, you may need permission from Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) before proceeding with any development, site alteration or other work on the property.

To check whether your property falls within a regulated area, please visit CVC’s regulation mapping. For further assistance or to discuss your property or project, please contact the CVC Planning team.