Planning Initiatives

The Town of Saugeen Shores is dedicated to encouraging appropriate growth and development that improves our community and follows the vision laid out in our Official Plan.

Residential Design Guidelines

To complement our ongoing planning work to update our Official Plan, support and facilitate the construction of housing that meets the needs of Saugeen Shores, and maintain the small-town charm that all residents of Saugeen Shores enjoy, the Town is preparing Residential Diversification Guidelines.

See the Introductory presentation here

See the Final Design Guidelines for Existing Neighbourhoods here

Other Current Planning Initiatives:

Attainable Housing

Like many growing communities, Saugeen Shores is looking to find ways to facilitate attainable and affordable housing options for our residents. To realize our potential and protect the overall economic health and wellbeing of our community, we need to make space to welcome new community members.

In February 2021, The Saugeen Shores Attainable Housing Task Force released a report with 25 recommendations. One of these recommendations called for a study exploring the potential implementation of a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to support the development of attainable housing.

Read the full Attainable Housing Report here.

Council also approved an Economic Development Community Improvement Plan to attract investment in manufacturing, offices, existing business expansion and retention, as well as investment in affordable housing.

Read the full Economic Development Community Improvement Plan here.

In March of 2024, council approved the Affordable Housing on Town-Owned Lands Policy. Please refer to the January 15, 2024 council agenda for the draft policy. Read the full Policy here.

Community Planning Permit System (CPPS)

Saugeen Shores is considering a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) specifically designed to support affordable housing and to increase housing supply and diversity.

For more information and updates, visit our Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) project page.

Additional Residential Units (ARUs)

Saugeen Shores is updating its Additional Residential Unit (ARU) policies to help provide much-needed housing supply, while maintaining the charm of existing neighbourhoods.

What is an ARU?

An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a self-contained residence, with kitchen and bathroom facilities, on a property with a single-detached house, semi-detached house or townhouse. They can be inside or outside your home. Previously, ARUs were referred to as Secondary Dwelling Units, since only one could be added to a property.

Updated Policies

The Town amended its Official Plan and Zoning By-law to

Permit ARUs on all legally conforming properties that have one (1) detached house, semi- detached house or townhouse, subject to certain conditions for agricultural areas and properties not connected to municipal services.
Permit up to three (3) ARUs per property, including up to two (2) within the main house and up to two (2) detached from the main house for larger properties.
Permit one (1) ARU on all properties with a lot area of 0.8 ha or greater in agricultural areas. The ARU is permitted in addition to any temporary residences for seasonal or part-time farm operations.
Align requirements on minimum lot area, lot frontage, lot coverage, and setbacks for properties with ARUs to be the same as their respective zones, with the exception of a reduced rear yard setback.
Update Zoning By-Law wording and definitions to align with language in the Planning Act, the County Official Plan, and the Town Official Plan.

See Section 5.4.4 (Agricultural Zone) and Section 3.37 (all other zones) of the Zoning By-law for the updated policies. Alternatively, see By-law 56-2022 and By-law 57-2022 for detailed amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, respectively.

Homeowner’s Guide

Read our Additional Residential Units Guide on considerations and best practices for adding units to your home.

For technical matters on obtaining a building permit for your unit, see Applying for an ARU and read our building department’s Guide to Constructing an Additional Residential Unit for more information.