What is a land severnace?
A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This is commonly known as a consent. It is required, if you want to sell, mortgage, charge or enter into any agreement (at least 21 years) for a portion of your land. If the two parts are split already by a road or railway for example, consent is not required.
Most municipalities with an approved official plan have specific polices and requirements for land severance. In addtiion to the division of land, rights-of-way, easements and any changeto your existing property boundaries also require land severance approval.
If several severances are intended in the same area, a plan of subdivision may be more appropriate. It is up to the County of Wellington to decide whether a consent is the best approach or if a plan of subdivision is necessary for the proper and orderly development of your community.
Why do I need approval to sever my land?
The indiscriminate division of land without anyones approval could have long term negative impact on the community. For example, it could result in over extension of municipal service, such as snow plowing, school busing and garbage collection. Or it might result in damage to the natural environment, because lots are too small to accommodate adequate sewage disposal systems.
Official approval is required to ensure that:
- land severances are considered within an established community planning framework.
- new lot and new land uses fo not conflict with the overall future planning goals and policies of your comunity.
- consideration is given to the effects of the division of land on the site, on the neighbours and on the community as a whole.
Once a severace has been approved, the new land parcels may be sold or resold without further approval. The only exception is if the County of Wellington has specified that this should not occur without further approval.
Where do I go for a land severance?
The County of Wellington is the approval authority, more specifically the Land Division Committee. For more information or an application please contact:
County of Wellington
Deb Turchet, Secretary Treasurer for Land Division
Phone: 519-837-2600
Fax: 519-823-1694