Budget - Planning, Development and Urban Design

Planning, Development and Urban Design Division maintains and administers the City's land use planning policies, by-laws and processes including the Official Plan, the Zoning By-law, the Central Area Community Improvement Plan, the Central Area Master Plan and the Downtown Patio Program. The Division consists of Policy Planning, Development Planning, Urban Design, Development Engineering and Heritage Preservation business units.

The Division processes all municipal land use and related development engineering approvals for subdivision plans, site plans, zoning and Official Plan amendments and administers the work of the Committee of Adjustment. Staff research and monitor trends in community planning, built and cultural heritage, legislation and development opportunities and administer the development of City industrial parks.

The Division is also responsible for administering the Heritage Property Tax Relief Program, heritage property designations under the Heritage Act, archaeological investigations, Doors Open events and for preserving built heritage and supporting the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.

The increase in the 2026 budget is a result of decreased revenue from planning application fees and approved salary and benefits costs.