The City of Owen Sound has launched a new way to inform people about planning applications. The Planning Department is introducing QR Codes to its Notice of Planning signage to better inform citizens of planning applications.
The city said it is part of the importance of planning to help build a sustainable future that takes into account climate action and housing.
The Province of Ontario requires all Planning Authorities to provide notice of applications. Traditionally, the City has posted notice in local media and via Canada Post. The new program’s rollout comes at a time when QR codes are enjoying something of a resurgence in the pandemic.
A media release said the more efficient and modern planning act notice is part of their efforts for Service Excellence, which includes enhanced information, technology, and digital capabilities. As the introduction of QR codes goes forward, the Planning Division will be monitoring the use of the QR Codes through website data to see if people use these QR codes to look up information on planning applications.
Shortly after a planning application has been validated, details of such and any associated documents are posted on the City’s website and will be printed on a sign that will be erected at the applicant’s site. The QR code takes the user to the web page which provides a summary of the planning application, easily viewable on a smartphone from anywhere so people are able to see the details of the application.
Members of the public who see the notice on the street can scan the QR code with their smartphone, which then displays the detail of the application on the City’s Website. Anyone with a smartphone wandering past a site notice can scan the code and view the application details online without having to write down or remember the case details.
Along with development plans, active notices, and permit searches, the public can access the city’s portal for information about a site plan that includes the owner or responsible agent’s name, address, phone number, and email contact if available. There’s also a phone number to call for the info: 519-376-1440.
“Posting notices of Planning Act applications with QR codes on the property, in addition to mailing notices to neighbouring landowners are part of the City’s efforts to keep citizens and businesses informed,” said Mayor Ian Boddy
The City will continue to provide statutory notice via standard mail delivery to every owner of land within 60 metres (Consent and Minor Variance applications) or 120 metres (Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law amendments, and Draft Plan of Subdivision/Condominium applications).
Read original story from Midwestern Ontario News – BlackburnNews.com
