Where do I go for a land severance? The approval of severances can rest with one of a number of different governing bodies. Depending on the area, the granting of consents may be carried out by an upper-tier or single-tier municipal council. An upper-tier may then delegate the function to a committee of council or an appointed officer. Alternatively, it may delegate the authority to a lower-tier municipality, a land division committee or to a municipal planning authority. A single or lower-tier municipality may also use a by-law to delegate its approval functions to a committee of council, an appointed officer or to a committee of adjustment. In northern Ontario, where planning approval has not been assigned or delegated to a municipality or planning board, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing grants consents (See Northern Ontario, No. 7 in the series.) To determine the consent-granting authority in your area, contact either your municipal clerk, the secretary-treasurer of the planning board or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.