The main legislative authority for all planning districts is The Planning Act, providing local and provincial structures for land use planning. The Community Planning Services Branch of Local Government advises and assists districts in formulating policies affecting the use and development of land, and coordinates the major land use planning activities of such public authorities. It also reviews development plans and makes recommendations to the Minister.

The Municipal Board is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals against decisions of an approving authority, objections to zoning by-laws, applications for cancellations and approval of plans of subdivision, and matters referred to it by the Minister of Local Government. Records of the Community Planning Services Branch and Municipal Board are identified in the Access and Privacy Directory, Provincial Government and Government Agencies.

The SDPAB performs all of the associated planning functions under The Planning Act for the Planning District.