Site Plan Applications
What are Site Plan Approval applications?
Site plan control evaluates external design elements like landscaping, grading, site layout, parking areas and emergency services access. Site plan applications go through technical review and evaluation by City staff and external agencies before approval is granted by the Planning and Building Department.
The City’s Guide to City Planning and Development is an excellent resource outlining the City’s various development applications and processes.
What is the difference between a site plan approval application and rezoning/Official Plan amendment application?
| Application Type | Site Plan Approval | Rezoning/Official Plan Amendment |
| Legislated Authority | Section 41 of the Planning Act and the City’s Site Plan Control By-law | Section 16, 22, and 34 of the Planning Act, and the City’s Zoning By-law (and Official Plan) |
| Scope | Detailed design work (e.g. internal functionality) | Feasibility (e.g. neighbourhood impact, servicing capacity, impact) |
| Result | Approved drawings that are applicable law to obtain building permits | A change to the Official Plan Amendment and/or Zoning By-law (i.e. regulations of land use) |
| Community consultation | No | Yes |
| Approval authority | City staff | Council |
*Note: Some developments are exempt from site plan control, and as such, do not require site plan approval.
How is a Site Plan Application submitted?
A property owner may apply for a site plan application at any time, provided they submit the Planning Act mandated prescribed information and required studies identified by the City and external agencies.
Accepting an application is a mandatory administrative step as regulated by Section 41 of the Planning Act. City staff are obligated under the Planning Act to accept an application that meets the statutory and municipal submission requirements within 30 days of receiving the application. Having zoning approval is not required in order accept a site plan application; however, site plan approval cannot be granted unless the development complies with the applicable zoning that applies to the property.
What is the public’s involvement in the process?
While there is no public consultation involved in the site plan application process, all information and material related to the applications are considered part of the public record and can be provided to any member of the public upon request.
