The City of Burlington accepts and reviews many types of development applications for those looking to start development projects within the city. Learn how to apply and what approvals may be required for your proposed development.
Begin your development application
| How to submit a new development application |
| View the steps below to learn how to submit a new development application for a proposed development project with the City. |
| Discover which development application you require |
View the information on this page and within the following pages to discover which type of development application you require for your project. Applications may have their own submission processes that you can follow to obtain approvals.
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| Book a pre-consultation meeting with the City |
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If your development involves submitting any of the following application types, you will need to book a pre-consultation with the City before formally submitting your application:
Download and complete our Pre-consultation Meeting Request Form and follow the instructions on the form to include all necessary information and fees to go along with your form. You must include, at minimum:
Once you have all necessary information, forms and fees for your pre-consultation request, contact us at 905-335-7642 to learn the contact to submit your request in electronic format. Please follow the submission standards outlined in the request form. Once we receive your submission, we will contact you directly with the date, time and location of your pre-consultation meeting with staff. It takes four to six weeks from the time we receive your submission until the meeting, as this allows staff to distribute the request to relevant departments and agencies for their input. During the meeting:
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We credit your pre-application fee to the corresponding development application, provided you submit it within one year of the pre-consultation meeting date. Development applications that are substantially different from the application presented during the pre-consultation meeting will not be credited and a new pre-consultation meeting may be required, including an additional fee. We will not credit additional pre-consultation fees to a future development application fee.
- Review our development application fees
Review our development application fees for more information on costs associated with each type of application. - Complete your submission with all requirements and fees
Follow your specific development application submission instructions, as outlined on each application type's page, complete with all necessary forms, information requirements and fees. - Await contact and next steps from the City
Await correspondence from the City outlining next steps for application approval.
Burlington planning process
Discover more information about the City's planning process (for Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law amendments and Plan of Subdivision applications), including:
- Defining City planning
- Why planning officials get involved and why plans change
- Planning process in 10 steps
- Different statuses of an application
- Public notifications
- Ontario Land Tribunal
- Getting involved with a proposed development in your neighbourhood
Committee of Adjustment
The City's Committee of Adjustment reviews applications for Consents and Minor Variances to the Zoning Bylaw, including new dwellings and developments within character study areas. Learn how to submit an application and book a pre-consultation. You can also review application requirements for new lots and land division, and view committee meeting agendas and meetings.
Zoning
Learn more about the City's Zoning Bylaw, which governs land use and helps implement policies outlined in the Official Plan. Depending on the zoning designation of your property, you will need to follow specific land use and building and development regulations. If your development project does not comply with the bylaw, you will need to apply for a Zoning Bylaw amendment.
Official Plan
Check out the City of Burlington's Official Plan, which guides the City's land use strategy over the next 20 years. It ensures future planning and development will meet the specific needs of the community. Official Plan amendments propose changes to the plan due to new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners.
Demolitions
Learn how to obtain a building permit for demolition before any demolition of a building can begin.
Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificates
Learn how to apply for a Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificate, which must be obtained prior to the issuance of any building permit for works on residential lots with ten (10) or fewer units.
Part lot control
Applying to remove part lot control enables landowners to sell a piece of a lot in a registered plan of subdivision. Normally, landowners may only sell a complete lot within the plan.
Site alteration permits
Depending on the type of development you are proposing, you may need a site alteration permit, which ensures that you, your neighbours, and the environment are not negatively impacted by construction when the land is altered.
Site plan control
Learn about site plan control, which permits the City, under the Official Plan, to control all new developments, building additions, certain building renovations, and various other site works, with the exception of detached and semi-detached homes in specific areas. You can apply for a site plan application for a major project, minor modification or minor development. You must have site plan approval before applying for a building permit.
Subdivisions
Discover how to apply for a registered plan of subdivision, which is applied with the creation of multiple smaller lots out of a larger piece of land, for the purpose of developing each smaller lot.