The city's Official Plan designates the entire City of Burlington as a Site Plan Control area. With the exception of detached and semi-detached homes in specific areas, Site Plan Control applies to all new developments, building additions, certain building renovations and various other site works.
Site Plan Control is established under Section 41 of the Ontario Planning Act.
Application Types
There are three types of applications:
- Full Application (major project)
- Minor Modification (minor or straightforward proposal to modify a previously approved site plan application)
- Minor Development (minor or straightforward proposal with no previous approval of a site plan application on file)
Application Process
Please consult the 2020 Development Application Fees (PDF) before starting the application process.
There are three critical steps during a site plan application:
- Submission of a complete application form (PDF)
- Issuance of Draft Site Plan approval
- Granting of Final Site Plan approval
For Full Application, Minor Modification Application and Minor Development Application:
- Consult the application manual (PDF) and design guidelines (PDF) for a more detailed application process.
Council has delegated the director of Planning and Building as approval authority, but it may "undelegate" the approval authority if an application is controversial or if it creates a high level of public concern. A site plan application may also be brought before Council if the Planning Division and the applicant are not in agreement over the proposal.
Please note that you cannot apply for a building permit (PDF) until Final Site Plan approval has been granted.
Read more about the planning process and additional design guidlines