The City of Burlington planning process in 10 steps
1. Technical pre-consultation meeting
When the owner of a property in Burlington has an idea for a proposed new development, they first meet with City and Halton Region staff at a technical pre-consultation meeting. Learn how to submit a development application and book a meeting.
At this meeting, City staff will tell the owner what kind of planning applications they need for their proposal and which technical studies (such as environmental or traffic impacts) will be needed.
2. Pre-application Community Meeting hosted by property owner/developer
After meeting with City and Regional staff, the property owner/developer will host a consultation meeting for residents and businesses in the immediate area. The property owner prepares notices with details about the meeting and sends them to be mailed in advance of the meeting date.
At the community meeting, the property owner will share the proposed plans with the community and gather their input and feedback to make any adjustments to the proposal before a development application is submitted to the City.
3. Development application is submitted
The property owner/developer submits a development application to the City, along with the required fees and background studies. Once the City reviews the application and determines it complete, the property owner/developer must post a sign on the property which describes the proposed development and outlines how to find more information on the proposed development.
4. Notification to neighbouring property owners
Once a development application is received by the City, the assigned planner will create a notification letter to be sent to all properties located within 120 metres of the proposed development property (300 metres in a rural area).
The public notice provides details about the development proposal and asks for written comments, which can be sent to the City by mail or email. Those interested in the proposed development may also choose to be added to a mailing list. This helps participants stay informed about the progress of the application.
5. Circulation of application to agencies
The City planner assigned to the application sends information about the development application to local external agencies, including Conservation Halton and relevant internal City departments.
These agencies are asked to share comments and identify conditions that the proposed development is required to meet. Staff reviews technical studies with the application and may request additional information from the applicant.
6. Statutory Public Meeting & Recommendation Report #1
Following initial circulations, there will be a Statutory Public Meeting and Recommendation Report, which is required by the Ontario Planning Act. At this meeting, staff present the application, relevant policies, and technical and community comments to City Council.
Staff will either recommend to Council that the applications be refused within the legislated timelines or recommend that City staff continue to process the application.
The public is welcome to delegate to the Committee of the Whole a standing committee of Council, The Committee will then discuss the proposal and provide direction on how the applications should proceed.
7. Recommendation Report #2 (if necessary)
If Committee directs staff to continue to work with applicants to resolve outstanding matters, further refinements to the development application may be made in response to the public and technical comments. Planners will meet with the applicant to suggest changes that may correct technical issues or address public concerns. The applicant may submit a revised proposal to address these concerns and technical issues. If the revisions are significant, another notification letter may be sent and another neighbourhood meeting may be held. There may be more than one set of revisions as the applicant and City staff continue to assess the proposal.
The planner will continue to listen to public comments and addresses every land use impact issue through changes to the plan, discussion in the report and recommendations to Council.
Following this review, there would be a 2nd Committee meeting, where planning staff present a second and final recommendation report to Committee to approve, modify or refuse the application. Both Committee meetings are public meetings and the public is welcome to delegate to Committee and provide their input. The City will mail a notification letter and invitation to attend the statutory public meeting to property owners within 120 metres of the proposed development (300 metres in a rural area). The letter explains how members of the public can register to speak at the meeting as a “delegation”. Delegates have up to 10 minutes to speak.
8. Council Meeting
Following the Committee meetings, staff's recommendation report will be presented to City Council for a decision. City Council meetings are also public meetings, where the public can delegate and have their voice heard.
9. Notice of Council Decision
Once Burlington City Council has made the decision to approve, modify or refuse a development application, all individuals who have submitted comments, delegated, or asked to be added to a mailing list to receive updates will be mailed a letter notifying them of Council's decision.
The letter includes information on how to appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
10. Appeal Period
Within 20 days of the date of the notice of Council decision, an applicant or individual may appeal Council's decision related to a development application.
The Ontario Land Tribunal decides matters related to land use planning, environmental and natural features and heritage protection, land valuation, land compensation, municipal finance and related matters.
