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Policies that encourage international investment

Ontario's land use regulations

Ontario's competitive building costs add to the province's investment appeal.

Planning Approvals Process

Land use planning is undertaken jointly by the Province and local governments. The Province sets policy, the municipalities make development decisions, and the Ontario Municipal Board adjudicates disputes.

Ontario has just completed extensive reforms to its planning approvals process in order to:

promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment within a provincial policy framework
provide for a land use planning system led by provincial policy
integrate matters of provincial interest into provincial and municipal planning decisions by requiring all decision-makers to have regard to the Provincial Policy Statement
provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open, accessible, timely and efficient
encourage co-operation and coordination among various interests
recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal councils in planning

There are now legislated timeframes for dealing with applications. An application for rezoning, for example, must be dealt with by planning authorities within 90 days.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, (4/2006)

Planning Approvals

The Official Plan:

A policy document reflecting the community’s aspirations intended to guide development.

Zoning By-Law:

Implements the official plan in a more detailed manner by including detailed provisions such as:

types of uses permitted
where buildings may be located
types of buildings permitted and how they might be used
standards for lot size, building dimensions and parking requirements

Site-Plan Control:

Allows municipal councils to review site-specific matters such as:

developments are built and maintained in the way that council approved
quality and appearance of development
access
parking, landscaping and site drainage
nearby properties are protected from incompatible development

Building Permit:

Formal approval to construct, add to or renovate a building.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, (4/2006)

Planning Approvals for Land Division

Land Severance:

Authority to separate a piece of land to form two new adjoining properties is required to sell, mortgage or lease (for more than 21 years) a newly created parcel of land.

Sub-Division:

Authority to divide land into two or more parcels. The subdivision process is intended for larger scale land development/division than what is normally contemplated through the severance process.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, (4/2006)

One Window Provincial Planning Service / Municipal Plan Review

For a complete guide for understanding the Plan Review and Approval Process, please consult the Citizen's Guide of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, (4/2006)

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