Planning & Development Services

Mission Statement

The mission of the Planning and Development Department is to provide Council and the public with information and recommendations related to meeting the community's long term needs in a sustainable manner.  This is done through the development of long term plans such as the Official Plan; recommendations to City Council and committees on development applications initiated by the private sector; special studies such as the Power Glen Heritage Study; the development of and administering incentive programs such as the Community Improvement Plan financial incentives to clean up contaminated sites and working with City committees and community groups on actual implementation projects.  
 

Organizational Structure

Division(s)

The Planning Policy Division is responsible for the development of long term plans, such as the Official Plan, and policies to guide the redevelopment of the municipality to a more sustainable future. The Division is also responsible for the collection and analysis of data for purposes of monitoring the communities transformation. Base mapping and theme mapping and working with other departments to implement a GIS program are other major duties of this Division. The Division also represents the City on external and internal committees related to future development. Consultation with the community on these topics is part of the mandate.

The Planning Development Division is responsible for the processing of all forms of development applications for approval by City Council or the Committee of Adjustment. In addition to processing applications for zoning bylaw amendments, subdivisions, condominiums, heritage approvals, consents and minor variances, the Division also co-ordinates the preparation of agreements to implement Council decisions. The Division also comments on potential land sales and land purchases by the municipality from a planning perspective. Consultation with the community on matters related to development applications is part of the mandate.

Building and Development -- Building

What is a Building Permit?

A Building Permit gives you the legal authorization to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.  Building Permits are issued by the Building Services Division and are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the applicable municipal Zoning By-Law and other applicable provincial and municipal regulations.  Building Permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards, and other building standards are met.

When are Building or Demolition Permits required?

In general, a Building Permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter, or repair a building.  A demolition permit is required to demolish all or part of a building.  It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure, when necessary, that a Building Permit is obtained before beginning any construction or demolition.

If you are unsure if a permit is required, please review the details of the work with our Customer Service Representatives, prior to construction or demolition. 

NOTE:  In cases where a Building Permit is not required, you MUST still comply with the requirements of the applicable municipal Zoning By-Law.

Building and Development -- Development

The Building Development Section is generally responsible for the approval of plans for development under subdivision agreement, site plan agreement and any special development programs, including technical review, administration of agreements and securities and liaison with other departments.  

Duties and responsibilities include: 

• Commenting agency on draft plans of subdivision and site plans on behalf of the Director of Transportation and Environmental Services (TES) department (City Engineer). 
• Review of sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain design for submission to the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) for approval.
• Review and approval for lot grading proposals for new plans of subdivision and site plan agreements and in fill development. 
• Administration of construction of services for new developments.
• Administration of securities for subdivision and site plan agreements.
• Review municipal servicing requirements for the issuance of building permits.
• Respond to public inquiries with respect to municipal services and grading.
• Liaise with outside agencies such as Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (N.P.C.A.), Niagara Escarpment Commission (N.E.C.), etc. with respect to issues related to new development.
  
  Building Activity Statistics
  
  Building Services Annual Report
  
  Building Permits
  
  Ontario Building Code

Building Officials Code of Conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote appropriate standards of behavior, enforcement actions, honesty and integrity among building officials, (including By-law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officials) and to prevent practices which may constitute an abuse of power, including unethical or illegal practices, by building officials in the exercise of their power or the performance of their duties under the Ontario Building Code Act and Regulations and other applicable legislation.

Director

The Planning and Development Director's role is to participate as part of the City's Senior Management Team in the development and implementation of strategic plans and policies for the City; to develop and maintain comprehensive plans and programs for the orderly development of the City; provide information and assistance to the public and agencies respecting City policies and plans; and to represent the City's urban planning interests on various local and regional committees and special projects. The Director represents the department at City Council meetings.

James Riddell, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning and Development