Contacts
The City of Pickering is now using a three-stage process to review development proposals. Beginning at a pre-consultation meeting, Proponents will be given a list of required items that must be provided with their pre-submission proposal. The pre-submission will provide a technical review of the proposal. Once the technical review has been completed, Proponents will be provided with an endorsement to proceed to an application for final decision.
Select the drop-down options below to access Pre-submission and Application forms.
Pre-Consultation (Stage One) |
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It is mandatory for all Proponents to consult with Pickering staff prior to submitting the following proposals (Pre-Consultation By-law 6942/09):
City staff, along with any applicable commenting agencies, will provide a list of the required plans and technical studies needed for the review of a pre-submission proposal. Complete the pre-consultation form to request a meeting with the City Development Department. |
Pre-submission (Stage Two)
Following a pre-consultation meeting, Proponents will submit all required materials for review by staff and external agencies. The technical review of the proposal will occur during the pre-submission stage. More detailed information, such as peer reviews, may also be required at this stage. The pre-submission stage will allow City Departments and external agencies the appropriate time to review complex studies and drawings, and give the Proponent the opportunity to revise their proposal to address key technical issues prior to the submission of an application. The pre-submission stage also requires consultation with the public.
Official Plan Amendment |
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The Pickering Official Plan implements The Planning Act, other Provincial plans and policies, and the Durham Regional Official Plan. It sets out the land use policy direction for long-term growth and development in the City. The Pickering Official Plan includes schedules for land uses, transportation and resource management. An Official Plan Amendment is a formal request to change the City’s Official Plan. If a Proponent wants to develop a property differently than envisioned by the Official Plan, they must apply for a site-specific Official Plan Amendment. Official Plan Amendments are approved by City Council and, in some cases, by the Region of Durham. |
Zoning By-law Amendment |
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The City of Pickering has six Zoning By-laws that:
A Zoning By-law implements the policies of the Official Plan. A Zoning By-law Amendment is a request to change one of the City of Pickering’s zoning by-laws. Any requested change to a zoning by-law will need to conform with the Pickering Official Plan, the Durham Regional Official Plan, and all Provincial Plans and Policies. Zoning By-law Amendments are approved by City Council. |
Plan of Subdivision |
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A plan of subdivision divides a piece of land into smaller lots or blocks and secures the owner’s responsibilities for development through a subdivision agreement. A plan of subdivision is generally required where more than three lots, new roads, or extensions to existing roads or services are proposed. A plan of subdivision is approved by the Director, City Development. Information on Municipal addressing of properties. |
Plan of Condominium |
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The Condominium Act allows for the creation of different types of ownership for a multi-unit development, such as Standard Condominium, Common Elements Condominium and Vacant Land Condominium. If a Proponent wants to sell individual units as condominium units, they must obtain Plan of Condominium approval. A Plan of Condominium is approved by the Director, City Development. |
Site Plan Control |
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All lands within Pickering are subject to site plan control with some exceptions (Site Plan Control By-law 7632/18). Site Plan Approval is a form of development control provided to municipalities by The Planning Act. Site plan control allows the City to review and approve development details for a property such as building location; massing and exterior design of buildings; loading and parking facilities; landscaping; grading and servicing; and accessibility and sustainable design matters in order to ensure that the City's, the Region's and other agency requirements are satisfied. No one should undertake any development, which is subject to site plan control unless the City has reviewed and approved certain plans. Once the plans are approved, a site plan agreement is generally executed. This agreement contractually binds the developer to develop and maintain a site in accordance with the approved plans and the terms of the agreement. Site plan approval is granted by the Director, City Development. |
Development Application (Stage Three)
After the pre-submission review has been completed, Proponents may submit their complete application for a decision.
- Official Plan Amendment - Application form
- Zoning By-law Amendment - Application form
- Subdivision / Condominium - Application form
- Site Plan - Application form
Additional Applications
Minor Variance Application |
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A minor variance is a small change from the specific requirements of a zoning by-law. The approval of a variance will allow an owner to build or use their land in a way that does not exactly comply with the requirements of the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent. Minor variance applications are approved by a committee of members of the public, appointed by City Council. For more information, visit our minor variance page. |
Consent (Land Division) Application |
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A land severance (consent) is required if you want to separate a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. A land severance is also required if you want to sell, mortgage, or lease (for more than 21 years) a part of your property. This applies to rights-of-way, easements and any change to your current property boundaries. Land Division applications are approved by a committee of members of the public, appointed by the Region of Durham. Before applying for a consent, it is recommended you contact the Region’s Land Division Committee. |
Heritage Permit |
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Alterations to a property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act may require a Heritage Permit. Properties that are listed on the Municipal Heritage Register but not designated do not require a Heritage Permit. There are different requirements for properties that are located within the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District (Part V properties), and those that are individually designated (Part IV properties). To find out if your property is designated Part IV or Part V, or if it is listed on the Heritage Register, see the Municipal Heritage Register. To learn more about the Heritage Permit process, please visit the Heritage Planning Page. |
Pre-submission and Application Processing Fees
Schedule of Fees and Information Price List