How to Apply

When formal application under the Planning Act is required, in accordance with the Official Plan, the applicant is required to consult with the Planning and Heritage Division to initially outline the City's requirements for the proposed application. Through the pre-consultation process, applicants will be made aware of the necessary requirements of a 'complete' formal application under the Planning Act.

This initial step provides the applicant with an understanding of the necessary application processes, expected studies, drawings, and documents that will be required for the City to make an informed decision on the merits of a formal application. Pre-consultation allows the applicant to understand the potential costs and timeline of the project at the outset.

Staff will also be able to advise applicants if the application is difficult to support on a policy basis. Staff will also let you know if there are any opportunities for financial assistance under the Community Improvement Plan to support your proposal.

Pre-consultation, Planning Application Form A.1

Under Section 41 of the Planning Act, the City of Owen Sound has passed a Site Plan Control By-law to designate the City a site plan control area.

The following types of development are subject to site plan approval:

• Industrial, commercial and institutional development
• Multiple residential development in excess of 4 units

Site plans are required for new projects and redevelopment projects. There are exceptions to this general list (i.e. low density residential and additions less than 30 square metres). Please contact the Planning and Heritage Division to determine if a particular development project is subject to site plan approval.

Site Plan Approval, Planning Application Form A.2

Please consult with the Planning and Heritage Division prior to making any submission.

The 2023 Meeting Dates and Application Checklist for the Committee of Adjustment provides the meeting dates for this calendar year.

The Application Guide provides a description and instructions on how to apply to the Committee of Adjustment.

• Minor Variance, Planning Application Form A.3 is required for relief from the Zoning By-law and Sign By-law.
• Consent, Part-lot Control, Deeming, Planning Application Form A.5 is required to sever and convey a parcel of land or easement.

Please note that there may be fees required from other departments and agencies for any one of the above noted applications and fees are subject to change at any time. Early consultation with the Planning and Heritage Division will ensure the appropriate fees are paid.

Prior to submitting an application to amend the Official Plan, all applicants must first undertake a mandatory Pre-consultation process. Please contact the Planning and Heritage Division for more information regarding the fees and requirements for this process.

Official Plan Amendment, Planning Application Form A.4

Prior to submitting an application for Draft Plans of Subdivision or Condominium, all applicants must first undertake a mandatory Pre-consultation process to outline the City's requirements to support an application. Applications submitted prior to pre-consultation will not be considered complete. Please contact the Planning and Heritage Division for more information regarding the fees and requirements for this process.

Plan of Subdivision/Condo, Planning Application Form A.6 

Prior to submitting an application to amend the Zoning By-law, all applicants must first undertake a mandatory Pre-consultation process. Please contact the Planning and Heritage Division for more information regarding the fees and requirements for this process.

Zoning By-law Amendment, Planning Application Form A.7 

Development Charges Exemption, Planning Application Form B.1

• City Engineering Review C.1
• Site Development Engineering Standards

Complete the Property Inquiry Request Form and submit your cheque via mail or drop off in person at City Hall (808 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H4).