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Here we explain a plan of subdivision’s purpose and content, planning requirements and more.
A Plan of Subdivision is a legal document used in Canada to divide land into two or more parcels, mainly for development purposes. This document sets out the exact surveyed boundaries and dimensions of lots or blocks and may include details for new streets, parks, school sites, and other public areas. It does not show the position of buildings because these are determined by local zoning bylaws and future site plan approvals.
A Plan of Subdivision allows a landowner to divide a large area into smaller lots or blocks so that new homes, businesses, or facilities can be built. It contains precise measurements and boundaries obtained by an Ontario land surveyor to ensure accuracy. The plan includes the following details:
The plan itself does not control where buildings go; other municipal rules affect where and how buildings may be located.
A Plan of Subdivision must match the area’s official plan and must meet county, regional, or district plans, along with provincial rules. Approval is required from a planning authority, which could be the municipality, a planning board, or the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The plan is typically needed when new public roads are created or when the proposal would produce more than five separate parcels of land. The process begins with a pre-consultation between the applicant and the approval authority. This meeting reviews what studies or information are needed to support the proposal and checks compliance with zoning and land use policies. Typical studies required can include noise and vibration assessments, environmental reports, water and sewage reviews, and other investigations related to the land.
After pre-consultation, a draft plan is prepared and submitted to the approval authority. The submission must be complete and may require special supporting documents. Once submitted, public notice is given, and a public meeting can occur so that interested parties can provide feedback.
The approval authority can provide draft approval, which often includes a set of conditions that must be addressed within a certain period, commonly three years, although extensions are possible. These conditions typically cover technical, environmental, and community needs. If the applicant meets the conditions in the given time, the final Plan of Subdivision is approved and registered with the Land Registry Office. If the conditions are not met in time, the approval will end without registration.
Several criteria are examined before approval is given:
If an application is refused or if there is disagreement about the set conditions, an appeal can be filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal. Once all conditions have been met and no appeals are outstanding, the final registered Plan of Subdivision becomes a legal document that outlines how the land is to be divided and used. The plan ensures that the approved layout and development plans follow all relevant municipal, regional, and provincial policies.
