Submitting a Planning Application

A pre-application consultation is an opportunity to discuss your proposed development with the City’s Planning Department before submitting a planning application.

Under By-law No. 30-2015, consultation with the Planning Department is required before submitting certain types of planning applications. The consultation helps identify the information and supporting materials needed for your application and provides an opportunity to discuss the applicable planning policies and requirements.

When is consultation required?

Pre-application consultation is required before submitting the following types of planning applications:

• Official Plan Amendment
• Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium
• Zoning By-law Amendment
• Site Plan Control
• Consent
• Minor Variance

These applications are also subject to the policies and requirements of the City's Official Plan.

Consultation Fees

There is no fee for the initial consultation meeting.

A $250 fee applies to any follow-up consultation meetings. This fee will be reimbursed if a complete planning application is submitted within one year of the follow-up consultation meeting.

Before You Submit an Application

Consultation must take place before your application can be formally received and processed.

If an application is submitted without the required consultation, the Planning Department will arrange a consultation meeting as soon as possible. The application will not be formally received or processed, and legislated processing timelines will not begin until:

1. The required consultation meeting has taken place; and
2. A complete application has been submitted.

Request a Consultation

To request a pre-application consultation with the Planning Department, complete the Consultation Request Form.

Consultation Request Form

Fees apply to most planning applications submitted to the City. The amount depends on the type of application and the services required.

View the current Planning Fee By-law (By-law 125-2025) for a complete list of planning application fees and other applicable charges.

Different types of development and planning proposals require different applications. Select an application type below to learn more about the process and access the appropriate application form.

Before submitting an application, please review the applicable requirements and determine whether pre-application consultation with the Planning Department is required.

Official Plan Amendment

Zoning By-Law Amendment

Site Plan Application

Plan of Subdivision/Condominium 

Application for Phasing of Subdivision Registrations

Part Lot Control

Community Improvement Program Evaluation Committee 

Deeming By-Law Application

The Committee of Adjustment considers applications for minor variances and consents to sever or subdivide property under the Ontario Planning Act.

While the Committee of Adjustment is administered by the Clerk's Office, the Planning Department is involved in the application process. Consultation with the Planning Department is required before submitting a Committee of Adjustment application.

Minor Variances and Consents

The Committee of Adjustment can:

• Consider applications for minor variances from the City's Zoning By-law; and
• Consider applications for consent to sever or subdivide property.

If you are considering a minor variance or consent application, please contact the Planning Department for pre-application consultation before submitting your application.

Committee of Adjustment Information

For application forms, meeting schedules, notices and information about the Committee of Adjustment process, please visit the Clerk's Office Committee of Adjustment page.

Visit the Committee of Adjustment page

Application Forms

The following forms are available through the Clerk's Office:

• Consent Application Form
• Minor Variance Application Form
• Committee of Adjustment Schedule

Please note: Completed applications are submitted to the Planning Department for consultation before being processed by the Clerk's Office.

Contact

For questions about the Committee of Adjustment process, applications, meeting dates or submission requirements, please click here or contact the Clerk's Office.

Clerk's Office
519-631-1680 ext. 4138

* For pre-application planning consultation, please contact the Planning Department at 519-633-2560 or planning@stthomas.ca

For more information on Heritage Alteration Permits, click here.