When City Council wishes to undertake a review or study of its land use policies related to a specific area, or areas, of the city, Council may pass an Interim Control By-law. Passage of this sort of By-law effectively prohibits the continued use of the land, buildings or structures within the specified area(s), except for those uses set out in the By-law.
An Interim Control By-law may be in effect for up to one year, to allow sufficient time to complete the desired review or study. However, Council may amend the By-law to extend the period of time during which it will be in effect for one more year, provided the total period of time does not exceed two years from the date that the initial Interim Control By-law was passed.
Before you begin
Before you begin
Before making an application, you should discuss your proposal with staff through a pre-consultation. The pre-consultation process is designed to help promote the exchange of information and development considerations early in the planning process and a customized list of the studies and plans required in support of a development application is provided. If you fail to consult with staff, the City cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of your application submission which may result in processing delays.
Process
Process
An Interim Control By-law can be lifted as it applies to a particular parcel of land if it does not have an effect on the outcome of the review or study or if they have been completed.
Council is not obligated under the Planning Act to give notice to the public prior to the passing of an Interim Control By-law. However, such notice must be given within 30 days after the By-law has been passed. Any member of the public has the right to file an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) objecting to the By-law, provided the appeal is received by the municipality within 60 days of the passing of the By-law. In such instances, unlike a Zoning By-law, the disputed Interim Control By-law remains in effect pending the outcome of the OLT hearing.
Fees
Fees
The fee for an application for Lifting of Interim Control By-law (effective January 1, 2024) is $16,344.78 plus an initial Conservation Authority fee of $125.00 (where the lands are within the central planning area) or $410.00 (within the remainder of the City).
Apply
Apply
Applications can be submitted to planningcirculations@ottawa.ca accompanied by required plans, studies and any other information that may be needed to assess your application.
- Note: If using a file sharing / transfer site to submit supporting documents, please select one that does not restrict access to a single planning staff member or email address.
Lifting Interim Control By-law Application Form
Upon application submission, staff will provide confirmation of the amount due, the specific payment methods available for the application type, and the necessary details for the different payment methods.
Application commissioning, fees and payments
Client Service Centres will continue to offer commissioning services for applications and handle payments for new applications. Please ensure the payer’s name and address are indicated on the cheque.
Contact
Contact
If you require assistance using an electronic application form please contact a Development Information Officer, located at any of the Client Service Centres. You can make an appointment by calling 3-1-1 and asking to speak with a Development Information Officer.
If you would like to speak with planning staff please contact the appropriate development review Planner III by calling 3-1-1 and providing the address of the property you wish to discuss.