Plan of Subdivision

A subdivision is a tract of land that has been divided into several building lots or blocks. These lots or blocks can be used for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional (e.g. school) or open space/parks depending on the designation of the land within the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. An approved plan of subdivision is required in order for the lots and blocks to be sold or conveyed separately. A registered plan of subdivision is a legal document that outlines all the details and conditions required to develop a parcel of land.

Before you begin

Before making an application, you should discuss your proposal with staff. Pre-consultation with City staff is required for new plans of subdivision. 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

When Draft Plan Approval is granted, made under delegated authority from Council and after the required appeal period, there are usually a number of conditions to be met by the Owner prior to final approval and registration. Among the conditions is usually a requirement that the Owner enter into a subdivision agreement with the City.

The responsibility for fulfilling the conditions of draft approval rests primarily with the Owner, as does the timing involved. After all the conditions of Draft Plan Approval have been met and where appropriate documented letters of clearance have been received, final approval can be given. The Subdivision Plan and agreement can then be registered in the land titles/registry system.

For additional details on the steps associated with the processing and review of development applications, please refer to the City’s development application process information.

Fees

The following fees (effective January 1, 2024) apply to an application for Plan of Subdivision.

1 to 40 dwelling units - $62,661.78

41 to 250 dwelling units - $111,205.78

251 or more dwelling units - $135,147.78

Non-residential uses - $52,377.78

Combination residential and non-residential - Fee based on number of units as above plus $13,508.00

  • Plus an initial engineering design review and inspection fee
    • value of Hard and Soft Servicing is less than (<) $300,000, $5,000, or
    • value of Hard and Soft Servicing is greater than (>) $300,000 $10,000
  • Plus an initial Conservation Authority fee $4,120.00
  • The Conservation Authority will invoice for any additional fees and technical report review as required.

Extensions to Draft Plan Approval - $6,186.00

  • The Conservation Authority will invoice separately as required

Please see additional information related to the City’s Development Application Fees including information related to reductions for multiple applications, on-site signs, re-circulations, engineering design review and inspections, fourth and subsequent engineering reviews, registration fees, Ontario Land Tribunal City Legal Costs as well as refunds.

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.

Plan of Subdivision 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

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.