The Site Plan review and approval process is a legislative tool under the Planning Act. Site Plan Control is a development review process which evaluates the layout of site features, (buildings, parking areas, landscaping, etc.), but not the interior spaces of the proposed structures. It seeks to mitigate the impact of development.
Site plan control by-laws are not zoning by-laws. They are used to establish areas where site plan control will be applied over and above those set out in the zoning by-laws. These areas are described in the official plan as all Commercial and Industrial properties and those Residential developments with 10 units or more.
Site plan controls are used to ensure that:
- developments are built and maintained in the way that Council approved;
- new developments meet certain standards of quality and appearance;
- there is safe and easy access for pedestrians and vehicles;
- the appearance and design features of buildings, and their sustainable design, are satisfactory;
- there is adequate landscaping, parking and drainage;
- nearby properties and waterbodies are protected from incompatible development.
As a condition of site plan approval, the Township may require the owner to provide land for road widening.
The By-Law specifies the types of properties to which Site Plan Control applies. Site Plan Control Agreements are for properties with Commercial and Industrial zoning.
Site Plan Control Applications
The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an application for Site Plan Control. If you are acting as an agent for the purposes of the application, a letter of authorization is required from the registered owner of the property. Applications are available at the Municipal Office, or at the following link.
Application - Site Plan Control
| How Much will it Cost? |
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The application fee is outlined on the application form, payable at the time an application is submitted. Fees may be paid by cash, debit, or cheque payable to "Tay Valley Township". |
| What Happens Once the Application is Submitted? |
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The application is circulated to other Township Departments and various agencies for their comments. All correspondence will be reviewed and the Township Planner will approve the necessary Site Plan Control Agreement that lists the various conditions for the specific development. |
| What Happens After the agreement is finalized? |
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Once the Site Plan Agreement is approved, both the Township and the Applicant sign the agreement. The legal agreement is then registered on title so that it is binding on subsequent owners of the property. Appeal Provisions Only the Applicant can appeal the conditions of the Site Plan Control Approval to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). |
Implementation and Enforcement of Site Plan Control Applications
The Township takes steps to ensure that the Site Plan Control Agreements are implemented and remain in force after the development is completed. Site Plan Control Agreements are registered on title and remain in effect for as long as the development is in place.