What is Site Plan Control?
Site Plan Control is a development review process that looks at the layout of site features like buildings, parking areas, and landscaping. It does not include the interior spaces of proposed structures. The review considers how the development will affect municipal services and ensures that it is responsible. This process happens before the building permit process.
When getting approval for a site plan, the land development must follow the approved plans. These plans include things like access to the site, where the building will be located, parking, loading bays, and protecting nearby properties. A security deposit or letter of credit is needed to make sure the work is done according to the approved plans. These requirements are explained in the site plan agreement filed with the property’s title records.
By-law 45 of 2023 designates the entire area within the City of Sarnia as a Site Plan Control Area. Under Section 41 of the Planning Act, all development in Sarnia is subject to Site Plan Control.
Exemptions from Site Plan Approval
Certain classes of development are exempt from the requirement for Site Plan Approval including:
- Any residential development of a lot which contains no more than ten dwelling units, and any buildings accessory thereto in accordance with Section 41(1.2) of the Planning Act.
- Farm Development as defined in By-law 45 of 2023
- Portable classrooms on a school site of a district school board if the school site was in existence on January 1, 2007.
Application and Approval Process
Pre-Application Consultation
Complete a Pre-Application Consultation. More information on this process is available here.
Submit the Application:
After completing the Pre-Application Consultation, file your complete application, including the Site Plan Application Fee(s). This should include all information (plans, studies, reports) outlined in the Pre-Consultation Report.
The application will be deemed complete or incomplete within 30 days of receipt. If it is deemed incomplete, a letter outlining the required/missing information will accompany it.
Technical Review
Once a complete application is received, the Technical Review begins. Applications are reviewed for compliance with the applicable regulations of the zoning by-law and circulated to the necessary City Departments and outside agencies. The Technical Review is followed by a Report from the Planning Department containing any comments or clarifications required by the reviewing departments/agencies. These requirements are specific to each property and may include items such as a tree preservation report, an environmental audit, a traffic impact study, land dedication for road widening, stormwater management plans, noise impact analysis, shared driveways with abutting properties and special screening requirements.
Finalize the Approval:
After completing all necessary revisions and obtaining approval for any special studies, Site Plan Approval will be granted. Condition Approval can be granted before final approval. A Site Plan Control Agreement is made between the property owner and the City and is registered on the property’s title.
Appeal Process:
If approval is not given within 60 days of the application being deemed complete, the owner may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
If the owner is not satisfied with any requirement made by the City under subsection (7) or by the County under subsection (8), including any agreement terms, they can appeal to the OLT.
Additional Information:
For more detailed information on the Site Plan Approvals Process, call
Community Services at 519-332-0330 extension 3301, visit us in our offices on the third floor at City Hall, send us an e-mail at planning@sarnia.ca or write to us at 255 North Christina Street, P.O. Box 3018, Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7N2.