A ‘deeming by-law’ removes lands (lots or blocks) from a registered subdivision plan, provided the subdivision plan has been registered for more than 8 years. A deeming by-law can remove all of the lots or blocks of land within a registered plan or only some of the lots or blocks within a subdivision plan. The effect of a deeming by-law is to merge two or more lots or blocks of land within a plan of subdivision into one legally conveyable lot under common ownership. Approval of a deeming by-law consolidates individual lots into one parcel of land. Generally, this is required to allow development to occur, which would otherwise be constrained by lots of lines traversing a site (buildings cannot cross over lot lines).

Steps to Apply for a Deeming By-law

Fee RateA 2024 Deeming By-law Application costs $294.00.

Step 1:
Speak with the Planning Department about your proposal prior to applying.
– Email: planning@sarnia.ca
– Phone: 519-332-0330 ext. 3301

Step 2:
Complete a Deeming By-law application form. This can be completed digitally, or on paper. The form can be accessed at the link above, or in person at Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.

Step 3:
Submit your form. This can be done:

  • Online:  Submit your application via the sarnia.ca/apply portal.
    (Note: the application must be commissioned by an Ontario Commissioner of Oaths. Applicants choosing to submit online may find their own Commissioner or may come into City Hall after submitting to have their application commissioned in person.)
  • In Person: At Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
  • Mail or Courier: To “City Hall: Attention Planning Department” (see note above regarding Commissioning)

Step 4:
Pay the application fee. Payment can be made:

  • Online: By credit card using the Payment Platform below.
  • In Person: By cheque, credit or debit card, at Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
  • Mail or Courier: By cheque made out to City of Sarnia. Mailed to “City Hall: Attention Planning Department”
  • Phone: By credit card. 519-332-0330 ext. 3301

Submission Requirements

  • Applicable Application Form and Fee(s)
  • Property Index Map(s) of the subject land(s) from the Land Registry Office, dated within 1 month off the application submission
  • Parcel Register(s) including all PIN printouts and Legal Instruments of the subject land(s), dated within 1 month off the application submission
  • An electronic copy of the Registered Plan
  • An electronic copy of the draft Reference Plan
  • Letter outlining the request
  • Additional information as requested by Planning & Development Services based on the nature and scope of the proposal.

Deeming By-law Payment Platform

Use this link to pay for your Deeming By-law Application once you have completed and submitted the application form.

Access Payment Platform