Property Development

Unlike the early days of the Industrial revolution, property development in the 2,000's requires a multi disciplinary review of nearly every conceivable type of proposal. The number and complexity of federal, provincial or municipal statutes, by-laws, guidelines or policies, which apply to developments can be staggering.

Understanding how set-back requirements apply to rural development versus maximizing available lands for new subdivisions is no easy task. Fortunately, our capable staff have an extensive history in property development issues and can offer this expertise to you.

When setting out on any proposal, there are numerous agencies and mandates which need to be reviewed and included in the framework of the application. They include, but are not limited to:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

• Planning Act

• Growth and Settlement Guidelines

• Ontario Building Code
  

Ministry of Environment

• Ontario Water Resources Act

• Provincial Water Quality Objectives

• Large scale sewage systems

Ministry of Natural Resources

• Shoreline development

• Flood plain guidelines

• Areas of Natural Significance

Ministry of Agriculture

• Agriculture operations - Nutrient Management

Ministry of Transportation

• Driveways and entrance permits

Local Health Unit

• On-site sewage disposal systems

• Drinking water safety

Municipal Government - Planning Boards

• Zoning by-laws

• Permitted uses

• Property coverage

• Clearance distances

• Utilities - water, sewer, natural gas

When categorizing development projects in comparison to the aforementioned statutes, guidelines or by-laws, there are often more than one which apply.

Examples include:

New House: Municipal Government

• building permits, zoning compliance, set-backs and clearance distances, property coverage, local utilities

Ministry of Environment

• Ontario Water Resources Act - drilled wells

Health Unit

• private sewage system and drinking water supply if non-municipally serviced

Creation of a New Lot: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

• Planning Act, Growth and Settlement guidelines, Compatible uses, or

Municipal Government

• Planning Act, Growth and Settlement guidelines, and

• Zoning requirements

• Infrastructure requirements

Ministry of Environment

• Lot size requirements

• Large Scale Sewage Works or municipal sewer

• Provincial Drinking Water Quality Objectives

• Private drilled well

Ministry of Natural Resources

• If it's waterfront, any shoreline work must be reviewed by MNR and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)

Ministry of Transportation

• Access route or entrance permit
  

Health Unit

• Some health units review new lots for private sewage system compatibility

These are just two examples of what multi-jurisdictional reviews may be required for property development projects. If you need help with your property development project, contact us. Some examples of projects that we can help you with include:

Subdivision development
Private lot creation
Private lot development - buildings
Communal sewage works
Large Scale sewage works - >10,000 L/day
Shoreline Work Permits
Project Management - private development
Project Management - private sewage system installation
Pits & Quarries - Aggregate Resource operations
Property or field drainage
Nutrient management plans or strategies
Biosolids for Nutrient Management (Municipal Biosolids)