| name | Approval Pathway Decision Document |
| description | A clear determination of which approval process is required for a given proposal. |
17. Approval Pathway Decision Document
What It Is
A clear determination of which approval process is required for a given proposal — as-of-right, minor variance, zoning by-law amendment, Official Plan amendment, plan of subdivision, consent, or site plan approval.
Why It Matters
- Different approval pathways have vastly different timelines, costs, and success rates
- Users often don't know which process applies
- Some proposals trigger multiple simultaneous applications
Governing Law
| Pathway | Planning Act Section | When Required |
|---|
| As-of-right (Building Permit only) | s. 34 (compliance) | Proposal fully complies with zoning |
| Minor Variance | s. 45(1) | Small departures from zoning standards that meet four tests |
| Permission (non-complying use) | s. 45(2) | Expansion or change of legal non-conforming use |
| Consent (Lot Severance) | s. 53 | Splitting a lot into 2 or more parcels |
| Zoning By-law Amendment | s. 34 | Use not permitted or standards cannot be met through variance |
| Official Plan Amendment | s. 22 | Proposal does not conform to Official Plan designation |
| Plan of Subdivision | s. 51 | Creating 3+ lots requiring new roads or infrastructure |
| Site Plan Approval | s. 41 | External design, grading, servicing for applicable development |