| name | precedent-research |
| version | 1.0 |
| description | Researches nearby and comparable planning cases for Ontario site-feasibility. This skill should be used when `normalized_data.json` exists and the pipeline needs a `precedent_packet.json` of relevant decisions, approvals, refusals, and OLT outcomes. |
| source | Toronto AIC, Ontario Land Tribunal, Toronto Building Permits API |
| authority | City of Toronto, Ontario Land Tribunal |
| data_as_of | 2026-03-07 |
| pipeline_position | 3 |
| pipeline_inputs | normalized_data.json |
| pipeline_outputs | precedent_packet.json |
| pipeline_upstream | parcel-zoning-research |
| pipeline_downstream | approval-pathway, constraints-red-flags, report-generator |
Precedent Research
Purpose
Find relevant planning history without overstating what precedent can prove. Prioritize nearby official case history first, then expand to comparable cases and tribunal decisions.
Use when
- The subject site and project concept are known
- The pipeline needs precedent signals for entitlement-risk analysis
- Nearby approvals, refusals, or appeals could change the recommendation
Do not use when
- The task is to discover baseline parcel or zoning sources
- The task is to extract current zoning standards
- The task is to write the final report without supporting case research
Inputs
{
"project_id": "uuid",
"subject_address": "123 Main St, Toronto ON",
"municipality": "Toronto",
"project_concept": {
"project_type": "multiplex"
},
"search_radius_m": 500
}
Outputs
Produce precedent_packet.json.
Workflow
1. Search nearby official application history first
For Toronto, prioritize:
- Application Information Centre
- official staff reports
- official committee or tribunal records linked from the application record
Start with the subject site, then the immediate surrounding area.
2. Expand to comparable cases only when needed
If nearby history is thin or not directly comparable:
- search for the same relief type
- search for the same zone or land-use context
- search for recent tribunal decisions that clarify the issue
