Quick Facts for Land Developers – Changes to Planning Rules in Ontario
Housing Affordability and Supply
The Ontairo Government has announced changes to the land-use planning leglislative for municipalities across Ontario with the goal of aiding in the housing affordability and supply crisis.
The goal of the government is to build 1.5 million new homes by 2023 through a series of bills.
Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022
Changes to the Planning Act, Development Charges Act, New Home Construction Licensing Act, and Ontario New Home Warranties Act to help speed up processing times for development.
Bill 97, Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023
Tabled by the Province on
April 6, 2023. This Act introduces smaller amendments to technical aspects of land-use
planning legislation.
Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
Changes to the land use planning system in
Ontario through changes to the Development Charges Act, Planning Act, Municipal Act, and
others.
Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 2023 (2023 PPS)
Enables the ability of municipalities to expand settlement areas at any time. The proposed PPS 2023 is intended to simplify existing
policies and refocus them on achieving housing outcomes.
Quick Facts for Developers Planning a development project? Let our team help you
Application fees for zoning changes, official plan ammendments, and site plan approval may be refunded if certain timelines are not met.
Site Plan Approval will be delegated through an authorized person.
Architectural details and
landscape design aesthetics
will be removed from the
scope of site plan control
Increased powers for municipalities to extend draft plan approval for plans of
subdivision that have lapsed.
Exempt affordable housing
(generally defined as being
priced at no greater than 80%
of the average price/rent in
the year a unit is rented or
sold) and inclusionary zoning
units from development charges, community benefits charges and
parkland dedication.
No one other than the
applicant, the municipality,
certain public bodies, and the
Minister will be allowed to
appeal minor variance or
consent decisions
Zoning to permit
up to three residential units
per lot (two in the main
building and one in an
accessory building, or all
three in the main building),
with no minimum unit sizes
and a maximum of one
parking space required for
the additional units. Applies
to lots with single detached,
semi-detached and/or rowhouses.
Public meetings no longer will
be required for applications
for approval of a draft plan of
subdivision.
Developments of up to 10
residential units will be
exempted from site plan
control.
Permits will not be required
within regulated areas
(including wetlands) for
activity that is part of a
development authorized
under the Planning Act.
Clear limits are proposed on
what Authorities are
permitted to comment on as
part of the planning approvals
process, which will keep their
focus on natural hazards and
flooding.
