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Application Forms

Prior to submitting any of the following applications you are encouraged to consult with one of the Planning Division Staff. The use of an agent or planning consultant is not required, but is encouraged in many cases. This is especially true when making application for a Zoning By-law amendment, Official Plan amendment, Subdivision approval or Site Plan approval. Using an agent can ultimately save you time and money while improving your chances of success.

Planning Fees  Adobe PDF, 1 page, 44 KB 
 

A Minor Variance Application is required when one or more regulations of the Zoning By-law cannot be met.  This application is heard by the Committee of Adjustment. The application is reviewed on the following merits:

The variance(s) must:

  • ­Be minor
  • Be desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure
  • Maintain the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law, and
  • Maintain the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan

The typical processing time is 30 days + a 20 day appeal period.

Minor Variance Application  Adobe PDF, 6 pages, 64 KB 
 

A Consent Application is required where a property owner wishes to create (an) additional lot(s) on existing road frontage, create an easement or lease land for a term greater than 21 years. This application is heard by the Committee of Adjustment. 

The typical processing time is 30 days + a 20 day appeal period

Consent Application  Adobe PDF, 6 pages, 151 KB
 

A Zoning Amendment Application is required when an applicant wishes to :

  • Rezone a property
  • Permit a use that is not currently permitted under existing zoning, or
  • Vary regulations to an extent which is not considered minor

An Official Plan Amendment Application is required when an applicant wishes to change a provision of the Official Plan or change the land use designation of a property. These applications are heard by City Council at a public meeting.

The typical processing time is 4 months + a 30 day appeal period.

Zoning / Official Plan Amendment Application Adobe PDF, 5 pages, 172 KB 

A Site Plan Control Application is required prior to development when a property is designated as an area of Site Plan Control. When site plan control is applicable, a Site Plan Control Agreement is required prior to development. 

The City of Thunder Bay  does not apply 'Universal Site Plan Control'. Generally only highly visible locations, land sold by the City and land that has been subject to a previous Zoning Amendment is subject to Site Plan Control. If Site Plan Control does apply to your development you should process your application as early as possible as building permits cannot be issued until the Site Plan Control Agreement has been registered on title. The majority of these applications are approved by the General Manager of Development Services.

The typical processing time is 6 weeks.

Site Plan Control Application  Adobe PDF, 5 pages, 29 KB
 

A Plan of Subdivision Application is generally required when a developer wishes to extend municipal services for the purposes of subdividing property. A Plan of Condominium Application is required to apply condominium ownership. These applications are heard by City Council.

The processing time for these applications varies widely ranging from 6 months to several years.

Subdivision / Condominium Application  Adobe PDF, 32 pages, 404 KB