The City of St. Catharines offers various development applications that may be necessary before completing a building or construction project in the city.
Before you apply
The City strongly recommends that applicants participate in the pre-submission consultation process to receive feedback on their proposal and to confirm complete application requirements. We can provide clarity on your application process and help avoid undue delays after we receive your applications.
Please review the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide before you can apply for these development applications:
- Official Plan Amendment
- Zoning By-law Amendment
- Draft Plan of Subdivision
- Draft Plan of Condominium
- Site Plan Control
- Consent
Please refer to our Rates and Fees Guide.
For more information on meeting dates and application deadlines see the 2025 Pre-Submission Consultation Schedule.
Condominium Developments
If you're wanting to develop a new condominium within St. Catharines, you need to complete these development application forms. Review our subdivisions and condominium plan processes to learn more.
Subdivision or Condominium Agreement Application
The Subdivision or Condominium Agreement Application requires you to provide documentation of property, concurrent applications, planning compliance and details prior to starting your new development.
Condominium Draft Plan Approval Application
The Condominium Draft Plan Approval Application requires you to provide your draft plan, condominium breakdown, property description and land use, current applications and more.
Final Condominium Approval Application
If your condominium is substantially complete and has received draft approval, you must complete the Final Condominium Approval Application.
Deeming By-Law Application
You will need to complete a Deeming By-Law Application if you are planning to remove a land (lot or block) from a registered plan of subdivision.
Development Servicing Agreement Application
The City may require you to complete a Development Servicing Agreement Application as a legal contract that confirms what construction is being done and if conditions are being met.
Land Use Planning
If you are planning to build a new building, add an addition or alter an existing subdivision plan, view the development applications that you may be required to fill out.
Learn how the Committee of Adjustment holds public hearings to take feedback into consideration when making decisions on applications for minor variance and consent.
Consent Application |
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You are required to fill out the Consent Application if you are planning to build:
Learn how the Committee of Adjustment also contributes to the approval of the consent application. |
Minor Variance Application |
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You are required to complete the Minor Variance Application if your proposed construction of a new building, addition or alteration to an existing building doesn't comply with the City's zoning by-laws. Learn how the Committee of Adjustment contributes to the approval of the minor variance application. |
Official Plan Amendment Application |
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If you wish to develop land in St. Catharines that does not conform with the Official Plan, you must fill out the Official Plan Amendment Application. Learn more about our Official Plan for the City. Before submitting this application, please review the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide and Application Form and consult with Planning Services staff. |
Zoning By-Law Amendment Application |
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If you wish to use, alter or develop your property in a way that does not conform with the Zoning By-Law, you must fill out the Zoning By-Law Amendment Application. Learn more about our zoning by-law amendment and zoning by-law. |
Part Lot Control Application
If you're planning to sell a lot or a block within a registered plan of subdivision, you must apply for a Part Lot Control Application. Part lot control regulates the sale or transfer of the division and allows the City to accept or prevent changes to land division.
Private Street Naming Application
If you want to name a private street in St. Catharines, you must first consult Planning Services to discuss potential street names. If they approve, you must fill out the Private Street Name Application for the City to approve.
Site Plan Control
For your new development to be approved, it must comply with the Site Plan Control Area defined by the City. You must complete the Pre-Consultation Application before you can apply for the Site Plan Control.
Site Plan Approval
Most commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-residential developments in the City require Site Plan Approval. This includes certain agricultural operations. Please check with Planning Services staff to confirm if Site Plan Approval is required for your project. If so, please review the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide and Application Form before you apply for Site Plan Approval.
Site Plan Control Drawings Application
You must complete the Site Plan Control Drawings Application for the Planning and Development team to assess your design and technical aspects of your proposed development.
Subdivisions
If you are planning to develop a subdivision, please complete the application form for Plan of Subdivision Approval. Please review the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide and Application Form before you apply for a Plan of Subdivision.
Subdivision Plan Application
If you wish to develop a subdivision within the City, you must fill out the Plan of Subdivision Application and Guidelines to have your proposal approved.
Subdivision or Condominium Agreement Application
You are required to sign the Application for Subdivision or Condominium Agreement with the City to ensure that certain services are provided after the plan is approved (i.e. sidewalks and roads).
External approvals
Depending on where your property is located, you may need external approval by:
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
- Niagara Escarpment Commission
- Ministry of Transportation
- Ministry of the Environment
Normally, the approval processes for external agencies are integrated with City approvals.
How to apply
You can submit a pre-submission consultation application or development application in a variety of ways. Choose the one that works best for you.
- Apply Online
The City of St. Catharines Permit Portal currently accepts pre-submission consultation applications.
Once you are registered, applications can be filled out by an individual person or an organization.
Review the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide before applying.
For more information contact developmentagreementcoordinator@stcatharines.ca.
- Mail or courier
If applying by mail, please review and complete the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide and Application Form or development application and submit it along with the required drawings/plans.
Please mail or courier your completed application to the following address:
Planning and Building Services
City of St. Catharines
PO Box 3012
50 Church Street
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2
- In person
If applying in person, please review and complete the Pre-Submission Consultation Guide and Application Form or development application and submit it along with the required drawings/plans.
You can attend City Hall during office hours to submit your application.