You must fill out an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) If you're a property owner and wish to develop land differently than what is outlined within the City of St. Catharines' Official Plan.
Types of requests
A change request to the Official Plan can be City-wide, area wide or site-specific.
How to submit an OPA
Before you submit an OPA, you must consult with a City planner to determine if:
- An amendment is needed
- The proposed development is appropriate for the site
- There is another way in which the development could be accomplished
It is also advised to discuss the policy direction within the Official Plan with City Planning staff based on your proposed plans.
Public consultation
If the OPA will have a large impact to a community or neighbourhood, public consultation must be conducted to inform the public and gather their feedback prior to the development.