Subdivisions are tracts of land that are divided into several building lots or blocks. These lots or blocks can be used for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional (such as a school), or for open space and parks depending on its land designation within the City of St. Catharines' Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
In order to sell or convey lots or blocks separately, you must acquire a registered and approved Plan of Subdivision, which outlines the details and conditions required to develop a parcel of land.
Applying for a Plan of Subdivision
All applicants looking to acquire an approved Plan of Subdivision must follow these steps:
- View our Subdivision Application Guidelines and Application Form.
- Schedule a pre-consultation meeting with our Planning Services staff. They will identify the steps and procedures you must follow to have your Plan of Subdivision application approved. These can include special studies (ex. traffic, noise, servicing), plans and reports that may be required to be completed that support your application. A detailed concept plan and pre-consultation fee is required, with the fee later discounted from the overall Plan of Subdivision application fee.
- After we have received your pre-consultation meeting request, it is circulated to all relevant departments and agencies, and we will respond with a confirmed date and time for the meeting, usually within three weeks.
- Prepare and bring any documents you have relating to your application to the meeting, including your completed Plan of Subdivision Application.
- Complete any further studies, plans or reports as identified by the City.
- Submit your Plan of Subdivision application, with all required documents and fees to our Planning Services staff.
- We will circulate your application to the relevant City departments, government agencies and Niagara Region.
- We will host an information meeting with the public to provide information on the application and to receive feedback. We then review all comments.
- Staff will prepare a report to Council, recommending Plan of Subdivision approval, approval with conditions or modifications or refusal.
- Council will make a decision on the application at a scheduled Public Meeting. Interested parties may address Council and offer comments on the application.
- If Council approval is granted, we will notify you of any conditions to be met prior to final approval and registration of the Plan of Subdivision. Conditions can include entering into a Subdivision Agreement with the City regarding things like construction of roads, servicing and parkland dedication.
- Provide Planning Services staff with a letter of credit to ensure that all conditions are fulfilled. Responsibility and timing for fulfilling the conditions rests with the developer.
- After we have received all conditions of approval and, where appropriate, documented letters of clearance, we will issue final approval on your Plan of Subdivision.
- Register your Plan of Subdivision and Subdivision Agreement with the land titles registry system.