Planning and Development Review Process

The Pickering Official Plan implements The Planning Act, other Provincial plans and policies, and the Durham Regional Official Plan. It sets out the land use policy direction for long-term growth and development in the City. The Pickering Official Plan includes schedules for land uses, transportation and resource management.

• Pickering Official Plan - Edition 9 - Text
• Pickering Official Plan - Map Schedules

An Official Plan Amendment is a formal request to change the City’s Official Plan. If a Proponent wants to develop a property differently than envisioned by the Official Plan, they must apply for a site-specific Official Plan Amendment. Official Plan Amendments are approved by City Council and, in some cases, by the Region of Durham.

• Official Plan Amendment - Application form

The City of Pickering has six Zoning By-laws that:

• divide the City into zones
• specify uses allowed in each zone
• direct how buildings are constructed by regulating building setbacks from property lines, building heights, building coverage, parking requirements, etc.

A Zoning By-law implements the policies of the Official Plan. A Zoning By-law Amendment is a request to change one of the City of Pickering’s zoning by-laws.  Any requested change to a zoning by-law will need to conform with the Pickering Official Plan, the Durham Regional Official Plan, and all Provincial Plans and Policies. Zoning By-law Amendments are approved by City Council.

• Zoning By-law Amendment - Application form

A plan of subdivision divides a piece of land into smaller lots or blocks and secures the owner’s responsibilities for development through a subdivision agreement. A plan of subdivision is generally required where more than three lots, new roads, or extensions to existing roads or services are proposed. A plan of subdivision is approved by the Director, City Development.

• Subdivision / Condominium - Application form

Information on Municipal addressing of properties.

The Condominium Act allows for the creation of different types of ownership for a multi-unit development, such as Standard Condominium, Common Elements Condominium and Vacant Land Condominium. If a Proponent wants to sell individual units as condominium units, they must obtain Plan of Condominium approval. A Plan of Condominium is approved by the Director, City Development.

• Subdivision / Condominium - Application form

All lands within Pickering are subject to site plan control with some exceptions (Site Plan Control By-law 7632/18). Site Plan Approval is a form of development control provided to municipalities by The Planning Act. Site plan control allows the City to review and approve development details for a property such as building location; massing and exterior design of buildings; loading and parking facilities; landscaping; grading and servicing; and accessibility and sustainable design matters in order to ensure that the City's, the Region's and other agency requirements are satisfied.

No one should undertake any development, which is subject to site plan control unless the City has reviewed and approved certain plans. Once the plans are approved, a site plan agreement is generally executed. This agreement contractually binds the developer to develop and maintain a site in accordance with the approved plans and the terms of the agreement. Site plan approval is granted by the Director, City Development.

• Site Plan - Application form

A minor variance is a small change from the specific requirements of a zoning by-law. The approval of a variance will allow an owner to build or use their land in a way that does not exactly comply with the requirements of the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent. Minor variance applications are approved by a committee of members of the public, appointed by City Council.

For more information, view the Committee of Adjustment page. 

An Application for Consent is required if you want to sever a piece of land to create up to three new lots, adjust a lot line, register an easement, lease or mortgage a piece of land for more than 21 years or validate a title. The Committee of Adjustment is delegated the authority to grant approvals of Applications for Consent for severances creating new lots. The Director, City Development & CBO is delegated the authority to grant approvals for technical consents including lot line adjustments, easements, mortgages and title validation. Consultation with City Development staff is required before applying for an Application for Consent. View the Committee of Adjustment page for details.

Alterations to a property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act may require a Heritage Permit. Properties that are listed on the Municipal Heritage Register but not designated do not require a Heritage Permit.

There are different requirements for properties that are located within the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District (Part V properties), and those that are individually designated (Part IV properties). To find out if your property is designated Part IV or Part V, or if it is listed on the Heritage Register, see the Municipal Heritage Register. To learn more about the Heritage Permit process, please visit the Heritage Planning Page.