There are a number of steps in the rezoning and plan amendment process, from application submission to Council’s decision, and the process can vary depending on the complexity and sensitivity of the application, and the choice of zone. Decisions on the public engagement required to help inform the City’s review of the application are guided by the Planning Coordination Public Engagement Charter (1.7 MB) .
Review and Notification
After the application fees are paid, and all required information has been received, the application review process will begin.
City staff mail a notice to all municipal addresses and property owners within a minimum of 60 metres of the lands being rezoned, as well as affected community leagues and business associations, advising them that a rezoning application has been received by the City.
Applications for Direct Control Zones require a 21-day pre-application notice to surrounding municipal addresses and property owners, affected community leagues and business associations before the City can accept an application for processing.
Public Engagement
Depending on the complexity of the application, circulation comments, and community response, the City may decide to host an in-person or virtual public engagement opportunity to collect feedback on the application. Scheduling and holding a public engagement opportunity may add some time to the application review process.
The engagement typically has 3 goals:
- Allows the applicant to share information about the application
- Provides information about the planning process
- Obtains input from the community
Feedback collected will be used to:
- Inform the City’s planning analysis of the application and ensure all factors are taken into consideration and
- Help inform conversations with the applicant about potential revisions to address concerns
Feedback will also be summarized in the report to City Council to ensure they are aware of the public’s perspective prior to making a decision on the application at a Public Hearing.
City Staff’s Recommendation
A City planner manages the application and reviews all feedback including technical report comments, and works with the applicant to resolve any outstanding concerns.
The planner prepares a report with a recommendation for City Council as part of a Council Public Hearing agenda. The City administration recommendation is either for support or non-support of the application.
City Council
City Council makes the final decision on rezoning and plan amendment applications at a City Council Public Hearing.
During the Public Hearing, City Council may hear from the applicant and any other members of the public interested in the rezoning. It is in the applicant’s best interest to attend this meeting.
Rezoning bylaws considered by City Council may be approved, refused, referred back to administration, or postponed to a future council date. If your rezoning application is refused by City Council, you cannot submit the same rezoning application again for 12 months.