Plan of Subdivision

What is a Plan of Subdivision?

A Plan of Subdivision is the process available under the Planning Act to divide one property into multiple building lots or blocks, usually in a group of 5 parcels or more, and show accurate surveyed measurements of lots and public streets. A Plan of Subdivision must be approved by Council (known as Draft Plan Approval) and registered on title in order for the lots and blocks to be legally sold or conveyed separately.

In considering approval of a Plan of Subdivision, Council must consider Provincial Policy directives, the Official Plan, Zoning By-law and other planning and engineering issues. The entire process from application, Draft Plan Approval and final approval/registration may take approximately 9 to 12 months or more, depending on the applicant meeting all of the conditions of Draft Plan Approval.

What is a Plan of Condominium?

The Condominium Act allows for the creation of different types of ownership for a multi-unit development via a Plan of Condominium. The Act allows for a number of different types of condominiums, but the most common are Standard Condominium (units owned by individual owners, with common elements), Common Elements Condominium, (freehold units with common elements, such as roads) and Vacant Land Condominium (units are vacant lots rather than units).

If an applicant wants to sell individual units as condominium units they must obtain approval of a Plan of Condominium.  Generally, condominium approval mirrors the approval process for plans of subdivision and, unless an exemption is obtained (in circumstances where the proposal has already undergone a planning application ie. re-zoning), may take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete.