Planning & Development Applications

A pre-consultation (pre-con) meeting is an opportunity to meet with representatives from various Town departments who will each provide feedback on your initial site plans. Following the meeting, you will receive a copy of the minutes taken and a check list confirming what materials and information you need to include in your formal application. Discussion with our pre-consultation team early-on could help to reduce costs and avoid delays in the latter stages of your project. In addition, early discussions will help staff to better understand the nature of your project so that it can be handled as efficiently as possible.

A zoning by-law controls the use of land in your community. It states exactly:

• How land may be used;
• Where buildings and other structures can be located;
• The types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used;
• The lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street;

If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not allowed by the zoning by-law, you may apply for a zoning change, also known as a zoning by-law amendment or a rezoning. Council can only consider a change if the new use is allowed by the Official Plan.

A site plan package includes architectural plans, and detailed engineering drawings of proposed layout and improvements to a given lot. A site plan shows a building footprint, building elevations, access routes, parking, grading, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, trails, lighting, and landscaping.

Site Plan Approval is the statutory process for reviewing the building size, location, design, access, services, parking, loading, and landscaping of proposed developments. Some projects may qualify for PriortyPATH, the town’s streamlined municipal process for site plan approvals. Contact us to see if you qualify!

A Minor Variance provides approval for changes that do not fully comply with the Town’s zoning By-law. A Minor Variance will not change the Zoning By-law, it merely grants a variance from certain existing provisions/standards of the By-law, where appropriate.

The Building Approvals Section, responsible for enforcing the Ontario Building Code (OBC) in Ajax, issues permits for the construction, renovation, demolition and changes of use of buildings. A Building Permit is required for all construction work. This includes new construction, alterations to existing buildings, temporary structures (such as portables and tents) and designated structures as defined under the OBC (such as retaining walls, solar collectors, stages etc.). Permits are also required for the demolition of buildings. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact us.

The Sign Permit process ensures the safe installation of fascia and ground signs and is issued through Building Approvals Section. A Sign Permit is required when installing a new sign or changing the manner in which the sign is anchored in the ground or on a building.

A Sediment and Erosion Control Permit process ensures that the proper environmental measures are in place to prevent sediments from damaging the receiving water ecosystem. A Sediment and Erosion Control Permit needs to be obtained before: the removal of any topsoil, the placement of fill, or the grading of land within the Town.

The Town of Ajax Official Plan describes the Town’s policies for how land should be used and coordinates future plans for growth.

An official plan amendment is a formal document that changes the Official Plan. Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners. If your plans for developing your property are not consistent with the Town’s Official Plan you will need to make an Amendment to the Plan.