Provincial Planning Legislation

The first column in the chart describes the key act where most of the land use planning authority resides. Sometimes planning authority is embedded in a larger act covering municipal governments.

Plan/Zoning Appeal Body

Most jurisdictions employ some form of administrative tribunal to review municipal planning decisions. The tribunal format varies widely from complex de novo hearings at the provincially-appointed Ontario Municipal Board to locally-appointed appeal boards in Nunavut and the NW Territories. The sorts of decisions that can be appealed and the appeal process vary widely across jurisdictions.

Regional Plan

All jurisdictions enable preparation of plans that deal with large areas, and more than one municipality. Once again, the practice varies widely across the nation. The plans are often advisory, and not every jurisdiction is covered by a regional plan.

Municipal Land Use Plan

Almost every Canadian municipality has a comprehensive land use plan, but the documents have different names in each jurisdiction. The form and content of the plans are loosely defined in the enabling legislation, but more detailed guidance may be found in supporting provincial/territorial policies.

District Plans

Many municipalities are too large for their comprehensive plan to provide detailed land use guidance, so they use some form of district plans for neighbourhoods, industrial or commercial areas, or redevelopment areas. The content, status and approval process for these secondary plans varies across municipalities – some plans are simple generic land use diagrams, while others are based on detailed master plans.

Street & Block Layout

Some jurisdictions encourage a plan that shows a layout of the streets and blocks, operating between the levels of detail of the general policies of a district plan and a detailed plan of subdivision for every parcel. These plans are usually for guidance and often do not have legislative authority.

Land Subdivision

All jurisdictions require control and approval of plans to subdivide land. Subdivision plans are often approved in two phases: a preliminary plan for review and a final plan that legally subdivides the property.

Zoning Bylaws

Most municipalities regulate the uses of property and general form of buildings through zoning bylaws.

Site Plan Review

All jurisdictions allow municipalities to review and approve the detailed design of building site plans, using some form of development permit system. Building location, drainage, landscaping, access parking and servicing are typical concerns for this type of plan. The content and process of site plan review may vary widely across municipalities, although provincial/territorial legislation may limit the scope of the process, especially regarding the design of individual buildings.