Development Review Process

Prospective applicants are not required to request a pre-submission review prior to submitting a Planning Act application (e.g. consent to sever, plan of subdivision, rezoning, etc.); however, it is strongly recommended and encouraged as it offers prospective applicants a number of benefits.

If a property owner wishes to make changes to a property that deviates from the permitted uses or the regulations of the Zoning By-law, the owner must apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment.

If a property owner wishes to make a minor change to the Zoning By-law regulations that would differ only slightly from the provisions, the owner may apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a Minor Variance, rather than a Zoning By-law Amendment. 

An Official Plan Amendment is the process through which the Town guides and approves changes to policies and/or designations within the Official Plan. If a property owner wants to develop a property in a way that is not permitted in the Official Plan, they must apply for an Official Plan Amendment for approval by Town Council. 

If a property owner wishes to make a minor change to the Zoning By-law regulations that would differ only slightly from the provisions, the owner may submit a Minor Variance application.

A Planning Consent is often referred to as an approved land severance. The most common types of Consent applications are for land severance to divide a parcel of land into two or more new lots or as a lot addition to an abutting property.

Both Minor Variance and Consent applications are reviewed by the Committee of Adjustment.

Landowners or developers who wish to develop a subdivision (where 4 or more new lots are being created) or a condominium for a property in the Town of Midland must submit the draft plan for approval. Refer to Subdivision or Condominium Development Applications for full information.

Site Plan Approval provides the Town the opportunity to review the detailed aspects of a proposed development and ensure specific design requirements are met concerning site layout, building design, parking, access, servicing, grading and drainage, landscaping, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, lighting, screening, fencing, sustainable design features, etc.