Land use planning means how we use our land and resources and often relates to how land is developed. Land development frequently affects many people and yet the process can be confusing.

In Markham, the land use planning process is regulated by the Planning Act together with other legislation and provincial policy.

The Town has produced a series of nine brochures to describe the different types of development application. Each document contains a flow chart to illustrate the main steps of each process, including the opportunity for community involvement and an indication of timelines for decision making.

Note: Use legal-sized (8 1/2" x 14") paper to print brochures.

These brochures explain the following development application types:

• Official Plan Amendment  (202k/2)
  Process through which changes are made to the Town's Official Plan, a document containing policies which guide the future development of land in Markham.
  
  
• Zoning By-Law Amendment  (184k/2p)
  Process through which the Town guides and approves changes to how specific lands are used for specific purposes. Besides land use, the process also addresses related development standards, such as property setbacks.
  
   
• Plan of Subdivision Approval  (200k/2)
  Process through which the Town guides and approves the design and layout of building lots and roads (neighbourhoods).
  
   
• Site Plan Approval  (199k/2p)
  Process through which the Town guides and approves the design and layout of buildings and developments.
  
   
• Minor Variance  (180k/2p)
  If your building proposal doesn't conform exactly to the Zoning By-Law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance.
  
  
• Consent (Land Division)  (175k/2p)
  A Consent (Land Severance) is required if you want to sell, mortgage, charge for, or enter into any agreement (of at least 21 years) for a portion of your land.
  
   
• Heritage Permit  (184k/2p) 
  A Heritage permit is required from the Town before making any minor external building or property alterations to individually designated heritage properties, or any properties located within a heritage conservation district.
  
   
• Heritage Site Plan Control Approval  (190k/2p)
  Process through which the Town guides and approves the design and layout of buildings and development within the Town's heritage conservation districts, as well as additions to individually designated heritage properties throughout Markham.
  
  
  
  

Before submitting an application, we recommend that you discuss your proposal with Town staff. We can guide you through the process by providing preliminary comments about the viability of your proposal and ensuring you submit a complete application for consideration. An incomplete application will delay or stop the process.

Important: It is compulsory for applicants to consult with Town staff prior to submitting a development application for certain types of applications. Complete and submit a Pre-Consultation Form (97k/4p) first.

For more information on Pre-Consultation requests, read the Pre-Consultation Guide  (54k/2p).

Application forms are available at the Development Services Counter or online under Forms & Applications

For more information on the Development Application Process contact:

Development Services Commission
Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Boulevard
Markham, Ontario  L3R 9W3

Telephone: 905-475-4861
Fax: 905-479-7768
Email: developmentservices@markham.ca