Applicants are required to obtain a Zoning Preliminary Review (ZPR) with the Building Standards Department prior to submission of their application. The ZPR identifies the zoning requirements and development standards applicable to the subject property, and any relief from the zoning by-law required to permit the proposed development. If relief is required, an accompanying variance may be required prior to the completion of the consent process.
For more information, please contact the Building Standards Department at 905.475.4870 or bsd@markham.ca. Do note that an additional fee is required for the ZPR.
It is also mandatory that applicants consult a District Planning Manager prior to submitting an application for Consent. Please contact the Development Services Counter (dsc@markham.ca; 905.475.4861) or the Secretary-Treasurer (coa@markham.ca; 905.475.4721) for further inquiries.
Applications are submitted online via ePLAN. Any related Minor Variance applications can also be applied for under the same Consent ePLAN file.
When an application has been received, a Development Technician will conduct a preliminary ‘Prescreen Review’ to ensure that required plans and documents have been uploaded. The Development Technician will also check to make sure that all submitted plans and documents meet our ePLAN Submission Standards. Application fees will also be determined and confirmed at this stage.
Note: A submission does not become an application with a review timeline until it has passed the Prescreen Review Process and application fees have been paid.
For more information on how to submit an application, please refer to the following documents:
Pursuant to the City of Markham Official Plan Amendment No. 172, prior to processing an application for Consent, the application shall be complete. The deeming process will begin once application fees have been received. The file planner will then review the file to determine if additional technical studies, plans and / or other items are required to be submitted with an application in order to be deemed complete.
Once the application has passed the prescreen and deeming review, the Development Technician will circulate the file to an assigned Planner, as well as internal and external agencies for review.
Staff will work with the applicant to resolve issues identified during the review. If applicable, the applicant will revise and resubmit plans and documents for review.
City Staff will provide the applicant with the required sign, and the date for the posting of the sign. Signs should be posted at least 14 days before the public hearing date. Unless otherwise directed by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, the sign shall be posted in a location that is clearly visible and legible from a public highway, or other place to which the public has access. Signs shall not be obscured from view by vegetation or other obstructions.
If a sign is not posted before the required time, the application will be deferred to the next available meeting.
The Planning Act requires Notices of Hearing to be mailed out to property owners within 60 metres of the subject property. The City of Markham mail Notices of Hearing to property owners within 120 metres of the subject property. Notices of Hearing are mailed out 14 days before a public hearing.
COA meetings are held twice a month at 7 PM. These meetings are open to the public. For more information, please visit our What To Expect at a Committee Meeting page.
Verbal decisions will be provided by the COA at the public hearing. Written decisions will be forwarded to relevant parties no later than 10 days from the making of the decision in accordance with the Planning Act. If a member of the public would like to receive a copy of the Committee’s Decision, they must request a copy of the Decision from the Secretary-Treasurer in writing.
Note: As of November 28, 2022, only the applicant, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, or a specified person or public body, as specified under subsection 1(1) of the Planning Act, may appeal a Decision of the Committee of Adjustment.
When filing an appeal to the OLT, please note that there will be a charge of $400.00 (made payable to the Minister of Finance) and an additional administration fee of $274.50 plus HST (a separate cheque made payable to the City of Markham). Appeals are to be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, Development Services.
Appeals can be submitted at the dropbox located outside the Thornhill Entrance at 101 Town Centre Boulevard.
Note: Please contact COA staff prior to submitting an appeal during this emergency period as the Markham Civic Centre is still closed to the public.