Both the City of Barrie Official Plan and the Zoning By-law can be amended through a public process. The goal of this process is assess whether the proposed amendment is in keeping with the long-term vision and goals for how our community should grow and to ensure that members of the public who may be affected by the proposed amendment have an opportunity to make their views on the matter heard.

Application for Official Plan Amendment / Zoning By-law Amendment

The division of a parcel of land into multiple lots (which can then be sold) requires approval of a plan of subdivision. This process helps ensure that:

• the land in question is suitable for the proposed new use
• the proposed development conforms with the City's Official Plan and with provincial plans and policy
• residents are protected from development that may be inappropriate or that might place strain on municipal services, facilities, or financial resources.

The City of Barrie has been delegated authority by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to approve draft plans of subdivision (Ontario Regulation 417/01 under the Planning Act). The approval process is provided for under section 51 of the Planning Act. Section 51 also applies to the approval of a Plan of Condominium (under subs.9(2) of the Condominium Act).

Application for Approval of Plan of Subdivison

Application for Plan of Condominium Approval or Exemption

Application for Council Review of an Extension or Revision to Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision or Condominium Approval

Applications for Plan of Subdivision Approval, for Council Review of a Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision, and for Plan of Condominium Approval or Exemption can be submitted to the City Clerk's Office on the first floor of City Hall, 70 Collier Street. Once a complete application has been received, processing the application may take 6–8 months.

Provided for under section 41 of the Planning Act, Site Plan Control helps ensure that development in the urban environment takes place in a safe, efficient, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing manner, and that new development is compatible with existing neighbouring properties. Among other things, Site Plan Control regulates the placement of buildings and structures on a lot, the relationship of structures to adjacent properties and streets, and matters of exterior design.

A significant portion of land within the City of Barrie is subject to Site Plan Control. If a property is located within a designated Site Plan Control area, then an application for Site Plan Approval is necessary before any development can take place on that property. (For the purposes of Site Plan Control, “development" includes erecting new buildings, adding to or altering an existing building in a way that substantially increase its size or usability, and establishing a commercial parking lot.)

Development or alteration of any lands that are designated within a Site Plan Control Area are subject to the Site Plan Approval process, unless otherwise exempt by the Director of Planning and Building Services.  Exemptions from the Full Site Plan Approval process may be considered for minor development and/or site alterations on lands subject to Site Plan Control in accordance with this process and at the discretion of the Director of Planning and Building Services, or their designate.  Within the City of Barrie, minor development and/or site alterations may include, but shall not be limited to exterior building façade improvements/alterations, minor building additions, exterior patio additions, minor parking lot additions/alterations and temporary sales trailers. 

If the property is not located within a Site Plan Control area, then the owner can proceed to apply for a building permit (subject to zoning confirmation and other applicable municipal requirements.)

Site Plan Control Approval Application

Site Plan Application Manual

Application for Pre-Servicing Agreement

Application for Exemption from Full Site Plan Approval

Exemption from Full Site Plan Approval Process

The pre-consultation stage of the review process provides applicants with an opportunity to present their development proposals and concept plans to City Staff. (The pre-consultation process is preliminary to any formal application, as plans will often change before a formal application is made.)

The pre-consultation review process gives staff the chance to

• identify key issues and provide preliminary written comments regarding the proposal;
• clarify the application process and fees for the applicant; and
• identify and confirm the plans, supporting studies, and other information that will need to be provided in order for the full development application to be considered complete.

Pre-Consultation Request Form: Site Plan Control

Pre-Consultation Request Form: Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Plan of Subdivision/Condominum

Once a complete Pre-Consultation Application has been submitted, it is circulated to the pertinent City departments and external agencies for review and commentary. A review committee meeting between the applicant, City staff, and any necessary outside agencies will be scheduled within three weeks of the application being submitted to discuss the reviewers' comments.

A complete Pre-consultation Application and a pre-consultation meeting are required before a development application can be submitted. Pre-consultation Applications must be submitted in person (unless other arrangements have been made beforehand).

As part of the complete application process, a Public Notice sign must be posted on the lands that are the subject of the application. The Planning & Building Services Department has requirements for the positioning of the Public Notice sign on the property, as well as a guide to the symbols displayed on the sign:

• Public Notice Sign Layout
• Public Notice Symbols 

The applicant is responsible for all costs associated with preparing and posting the Public Notice.

As required under the Planning Act, a formal Public Meeting regarding the application will be held in front of General Committee. At this meeting, the applicant will make a presentation regarding the proposed amendment, and members of the public will have a chance to speak and to ask questions. Members of the public can also make written submissions if they are unable to attend the meeting. No decisions are made at this meeting.

Notice of the Public Meeting is sent by regular mail to property owners located within 120 metres of the subject lands; a sign is also posted on the subject lands.

In addition to conducting their own technical review, Planning staff circulate the application to other City departments and to relevant outside agencies (such as Conservation Authorities or provincial ministries) for commentary.

Following this review, Planning staff submits a report making a recommendation to General Committee regarding the proposed amendment. General Committee will consider this report and then make a recommendation to City Council, which will decide on the application.