Site Plan Approval

Site Plan Control helps ensure development in the urban environment takes place in a safe, efficient, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing manner, and new development is compatible with existing neighbouring properties (provided for under section 41 of the Planning Act). 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 Barrie is subject to Site Plan Control. If a property is located within a designated Site Plan Control area defined within the Site Plan Control By-law, then an application for Site Plan Approval is needed before any development can take place on the 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 within a Site Plan Control Area are subject to the Site Plan Approval process, unless otherwise exempt by the Director of Development Services. Learn more about the process in the Site Plan Application Manual. 

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 Development Services, or their designate. Within the City, minor development and/or site alterations may include, but are not 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).