Municipality of Sioux Lookout

What is Site Plan Control?

Site Plan Control is a method by which a municipality ensures that development of a particular site is carried out in an orderly fashion and is compatible with the surrounding development and landscape.

Upon application for a building permit, landowners are required to submit a detailed site plan and drawings of the building’s exterior. A survey may be required. The landowner is required to enter into an Agreement with the Municipality ensuring the provision of and maintenance of certain works. This Agreement must be registered on title prior to a building permit being issued.

What Authority does the Municipality have to exercise Site Plan Control?

Section 41 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, empowers municipalities to use Site Plan Control for certain uses within a municipality.

What Areas are subject to Site Plan Control?

Under the Municipal Site Plan Control By-Law the entire municipality is subject to Site Plan Control. Certain zones or uses are generally excluded, however, site plan control must be imposed.

What Uses Does Site Plan Control apply to?

1. industrial buildings and structures
2. commercial buildings and structures
3. institutional buildings and structures except structures that are accessory to a public park;
4. residential buildings exceeding three dwellings;
5. parking lots exceeding five parking spaces or 90 metres.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 2 of By-Law No. 21-04 the following classes of development shall be exempt from requirement site plan approval: An industrial, commercial or institutional building shall be permitted to expand by a maximum of 10% of the gross floor area that existed as of the date of the passing of the By-Law (June 30, 2004).

Is There a Public Meeting?

Under the Planning Act, a Public Meeting is not required. The Municipality, however, can require a Public Information Meeting to inform neighbours regarding the development of a property. Neighbours cannot appeal any decision and cannot be parties in any site plan agreement.

Items Considered When Reviewing Site Plan Approval:

To ensure appropriate development by way of site plan control, numerous items are considered in the review of the plans:

1. location of proposed buildings in relation to other buildings
2. on the property and buildings on adjacent properties;
3. the possible aesthetic impact of the proposal;
4. the nature of the parking facilities and the adequacy thereof;
5. entranceways;
6. pedestrian access;
7. lighting;
8. landscaping and buffering, including the enhancement of the
9. property;
10. garbage storage areas;
11. site drainage (including stormwater management);
12. fire;
13. securities for matters of a public interest.

The Site Plan Agreement:

A Site Plan Agreement is entered into between the owner and the Municipality wherein the Owner agrees to complete the works shown on the site plan. The works may have to be completed within a certain time period. This Agreement must be registered on Title prior to the Owner receiving a building permit.

What are the Penalties for Violation of the Agreement?

Any works not completed as detailed on the Site Plan may be completed by the Municipality at the Owner’s expense. The cost of completion of the works will then be recovered through taxes. Alternatively, the Municipality may require a Letter of Credit equal to the value of the works to be done to guarantee that the works will be completed.

Can a Site Plan be Amended?

A Site Plan can be amended with an amended site plan registered on title. This may require the releasing of the original agreement. Significant amendments are reviewed by the Department of Development Services and Municipal Council. An amendment fee may be required.

Submission Requirements:

1. Completed application form by landowner or authorized agent.
2. Application Fee:
   Construction costs $0 - $800,000: $800.00
   Over $800,000: 0.1 % of costs to a maximum of $5,000.00
   Note: the application fee includes the cost of registration on title
3. Completed site plan

Length of Time For Approval:

A minor site plan can usually be approved within two (2) weeks. A major site plan usually takes two (2) months for approval.

Submit to:

Planning Administrator
Municipality of Sioux Lookout
25 Fifth Avenue, Box 158
Sioux Lookout ON  P8T 1A4