Site plan applications

Check whether you need site plan approval

• Site plan control is a site-specific type of development control, authorized under Section 41 of the Planning Act. Site plan control applies to construction, development and re-development on all lands within the corporate boundaries of the town, with some exceptions.
• medium and high-density residential developments containing 11 units or more;
• residential development within 300 metres (≈ 984 ft) of a railway line;
• residential development within 120 metres (≈ 394 ft) of: a wetland; the shoreline of the Lake Ontario; an inland lake; or a river or stream valley that has depressed features associated with a river or stream, whether or not it contains a watercourse
• all non-residential development;
• all other types of development unless exempted in the Site Plan law;
• a temporary sales office for the sale of new homes within a draft approved plan of subdivision or condominium; and,
• a commercial parking lot.
• development which is located outside of a wetland, river or stream valley that has depressed features associated with a river or stream, whether or not it contains a watercourse or woodland, and consists of: a building or structure that is 50 square metres (≈ 538 sq ft) or less in size that is either accessory to or in addition to, an existing building or structure; a new non-residential building or structure on town-owned land, provided that the building or structure is less than 100 square metres (≈ 1,076 sq ft); a temporary building or structure erected and used for a maximum of six consecutive months, provided the structure is located on a property with existing development; a temporary building or structure on public lands allowed through a municipal permit; or a building or structure accessory to an existing agricultural use north of Highway 407.
• residential freehold street townhouse units approved as part of a registered plan of subdivision unless a specific condition in the subdivision agreement requires site plan approval;
• up to two additional dwelling units within an existing detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or townhouse dwelling;
• development in the form of a single-detached or semi-detached dwelling within five years of subdivision registration north of Dundas Street, unless a specific condition requires site plan approval;
• the placement of a portable classroom on a school site of a district school board if the school site was in existence on January 1, 2007; or
• in accordance with section 62.0.2 of the Planning Act, an undertaking of the following post-secondary institutions for the objects of the institution: publicly-assisted universities, as defined in section 1 of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act; or colleges and universities federated or affiliated with a publicly-assisted university referred to in paragraph i.
• A Site Plan Guide has been prepared to clarify which types of development can proceed through a scoped site plan process and which will require full site plan approval.

Review the site plan documents

Planning and development applications are reviewed and approved in accordance with the town’s applicable procedures and guidelines, Terms of Reference, and by-laws. Prepare your application using the applicable documents.

• Site Plan Application Guide
• Site Plan By-law 2025-033
• Development Application Guidelines

Attend a mandatory pre-consultation meeting

• Once you have attended a mandatory pre-consultation meeting, complete the Site Plan Application Form.
  Another Oakville page says this differently: “Pre-consultation meetings are highly recommended for all development applications and site plan applications and are held with staff from town departments and agencies.” (Planning & Development Applications). Confirm before you apply: ServiceOakville, 905-845-6601 · service@oakville.ca.
• Include the pre-consultation checklist which has been completed and signed by staff during your mandatory pre-consultation meeting.

Complete the forms1Download the set7 forms

• Site Plan Application FormForm

Prepare your materials0 of 3

• Reports, documents and drawings3The type of documents required will be identified during the mandatory pre-consultation meeting with staff. All reports, documents and drawings submitted must be:

You need an account to see these 3 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Submit your application

• Review additional information regarding digital submissions and electronic fee payments.
• Request an Oakville Box link and a fee submission reference number from planningapps@oakville.ca for all submissions.
• Submit all materials by uploading files to Oakville Box, following the mandatory file naming conventions.
• Payment of application fees should be sent via e-transfer/EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) to planningapps@oakville.ca at the same time as your submission.
• Ensure you quote the fee submission reference number.
• The Planning Application file #, will be assigned once the fee is received.
• For a resubmission of an existing application where a fee is required, please use the Planning file # already assigned.

Pay the fee

Planning and Committee of Adjustment fees and by-law

• Planning and Development Rates and Fees
• Planning Services By-law 2024-156