What is a Site Plan?

A Site Plan is a drawing, or set of drawings, illustrating the physical arrangement of property improvements such as buildings, driveways, parking areas, pedestrian sidewalks, landscaping, fences, light fixtures, drains and municipal services.

What new types of development require Site Plan Application?

All commercial, institutional, industrial and residential developments (except single and semi-detached dwelling units) are subject to site plan approval. And any addition to an existing commercial, institutional, industrial building over 20% of the total area of the exsiting building. 

What does the Technical Advisory Committee do?

This group encourages an integrated approach to site planning undertaken in the early stages of design. The Technical Advisory Committee represents the public interest with both functional and aesthetic concerns respecting matters such as traffic circulation, public safety, night lighting, pedestrian walkways, municipal services, drainage, flood protection, environmental quality, waste management, noise abatement, privacy screening and landscape design.

What are the steps to complete Site Plan Application?

Step 1 - Consult with Staff

Before you fill out an application, contact the Zoning Review Officer (1st Floor, Civic Centre, 519.360.1998) to determine whether or not you meet the zoning requirements for your property. If your property allow for what you are proposing, discuss your plans with our Consultants(330 Richmond St. Suite 204, Chatham, 519.354.4351). They can help determine if you require relief from the zoning thru a minor variance application, or whether you will need to rezone the property. If our Official Plan does not allow for the proposed use you will also need an Official Plan Amendment. Our Consultants will be able to determine what is needed and what can be supported and will help introduce you to the process that will be needed to obtain approval.

Step 2 - Complete the Application

Complete the Application, including the following:

• a cheque made payable to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for the application fee (variable fee structure);
• if you are using an agent or solicitor, your written authorization identifying by name the individual who will be your agent or solicitor;
• a deed showing the property owner and legal description  and in cases where the property is incorporated we will require letters of incorporation for registration of the site plan agreement
• The drawings submitted with an application should include: a surveyor's plan of the property; existing natural features, vegetation and ground contours; the proposed locations of building, driveways, parking areas and pedestrian paths located both on the property and on the boulevard adjacent to the property; and site data such as lot area, setbacks, coverage, landscaped open space and building height to demonstrate compliance with the regulations of the zoning by-law(internal); a copy of the site showing the location and size of the buildings and of the parking and access on the lot.
• in some cases, additional information could be helpful in assessing an application; you are encouraged to submit photographs or other relevant documentation.

Step 3 - Public Meeting and Decision

Council passed a reolustion that any site plan under $2 million in construction value will be dealt with by Administration. This is for strictly site plan approval without need for a minor variance or rezoning. This process allows for a quicker turn around time and does not require a public meeting. The applicant will be notified the decision and will proceed from there with the requirement of a site plan agreement. The Site plan Agreement will require a security deposit(s) that will be returned after the final approval of our Technical Advisory Committee.

If your proposal has a construction value of more than $2 million or needs a minor variance or rezoning it will be brought to a Council meeting and the decision will be at the Council meeting. It is important that you and/or your agent or solicitor attend the meeting to explain the reasons for your application; if you do not attend, Council may proceed in your absence. Other interested persons are also entitled to attend and to express their views about the application. Council will also consider verbal advice and written reports from staff. There will still be the requirement of the Site Plan Agreement for this process and will require a security deposit.

Examples of questions that will be address in order to make their decision will be:

Is it desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure?

Is the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan (internal) and the Zoning By-law(internal) being maintained?

If your application is approved, Council may impose conditions as part of its decision and these will be included within the Site Plan Agreement.

Step 4 - Notice of Decision

The Municipality will notify you of Council's recommendations following the meeting.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Approval?

Depending upon the scale, complexity and information requirements of an application, the approval process may be completed in 4 to 6 weeks.

Is there an appeal process?

Objections to or the refusal of an application may be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board only by the applicant.

At what point will the security deposit be released?

Upon the completion of the site development work, Municipal staff inspect the property, assist the owner to identify and correct any outstanding matters and authorize the release of the security deposit.

Need Further Information?

Planning Services

315 King St. West, 2nd Floor

Chatham, ON N7M 5K8

Telephone: 519.360.1998
Fax: 519.436.3237

For more infomration, please contact CKplanning@chatham-kent.ca