Vaughan's Planning Process
The City of Vaughan’s communities are constantly growing and changing. In fact, Vaughan is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada with a population of more than 350,000!
To ensure Vaughan continues to be a great place to live, work and play, our City must grow in ways that are smart and any change must meet the needs and values of current and future residents and businesses. This is why all developments undergo a careful review by City staff, Council, public agencies, including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, York Region, and provincial ministries where appropriate, and why the City asks for feedback from residents before the shovels hit the ground.
Development Planning staff considers all development applications, which includes providing professional planning advice for Vaughan Council’s consideration. Staff also provide planning assistance to the public, landowners, and developers.
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Development applications are proposals put forward by a landowner that must be carefully considered and reviewed by City staff and external review partners to ensure they are consistent with Provincial, Regional and City plans and policies.
Before you start the application process, here's what you need to know.
Basic information to have ready:
- Project description
- Property address and description
- Details about the subject lands (the property)
- Contact information for anyone involved other than the owner/applicant
Planning and regulatory details required:
- Required development applications
- Ontario Land Tribunal history (if applicable)
- Official Plan information
- Proposed development details
- Site screening questionnaire
- Zoning By-law 001-2021
- Zoning By-law 1-88 (if required)
Supporting documents:
- Drawings, reports and other required materials needed to complete the application
There are different types of development applications, depending on your project, which include:
- Official Plan Amendment
- Zoning By-law Amendment
- Site Development Application
- Draft Plan of Subdivision
- Part-Lot Control Exemption
- Draft Plan of Condominium
If you require extra support to submit your application – we’ve got you covered! Pre-application consultations are encouraged for larger or more complex projects, such as:
- Official Plan Amendments
- Zoning By-law Amendments
- Major Site Development Applications
- Draft Plans of Subdivision
- Draft Plans of Condominium and
- Block Plan Applications
Once you are ready, here is a high-level overview of how to submit a development application to the City of Vaughan.
Phase 1:
- Submit required GIS drawings
- Confirm applicable fees
- Submit the completed and signed application, fees and all supporting materials to the City’s Development and Parks Planning department.
Visit the City’s application submission process webpage for more information.
Phase 2: Application Review
The City will review your application and determine whether it is complete. If incomplete, the City will notify you of any missing information.
Phase 3: Public Meeting (if required)
A Public Meeting may be held to allow community feedback.
- This step applies only to Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendments.
To learn more about what happens during a Public Meeting, watch this watch this video.
Phase 4: Council decision (if required)
Vaughan Council will decide to approve, refuse or defer the application, following a Public Meeting (if one was held). This step applies only to Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments and Draft Plan of Subdivisions.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide to Vaughan’s planning process, read our online guide (PDF).
To learn more about the status of development applications in the City of Vaughan, click on the online PLANit Application Viewer tracking tool below:
The following six types of development applications are reviewed by City staff and Vaughan Council, which are governed by the Planning Act: