Development application submission

All development applications except for those to the Committee of Adjustment can be filled out electronically. The online application forms contain useful links and additional information to help applicants navigate through the development review process. Applications also include a fee calculator to help ensure that proper fees are collected with a submission.

1. Please note that applications forms cannot be completed in your web browser. Please download the form and save on your computer. You will then be able to fill out the form, save and print as required.
2. Before submitting a form, you should complete the City’s Pre-Consultation Process – even if your application is not subject to pre-consultation you are strongly encouraged to contact Planning staff to discuss your proposal and determine study and plan requirements.
3. Ensure that you have attempted to complete all applicable sections of the application form. If required information is missing, the City has the ability to place your application on hold until that information is received.
4. Applications can be submitted to planningcirculations@ottawa.ca accompanied by required plans, studies and any other information that may be needed to assess the application. Upon application submission, Staff will provide confirmation of the amount due, the specific payment methods available for the application type, and the necessary details for the different payment methods. 

All required items from the pre-consultation must be completed including engineering reports stamped and signed. Plans are to be standard A1 size (594 mm x 841 mm) or Arch D size (609.6 mm x 914.4 mm) sheets, dimensioned in metric, utilizing an appropriate Metric scale (1:200, 1:250, 1:300, 1:400 or 1:500). All PDF submitted documents are to be unlocked, flattened, and not saved as a portfolio file.

The application is reviewed in detail by the assigned staff to ensure it is complete. Staff will advise the applicant if the application does not meet the requirements and if other information is required. It is important to note that the target timelines for applications will not commence until the submission requirements and any information or materials required to process the application are submitted by the applicant.

The City of Ottawa is required to contact community organizations in the context of a development application as per the Public Notification Consultation Policy. Registered community organizations are grouped by circulation sector and are available on geoOttawa. To identify which organizations are part of a circulation sector for a particular property, please follow the steps below.

1. Go to geoOttawa (geoOttawa).
2. Using the top left search bar, type in the site address.
3. There are icons on the top right of the screen.
   1. Left click on the Layers List icon (image of three squares layered).
   2. In the layer list window, use the search bar to type in the word “Notification”, left click on the Planning and Public Notification System Boxes.
4. On the map, the circulation sector for the property is bolded. You may need to zoom in or out to find the sector number.
5. Once the sector has been found, you may consult with planningcirculations@ottawa.ca. They will provide you with a list of the registered community organizations. Please include the sector in the email.