Terms of reference for development applications

The terms of reference on this page help to establish clear expectations and minimum requirements for plans, studies and reports submitted to the City of Waterloo in support of development applications. 

On this page

  1. When to use the terms of reference
  2. Download the terms of reference documents
  3. Contact the Planning division

When to use the terms of reference

Use the terms of reference when preparing a development application for a location within city boundaries.

Section 12.2.14 of the City of Waterloo’s Official Plan identifies that the City can require information and materials to evaluate and make a decision on proposed Planning Act applications. 

The studies, plans and reports required as part of a complete application and the required scope, will be identified during the pre-application consultation review. View more information about the application process on the site plan application page and the zone change page.

When a planning application does not have a mandatory pre-application consultation process, for example Committee of Adjustment applications, contact the Planning division to determine what documents you require to submit with your application. 

Download the terms of reference documents

These terms of reference are relevant at the time of publishing and will be updated to reflect current policy, best practices, and accepted standards. Apply the terms of reference in conjunction with all applicable regulations, by-laws, and guidelines, including the City of Waterloo’s Urban Design manual and Engineering and landscape manual.

The City of Waterloo is developing various terms of reference documents that will be added to this webpage as they are finalized.

Download the documents (PDF):

Contact the Planning division

If you have any questions or require an alternate format, contact 519-747-8752 or email devservices@waterloo.ca.