Terms of reference for development applications
Use these terms of reference to understand the minimum requirements for the plans, studies and reports that support development applications.
On this page:
When to use the terms of reference
Use the terms of reference when preparing any development application within the City of Waterloo.
Section 12.2.14 of the Official Plan allows the city to request information and materials needed to evaluate and make a decision on proposed Planning Act applications.
The plans, studies and reports required for a complete application, along with their scope, will be confirmed during the pre-application consultation.
Learn more about the process on the site plan application page and the zone change page
If your application does not require a pre-application consultation, such as a Committee of Adjustment application, contact the Planning division to confirm which documents you must submit.
Download the terms of reference documents
These terms of reference are relevant at the time of publishing and will be updated to reflect changes in policy, best practices and standards.
Apply the terms of reference with all applicable regulations, bylaws and guidelines, including the Urban Design Manual and Engineering and Landscape Manual.
- Planning justification report (PDF)
- Urban design brief (PDF)
- Heritage impact assessment (PDF)
- Master/Block plan (PDF)
- Functional servicing report (PDF)
- Geotechnical report (PDF)
- Stormwater management report (PDF)
- Noise study (PDF)
- Vibration study (PDF)
- Wind study (PDF)
- Sun/Shadow study (PDF)
- Energy study (PDF)
- Transportation impact study (PDF)
- Parking study (PDF)
- Complete condominium application (PDF)
- Park needs assessment (coming soon)
Contact us
If you have any questions or require an alternate format, contact 519-747-8752 or email devservices@waterloo.ca.