Apply for a Zoning Bylaw or Official Plan amendment

On this page:

1. How applications are shared with the public
2. When to request a Zoning Bylaw or Official Plan amendment
3. Request a pre-submission consultation
4. Apply for a Zoning Bylaw or Official Plan amendment
5. Contact us

How applications are shared with the public

The public is invited to comment on Zoning Bylaw amendments and Official Plan amendments.

For applications that proceed to Council for a decision, we typically share information about applications by:

• posting a large sign along the frontage of the lands
• publishing notices in the Record
• posting information on EngageWaterloo
• hosting required public meetings at City Council to discuss the proposed change
• mailing notices to properties within 120 m of the subject lands

The new Zoning Bylaw, passed in September 2018, applies to all land and buildings within the city.

When to request a Zoning Bylaw or Official Plan amendment

If a proposal does not meet current Zoning Bylaw requirements or meet the requirements of the Official Plan, an amendment may be required. If approved, this allows the proposal to move forward to the next stage of the development process.

Before submitting a complete application for an amendment, the City of Waterloo strongly encourages applicants request a pre-submission consultation meeting.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

• review the development approvals process
• provide preliminary comments on conceptual plans
• identify the formal submission materials required for a complete application

Pre-consultation does not imply or suggest any decision on behalf of city staff or the Corporation of the City of Waterloo.

Request a pre-submission consultation

Make sure your application is complete and includes all required documents. 

Confirm zoning and Official Plan requirements

Before submitting your application, applicants should:

1. Determine the current zone for the property in the proposed plan on the interactive city map.
2. Review and understand the Zoning Bylaw requirements that apply.
3. Review and understand the Official Plan requirements that apply.
4. View the terms of reference documents for development applications.

Gather supporting documents

Prepare the following information and documents before submitting your request for a pre-submission consultation:

• cover letter
• concept plans
• summary of the proposed development
• summary of the proposed application, including details of requested amendment
• known constraints on or near the subject lands (for example: easements, environmental constraints)
• digital copies of all submission materials to be uploaded and attached to the form

If additional information is required, staff will contact the applicant or proponent.

Book a pre-consultation meeting

Pre-submission meetings are not scheduled until enough information has been provided. Staff may request additional details before sharing your materials with other city divisions or external agencies. 

Request a pre-submission consultation

What happens after you submit

Once your request is received, a planner will be assigned to your file. The planner will contact you to explain next steps, which include:

• reviewing and evaluating your submission materials
• scheduling a pre-submission consultation meeting

After your consultation, the assigned planner will explain how to submit a complete application package for the amendment. They will confirm which terms of reference documents are required.

Apply for a Zoning Bylaw or Official Plan amendment

It is highly recommended that you request a pre-submission consultation. 

If you have a pre-submission consultation, get that feedback first, then proceed to apply for your amendment.

Apply for a Zoning Bylaw or Official Plan amendment

After the application is deemed complete, the review of the application will begin.

Application timelines

After you apply, you can expect the following timelines for application decisions.

Under the Planning Act, once a complete application is received:

• in the absence of a decision, an appeal may be filed within 90 days for a Zoning Bylaw amendment
• in the absence of a decision, an appeal may be filed within 120 days for a joint Zoning Bylaw and Official Plan Amendment

While the city strives to issue a decision within the provincial timelines, application complexity and processing matters beyond the city’s control may result in some decisions exceeding the provincial timeline.

Contact us

If you need help with these applications, email devplanning@waterloo.ca or call 519-747-8752.