Apply for consent

Ontario's Planning Act gives the Committee of Adjustment authority to consider requests for consent applications, including land severances, rights of way, easements and leases.

Follow these steps to apply for consent.

On this page:

1. Determine which application you need
2. Prepare your documents
3. Make sure you meet source water protection requirements
4. Get a signed affidavit
5. Review fees
6. Check submission deadlines and meeting dates
7. Apply
8. Contact us

1. Determine which application you need

Apply for consent if you're requesting a severance, right of way, easement or lease. 

Examples include:

• dividing the subject land into one or more lots
• requesting a right of way across municipal owned lands

If you’re requesting a variance to the Zoning Bylaw, you should apply for a minor variance.

If you’re not sure which application you need, contact the Committee of Adjustment coordinator for help.

2. Prepare your documents

Prepare the following documents before you apply:

• letter of authorization, signed by the property owner
• if the applicant is the purchaser or purchaser’s agent, include a copy of the section of the purchase and sale agreement that authorizes the purchaser to apply for the land
• a sketch of the proposed consent that includes:
  • project name
  • applicant name
  • name of the firm preparing the plans (if applicable)
  • dimensions in metric
  • scale of the drawing
  • north symbol
  • municipal address
  • names of adjacent streets

If your application divides or partitions a lot, your sketch must also show:

• the boundaries and dimensions of the subject land, the part that is to be severed, the part that is to be retained, and the land abutting the subject land
• the distance between the subject land and the nearest township lot line of landmark such as a bridge or railway crossing
• the location of all land previously severed from the parcel originally acquired by the current owner of the subject land and any land owned by the owner abutting the subject land
• the approximate location of all natural and artificial features on the subject land and adjacent lands that may affect the application, such as buildings, railways, roads, watercourses, drainage ditches, river or stream banks, wetlands, wooded areas, wells and septic tanks
• the location, width and name of any roads within or abutting the subject land, indicating whether it is an unopen road allowance, a public traveled road, a private road, or a right of way
• if access to the subject land is by water only, the location of the parking and boat docking facilities to be used
• the location and nature of any easements affecting the subject land

Also include:

• Environmental Screening Questionnaire (PDF) from the Region of Waterloo
• Source Water Protection Screening Form
• Notice of Source Protection Plan document (if relevant)
• signed and commissioned affidavit
• any other documents identified as required during a pre-application consultation with city staff. 

Check the terms of reference documents to help you create the supporting documents.

3. Make sure you meet source water protection requirements

All applications must comply with the Region of Waterloo’s source water protection plan. Follow this process to ensure your committee of adjustment application is complete:

1. Go to the region's source water protection map.
2. Click on "I need a document for a building permit or development application" and enter location.
3. Answer questions as prompted and download Notice of Source Protection Plan document.
4. Print and sign document. Include it in your committee of adjustment application.

To ensure applicants have completed this step, we require a screening form (PDF) to be completed along with the Source Protection Plan document.

4. Get a signed affidavit

An affidavit (also called a declaration of oath) that was signed in the presence of a commissioner must be submitted as part of your complete application.

Fill out the form

Complete the Statutory Declaration of Oaths form (PDF).

Get it commissioned

You can use a commissioner or notary public of your choice, and in-person or remote commissioning is acceptable, as long as the person taking the oath is authorized to do so.

In-person commissioning is available at City Hall at the Legislative Services desk on the third floor. The City of Waterloo does not offer remote commissioning.

5. Review fees

Fees are non-refundable after the application has been circulated.

City of Waterloo fees:

• Pre-application consultation – $245
• Consent application – $1,815
• Applicant initiated change to condition(s) of consent – $354
• Recirculation of Committee of Adjustment application – Applicant initiated deferral – $193
• Recirculation of Committee of Adjustment application – Committee initiated deferral - not applicable

City fees will increase on September 1, 2026.

Additional fees:

• the Region of Waterloo charges a $350 review fee for consent applications
• view the Grand River Conservation Authority website to see if they have additional fees that may apply

Pay in person

All payments need to be made in person at the IPPW counter on the second floor of City Hall after you apply. We accept payment by cash, debit or cheque.

6. Check submission deadlines and meeting dates

Each meeting has a set submission deadline. Use the table to find the date for your application.

Check the Committee of Adjustment calendar for meeting times and agendas.

7. Apply

Check the meeting schedule and submit your application by the deadline.

When you apply, include:

• all supporting documents
• Environmental Screening Questionnaire (PDF)
• Source Water Protection Screening Form
• Notice of Source Protection Plan document (if relevant)
• signed and commissioned affidavit
• any other documents identified during a pre-application consultation with city staff

Apply for consent