Site plan control

What is Site Plan Control?

Site Plan Control is a site-specific, specialized form of land use control. "Development", as defined under the Town of Hawkesbury's Site Plan Control By-law, is subject to a Site Plan Control Approval Process. The purpose of this process is to apply specific conditions to certain types of development which complement and refine the existing zoning. These "quality control" conditions may include, but are not limited to, matters such as road widenings, vehicular and pedestrian traffic flows, safety, landscaping, building plans, drainage and private/municipal services. The Site Plan Control By-law is a Council-approved document. Where applicable, development cannot proceed without a site plan agreement being registered against the land.

Why Site Plan Control?

Site Plan Control approval is required for certain types of development and addresses a range of site planning matters. It is generally required for commercial and industrial development, housing of three or more units, certain changes of land use and for a revision to an existing site plan. Professional design may be required. Site Plan Application approval may be granted by Council.

Key Steps

Pre-consultation with staff, applicant and, if necessary, professionals
Submit complete application and fee
Circulated to dept/agencies; report prepared
Report to Council for review; agreement drafted
Council adopts Site Plan Agreement; securities provided
Agreement executed, registered on title
Site works completed, securities released
Please see "Procedures" on cover of application for detailed steps followed and timing.

Applicant's Roles and Responsibilities

Each person and/or agency has defined roles and responsibilities. An Application will move through the process quickly if the applicant:

meets with staff and other interested parties (i.e. the County), before filing the application;
formulates a proposal which reflects established policies and standards;
submits a "complete" application;
provides full and accurate information throughout the process;
sets out the objectives for the application, including any impacts on an affected area; and
ensures the proposal meets the objectives of "quality control" development in the town.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated on the basis of guidelines established in the Official Plan and further detailed in the Site Development Control By-law. Generally, the site plan should:

improve the site's attractiveness (i.e. landscaping) and safe functioning;
provide safe, efficient and well-located access, parking, handicapped parking and loading areas;
address storm water management and surface drainage;
wherever possible, sensitively integrate existing natural features;
achieve barrier-free access to publicly-accessible places;
complement the street scape and surrounding properties;
accommodate easements for utilities and the conveyance of land to widen existing rights-of-way, if required;
locate garbage enclosures in unobtrusive locations;
increase public security by enhancing visual surveillance;
promote lighting that enhances safety, function and attractiveness.

Submission Requirements

Please consult with the Town's Planning staff by calling (613) 632-0106, ext. 2020, before submitting an application. The basis submission requirements include:

a complete application form and fee;
a deed for the subject property; and
all required drawings (folded).

Subdivision / Site Plan Submission and Design Requirements

Please see the following document: Subdivision / Site plan submission and design requirements.

Forms

Application for Site Plan Approval