Planning & Land Development Services
Planning and Land development
projects are becoming increasingly complex within both urban and rural areas.
SBM helps clients understand these challenges and lay out strategies to move projects forward. We have expertise with all municipal planning tools arising from the Ontario Planning Act including Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, Plan of Subdivision, Consent, Minor Variance, Site Plan Control, and Plan of Condominium.
Our team brings considerable experience in coordinating successful planning applications to speed up your land development aspirations. We are here to help you navigate the planning approval framework including official plan amendments, rezoning, subdivision, severance, site plan approval, and site analysis.
Our current project portfolio includes a diverse list of projects from applications to construct multi-family buildings and mixed-use developments, commercial and industrial, rural land severances, as well as infill development.
Our Planning Services
Site & Concept Feasibility Analysis
Planning Justification Reports
Urban Design Briefs
Due Diligence
Planning Approvals
Subdivision Design
Conceptual Design
Master Planning
Land Use Policy Analysis
Ready to get started? Discover how SBM can support your project.
Land development projects are becoming more complex.
Our planning team has the experience to move your project through the approval process efficiently, from initial due diligence through to final approval.
Due Diligence & Conceptual Design
Not sure what you can do with your property?
Our planning team works with our engineers and designers to evaluate your land, the surrounding area, and applicable municipal policies to find the best development scenario. We pair that with conceptual design options so you can see the possibilities and understand the trade-offs before committing to a path forward.
Planning Approvals
Planning approvals can feel overwhelming, and that perception is not unfounded. Whether your project requires an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning Bylaw Amendment, Subdivision, Consent, Minor Variance, or Site Plan Approval, we are here to help. We coordinate with municipalities, approval agencies, and all relevant disciplines to keep your application on track and your submissions timely.
Community Engagement
Community and stakeholder engagement is a key part of a successful development application. The consultation process brings together neighbours, politicians, and review agencies to share information and work through concerns. SBM Planning knows how to navigate these conversations, whether that means finding solutions to an existing problem, building partnerships, or identifying better design alternatives.
Common questions about planning approvals in Ontario
How long does site plan approval take in Ontario?
Most applications take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on the municipality and complexity of your project. Larger centres like London and Kitchener have more agencies to satisfy, and incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays. Having an experienced planning team on your side keeps things moving.
What is a Planning Justification Report and do I need one?
A Planning Justification Report explains why your proposed development makes sense and how it fits with the Official Plan and zoning policies. Most municipalities require one for amendments, rezoning, or larger developments. A weak one can slow down or sink an otherwise solid application.
What is the difference between a minor variance and a zoning bylaw amendment?
A minor variance covers small deviations from the zoning bylaw and goes through the Committee of Adjustment. A zoning bylaw amendment is needed for more significant changes and goes through full municipal council. We will tell you upfront which route applies to your project.
Do I need a planning consultant or can I submit a development application myself?
You can submit on your own, but municipalities expect applications to meet a professional standard and incomplete submissions get sent back. Navigating agency comments, public meetings, and council presentations is where things get complicated fast. Most clients find a consultant saves them time and money in the long run.
We own rural land in Ontario. What are our development options?
The options depend on how your land is designated in the local Official Plan and which provincial policies apply. Common paths include land severance, rural residential development, or agricultural related uses. A due diligence review is the best first step so you know what you are working with before spending money on applications.
our professional team is ready to support your next project.
