FAQ for Development Approvals
As the COVID-19 situation in Hamilton continues to evolve, these FAQ will be regularly updated as circumstances change to provide residents and developers with current information.
City of Hamilton COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
(Updated January 15, 2021)
Is the City still processing planning approvals?
The Planning Division is accepting and processing all planning applications.
Who do I contact about a planning matter?
Questions on how to make an application or about an existing application can be sent by email to [email protected] or by phone at 905-546-2424 ext.1355. Please leave a detailed message including the address of the property you are inquiring about. The inquiry will be assigned to the appropriate planning staff to reply. Responses may take up to 2 business days.
For matters relating to site alteration, lot grading, water and sewer permits and other engineering matters, as well as street addressing/naming, please see Growth Management Division below.
For matters relating to building permits and zoning verifications, please see Building Division below.
To make an application to the Committee of Adjustment, please email [email protected].
How do I apply for a planning application?
Please send an email to [email protected] indicating that you would like to make a digital submission and City staff will follow up with instructions. Digital submissions are preferred however if this is not possible there are other options available:
- Paper submissions can be sent to City Hall by courier or Canada Post. Please ensure that your parcel clearly indicates your file reviewers name.
- Paper submissions can be hand delivered and dropped off in our secure mail box at the rear doors of City Hall available for submissions. Please note this is a multi-purpose standard mail box for small parcels only; large parcels are to be sent via Canada Post or courier.
- All hardcopy submissions mailed, couriered or dropped off, must be securely packaged and addressed to the name of your file reviewer on the 5th Floor.
What do I do if my consent application is lapsing?
Please forward all requests to [email protected]. Ensure to include the file number and address.
Who do I contact regarding a Growth Management matter?
All matters concerning development related construction activity may be directed to 905-546-2424, extension 7860 or alternatively, an email may be sent to [email protected].
For inquiries related to site alteration or lot grading, an email may be sent to [email protected].
All matters regarding Development Engineering Approvals such as subdivision, site plans, various agreements, water and sewer permits etc., can be sent to Helen McArthur at [email protected] (for subdivisions) or Zivko Panovski at [email protected] (for Site Plans and Permits) and copy to [email protected].
How do I make a payment for Growth Management permits?
Payments for permits can be made either by cheque or credit card. Cheques can be sent by courier or Canada Post or dropped off in person in the dropbox located at the rear doors at City Hall. Please ensure that your parcel clearly indicates your file reviewer’s name and location (Eg: City Hall 6th Floor). If paying by credit card, contact the reviewer directly for instructions on how to proceed.
How do I apply for a Growth Management application, permit or engineering review or submit drawings for review by Growth Management?
Please note that City Hall is currently closed to walk-ins. As a result, there are two options for submitting applications and resubmissions:
- Paper submissions can be sent to City Hall by courier or Canada Post. Please ensure that your parcel clearly indicates your file reviewers name.
- Paper submissions can be hand delivered and dropped off in our secure mail box at the rear doors of City Hall available for submissions. Please note this is a multi-purpose standard mail box for small parcels only; large parcels are to be sent via Canada Post or courier.
- All hardcopy submissions mailed, couriered or dropped off, must be securely packaged and addressed to the name of your file reviewer on the 6th Floor.
- For digital resubmissions, a copy of the resubmitted documents can be uploaded to the CitySHARE platform.
- After uploading your files please send an email to the file reviewer and copy [email protected], (for Subdivisions) and [email protected] (for Site Plans and Permits), with the weblink and project details so that the appropriate files can be downloaded.
How do I Register Draft Plans of Subdivision and/or Condominiums?
- The City continues to process all approvals that are within the delegated authority of the City of Hamilton.
- Mylars for registration (including all relevant Land Registry and Surveyor forms) are to be couriered or mailed to the contact information:
Legislative Approvals, Growth Management
71 Main Street West
6th Floor, City Hall
L8P 4Y5 - Upon signing of Mylars for registration staff will be in contact with retrieval instructions.
- The owner/applicant will be responsible for delivering the Registration Package to the Provincial Land Registry Office which is subject to reduced hours of operation (currently Monday to Friday 9 am to 12 noon EST).
- Staff are also continuing to post/distribute draft plan notices per legislated timelines.
Is the Growth Management Division still processing Legislative Approvals of Draft Plans of Subdivision and/or Condominiums?
Yes. Staff continues to process all approvals that are within the delegated authority of the City of Hamilton. Plan registrations are processed by the Provincial Land Registry Office, which is subject to reduced hours of operation (currently Monday to Friday 9 am to 12 pm EST).
Staff are also continuing to post / distribute draft plan notices per standard timelines.
Who do I contact for Site Alteration information?
Please send requests and inquiries to [email protected].
How do I apply for a Site Alteration Permit?
Please submit applications to [email protected]. Upon review of completeness by staff, payment will be requested and coordinated with the applicant per the above noted methods.
How do I obtain Release of Securities for Site Plan or Site Alteration Applications?
Please contact Carlo Ammendolia at [email protected].
Are proposals requiring Site Alteration Permits being processed?
Yes. All site alteration permits continue to be processed. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Who do I contact for Addressing/Street naming?
Please contact Paul Toffoletti or David Tsai via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Who do I contact for Subdivision Extension, Minor Revision, Draft Approval and Clearances, Registration?
Please contact George Zajac or Alvin Chan vie email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Who do I contact about a building permit matter?
The Building Division at 905-546-2720.
Is the City still reviewing new and existing building permit applications?
Yes
How do I apply for a building permit?
As the Building Division is not open to the public, you have two options to submit all applications and resubmissions:
- Paper submissions can be sent to City Hall by courier or Canada Post. Please ensure that your parcel clearly indicates your file reviewers name.
- Paper submissions can be hand delivered and dropped off in our secure mail box at the rear doors of City Hall available for submissions. Please note this is a multi-purpose standard mail box for small parcels only; large parcels are to be sent via Canada Post or courier.
- All hardcopy submissions mailed, couriered or dropped off, must be securely packaged and addressed to the name of your file reviewer on the 3rd Floor.
- Through our online building permit application system at https://eplans.hamilton.ca,
Am I allowed to start construction once I have a building permit?
Under the Stay at Home regulations, some types of construction activities are not permitted to continue. At this time, there are some restrictions on other construction projects, such as certain types of retail projects, and the start of any new home renovations.
Am I allowed to continue construction if I already have a building permit?
The ability to continue construction is subject to the Provincial Order. It is the obligation of the permit holder to ensure their business, and any construction conducted under the permit, complies with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, as amended, and all associated regulations and orders which can be reviewed at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90e09. The Province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to assist Ontario businesses that are seeking clarity with respect to the requirements of the Provincial Order.
Who is responsible for enforcement if a construction site is staying open in violation of the Provincial Order?
Should the Provincial Order be reinstated prohibiting construction sites to stay open the City of Hamilton Building Inspectors will be enforcing the order. If the order is reinstated or another order issued residents can report it by contacting 905-546-2489.
Am I allowed to start construction once I have a permit even if I am not a contractor and I am the only person working on my own house?
The Provincial Order has been lifted and all construction can commence in accordance with the Ontario Building Code requirements. If the order is reinstated or another order issued, this could alter this.
Can I submit a property search for plans, survey, etc.?
Yes, and the request will be completed, and information sent to you – please be aware that during this time that there may be delays.
What is the status of provincial timelines under the Planning Act for municipalities to make decisions on planning applications?
The Province has, effectively, “frozen” the timelines for making decisions under the Planning Act. Regulation O. Reg. 149/20 https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20149 states that, virtually all time periods under the Planning Act are suspended from March 17 until the close of the emergency and any appeals that happened to have been filed during that time are deemed “unfiled”. All required notices of decision are extended to 10-15 days after the end of the emergency, whenever that may be.
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