CRRA - Planning and Development

Planning and Development Resources

The following list details popular City of Toronto resources and information related to planning and development projects:

Building Permit Definitions: a list of common projects that require or do not require a building permit. Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for such things as: the construction and/or demolition of a new building, an addition, or significant alteration of any building or structure.
How to find a Building Permit: Search an address and click on “zoning review” to see what properties have requested a zoning review prior to a proposed build.
Fence Bylaw: a set of rules for all fences on private property in Toronto and has specific rules about pool fences to enhance safety around pools, however property owners can request a Fence Exemption.
Committee of Adjustment (COA): considers minor variances related to municipal zoning bylaws and gives or denies consents required by the Planning Act. The Application Information Centre allows you to submit a statement, photos and appear in person or virtually at the meeting scheduled to discuss an application that affects your neighborhood.
Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB): an independent body that hears appeals of Committee of Adjustment decisions for minor variances and consents and property severances. When participating in a TLAB matter, there are 21 forms that must be submitted, by the dates listed on your hearing notice. Completed forms must be submitted electronically, in PDF format, to tlab@toronto.ca with the exception of Form 1 – Notice of Appeal. To familiarize yourself with rules for appeals, look up previous TLAB cases to see what was submitted by other parties and participants
Zoning By-laws: a comprehensive, city-wide zoning set of by-laws, made up of zoning regulations that apply to properties across the city. Use the Zoning By-law Interactive Map to find the zoning on a property.
City of Toronto Official Plan: guidelines as to how a neighbourhood can be developed. Chapters 1 to 7 can assist when planning to appear in front of the COA or TLAB.
Research Request Portal: residents can pay a fee to have access to decisions made by the Committee of Adjustment in the last ten years. Decisions older than 10 years and single decision notices for a particular property are available through the Committee of Adjustment staff.
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC): You can view snapshots of up to 100 properties, select your favorites and create, view and download customized reports with information on up to 24 properties.
Get Involved in Ontario Legislation: The Government of Ontario is currently enacting some fundamental changes which affect us all. This website gives direction on how you can speak up and get involved in matters affecting you personally.

Residents Concerns; Building Permits and Zoning Reviews

Committee of Adjustment Decisions Affecting Craven Road

Toronto Local Appeal Body Decisions Affecting Craven Road

How Other Neighbourhoods Preserve Their Unique Character

Craven Road character guidelines will hopefully be developed soon! The following documents are good examples of how we might think about our neighborhood:

Long Branch Neighbourhood Character Guidelines
Leaside Residential Character Preservation Guidelines: these guidelines are unique given their recommendation that residents “preserve any trees on private property that are greater than 15 cm. in diameter". The City of Toronto Trees By-law prohibits the injury, destruction, or removal of any tree on private property that is greater than 30 cm in diameter. Considering how long it takes trees to grow 15 cm in diameter, this might well be a consideration that Craven Road could adopt.