Subdivisions

A registered plan of subdivision creates new, separate lots of land that can be legally sold in the City of Cornwall. Approval of a subdivision plan ensures that:

• The land is suitable for its proposed use

• The proposal follows the Official Plan and provincial rules

• Property owners, neighbours and the community are protected from developments that could strain local services, facilities or budgets

Apply for subdivision

To apply, please email us your completed application [link to email] or you can drop it off in person to:

• 100 Water St E

• Cornwall ON K6H 6G4

Contact us [link to email] if you have any questions about your application. If the form or draft plans are incomplete or unclear, we will return your application for corrections. Please include all required Development Charges. The property owner or an authorized agent must complete the application. If an agent is applying, you must include written permission on the draft plan. Please include eight copies of your application when submitting. Be sure to keep a copy for your own records.

All applications must include: 

• Copies of the draft plan, drawn to scale and certified by an Ontario Land Surveyor

• At least 35 copies of the folded draft plan for review with one copy that is legal size (8.5" x 14") and one digital copy

• A draft plan with all items listed under Section 51(17) of the Planning Act.

• Electronic copies of all studies

Before you start

Not sure where to begin? You can download our Subdivision Application Guide and the Subdivision Manual to learn more about what to include with your application and our process.  We recommend scheduling a pre-consultation meeting [link to email] before submitting your subdivision application. This meeting helps identify requirements, potential issues and the studies needed. We also recommend reviewing the Official Plan as well as Zoning before you apply. 

The draft plan must follow the Official Plan or include an Official Plan Amendment. If an amendment is needed, the City and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs will review both the draft plan and amendment.

The owner is responsible for researching the site and making sure the proposal meets:

• The Provincial Policy Statement

• Health, safety and welfare needs of future residents or tenants

• Zoning By-law standards with a written analysis

You must complete the Significant Features Checklist (Appendix I) and include a Preliminary Servicing Report with your application. Any other studies needed should be done before submitting. Providing this information early helps speed up the review.

Our process and what happens next

When reviewing a subdivision application, we look at:

• Whether the proposal fits with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law

• Site features such as land shape, road access, water supply, sewage disposal and flood control

We may attach conditions to the approval, such as:

• Road widenings

• Street naming

• Parkland dedication

• Rezoning to match the new uses

• Other municipal requirements

In most cases, the developer must sign a subdivision agreement. This ensures that services like roads and sidewalks are built after the plan is registered.