Zoning Amendments

Depending on your project, you can apply to change the City of Cornwall's land use as set in the Official Plan or the Zoning By-law. An Official Plan Amendment changes the long-term policies for a specific area. A Zoning By-law Amendment changes the permitted uses, building sizes, or other regulations on a particular property. Both allow you to move forward with a development that would not otherwise be permitted under existing rules.

Apply for an Official Plan or Zoning Amendment

To apply, please email us your completed application or you can drop it off in person at the Cornwall Civic Complex, 100 Water Street East.

Download the Subdivision Application

Contact us 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.

We recommend scheduling a pre-consultation meeting [link to email] before submitting your application. This meeting helps identify requirements, potential issues and the studies needed. It’s your responsibility to research the site and ensure the proposal meets:

  • Provincial policy
  • Official Plan policies

If additional materials are required, submit six copies of all technical reports and information, along with a CD containing digital copies. Required documents may include:

  • Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment if needed
  • Preliminary Site Servicing Report
  • Stage 1 Archaeological Resource Assessment
  • Transportation Impact Assessment
  • Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) calculation
  • Natural Heritage Impact Statement
  • Cultural Heritage Impact Statement
  • Noise Attenuation Study

You may attach any other information you feel is relevant on separate sheets.

Make sure to submit eight paper copies of a survey or site plan showing:

  • The applicant or owner's total land holdings in the area
  • Lands involved in the proposed amendment
  • Location, size and use of all existing buildings on the site and nearby properties
  • Proposed buildings or structures, including height, size, setbacks and exterior design
  • Entry and exit points, parking, loading areas and driveways
  • Landscaping, fencing and buffers

The proposed development, access points and landscaping may also be reviewed as per the Site Plan Control By-law.

The Planning Advisory Committee will meet and schedule a meeting at least 20 days in advance. To meet the required notification period, you must submit your application at least 34 days before the planned meeting date.

Appealing the decision

If your request for an Official Plan or Zoning By-law amendment is denied by the Approval Authority, you can appeal the decision through the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), which will schedule a hearing.

It is your responsibility to show:

  • How your proposal is consistent with provincial and local policies
  • Why the existing Official Plan policies or zoning rules are not suitable

Contact Us

City of Cornwall
360 Pitt Street
Cornwall, ON, K6J 3P9
Telephone: 613-930-2787

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