Site Plan Approval

The City of Cornwall uses Site Plan Approval and these guidelines to resolve design issues for any development. Site Plan Approval works with Zoning and Building Permit approvals to create well-designed, functional sites. The City's general design objectives are in the Official Plan.

Submitting your site plan

Make sure that you contact us [link to contact] and consult with the Site Plan Coordinator before submitting your application.

The Site Plan Application Package includes:

• Application Procedures

• Design Guidelines

• Site Plan Application

• Building Matrix

• Site Plan Example

• Sample Letter of Credit

• Sample Site Plan Agreement

• Checklist

• Release Letter of Credit Form

For your application to be considered complete, you must submit:

• Cover letter or brief project summary

• Completed Site Plan Application Form

• Owner's Authorization (if applicable)

• Application fee

• Digital copies of required plans in high-quality vector PDF format (printed copies may be requested by staff)

• Required plans (see checklists for details):

• Existing Development

• Site Plan

• Landscaping Plan

• Site Servicing Plan

• Elevations and Floor Plan

• Grading and Drainage Plan (including retention pond calculations)

• Copy of an Ontario Land Survey (reference plan)

• Two printed copies of the approved final plans and a digital copy in high-quality vector PDF format

Total processing time varies depending on the complexity of your proposal and any issues that arise. Where applicable, development cannot proceed until:

• You have an approved Site Plan Drawing

• You have a signed Site Plan Agreement

• All financial requirements are met

Exceptions to Site Plan Control

Site Plan Control generally applies to all construction, development and redevelopment in Cornwall. However, exceptions include:

• Residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their accessory buildings in any residential zone

• Buildings with eight or fewer units on lots in Plans of Subdivision registered after July 22, 1974

• Fewer than three temporary portable classrooms accessory to a school

• Additions with less than 150 m² (1,614 sq. ft) of floor space, unless they include drive-through facilities, car wash bay additions, or similar uses requiring vehicle queuing

• Work required by the Fire Marshall's Act or an order from the Fire Chief

The City may also exempt development with negligible site impact from all or part of the Site Plan procedures.