Remove or Lift a Holding Provision

A holding provision, marked with an “H” symbol, is added to a property’s zoning to limit its use or development until specific conditions are met, such as completing additional studies or installing necessary municipal infrastructure. Once the conditions are satisfied, City Council can remove the provision, allowing the property to be used or developed as permitted in the zoning by-law.

How to apply to remove/lift a holding provision

Step 1: Speak to Planning staff

While a pre-consultation meeting is not required, it’s a good idea to talk to a City Planner before applying.

Step 2: Submit your application

Apply online through your City Dashboard Account and include:

Written request (in the form of a letter)
Necessary documentation or study required to satisfy the holding provision.

Consult the City’s Development Guides
Follow the file format and naming guide

All required fees to:

City of Niagara Falls – Check the Schedule of Fees
Niagara Region (if applicable)
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (if applicable)

Application process and timelines

**Remove/Lift Holding (H) Provision Application**
**Time to process (to decision): 2 weeks**
Step	City's Role	Applicants Role	Target Timeline
Pre-Consultation	City Staff, any required agencies and an applicant will review a preliminary development proposal, discuss the nature of the proposal, any development and planning issues, the need for additional information, and the planning approvals process. The City will provide the applicant a pre-consultation form/checklist identifying what approvals, studies, information, materials, and fees are required to proceed with a formal application.	Applicant completes Pre-consultation process	3 weeks
Application Submission-Step 1	N/A	Applicant submits: Formal application Material to support lifting the H provision	N/A
Application Submission-Step 2	Reviews files (i.e., names, unlocked status)	N/A	2 days
Application Submission-Step 3	N/A	Applicant pays required fees	1 day
Application Submission-Step 4	Planner assigned to file	N/A	1 day
Review for Completeness	Planner reviews for complete application.	N/A	1 day
Circulation (When Complete)-Step 1	Planner circulates to internal departments (and external agencies, if required).	N/A	1 day
Circulation (When Complete)-Step 2	Notice of Application to Lift Holding (H) Provision given by Planner.	N/A	1 week
Decision by General Manager of Planning, Building, and Development or Designate-Step 1	Memo and by-law presented for approval.	N/A	1 week
Decision by General Manager of Planning, Building, and Development or Designate-Step 2	If approved, by-law is sent to Clerk and Mayor for signing.	N/A	1 day
Decision by General Manager of Planning, Building, and Development or Designate-Step 3	Decision letter sent by Planner.	N/A	1 day

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
Planning and Building
4343 Morrison Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6Z9
Canada
905-356-7521 ext. 4330
pbd@niagarafalls.ca