Site Plan Control

Site Plan Control is a tool used by municipalities to regulate the design and technical aspects of a development. This process ensures that municipal standards are maintained and that development occurs in a manner that is safe, attractive, sustainable, and compatible with surrounding land uses.

When site plan approval is needed

By-law 2011-112 makes all of Niagara Falls a Site Plan Control area.

You need site plan approval for:

• New Buildings: Industrial, commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and multi-residential projects. Note: Under Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, residential developments with 10 or fewer units no longer require Site Plan Approval.
• Major additions or changes: Expansions or alterations to existing industrial, commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and multi-residential buildings that significantly increase size or usability
• Agricultural-related uses: Agri-tourism facilities, commercial farm markets, greenhouses, cannabis facilities, and permanent or mobile farm help houses

To confirm if your project requires Site Plan Approval, contact the City’s Urban Designer/Landscape Architect in the Planning Department at 905-356-7521 ext. 4330 or pbd@niagarafalls.ca.

How to apply for site plan approval

Step 1: Pre-consultation

It is recommended that you attend a pre-consultation meeting before applying. For details, visit our pre-consultation webpage or contact the City’s urban designer/architect.

Step 2: Submit your application

Apply online through your City Dashboard Account and include:

• Completed application form (available through your dashboard account)
• A valid pre-consultation form or checklist
• Site Plan with zoning chart/site statistics (see the City’s Site Plan Guidelines for detailed drawing requirements)
• Deed/PIN register
• Floor plans, building elevations, and landscape plan
• Site servicing, grading, stormwater management, and photometrics plans, SANDA and STMDA
• Digital .DWG file(s) of the site and servicing plans in accordance with Appendix B
• Supporting studies, plans, information, and materials in accordance with the pre-consultation form/checklist.
• Consult the City’s Development Guides
• Follow the file format and naming guide
• All required fees paid to:
• City of Niagara Falls – Check the Schedule of Fees
• Niagara Region (if applicable)
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (if applicable)
• Other forms and documentation listed on the application form (Appendices A and C-E)
  • Cost Estimate of Works Cover Sheet (Site Plan only)
  • Letter of Credit Template (Site Plan only)