Planning, Building and Development Matters
Introducing the new Planning, Building, and Development Matters e-newsletter!
Stay updated on the latest notices, news, and events regarding planning, building, and development in the City of Niagara Falls. We are here to help residents, developers, builders, and others plan, design, and build a better Niagara Falls!
To subscribe, visit: https://niagarafalls.ca/newsletters
New: The City is starting work on a new Official Plan in 2024
Join the Conversation and stay updated at https://letstalk.niagarafalls.ca/nfplan
NEW! Welcome to the CityView Portal – The City of Niagara Falls' new building and development experience!
Through the online portal users can:
- Apply for a Building Permit
- Submit a Planning Application
- Check the Status of Applications & Permits
- Request a Building Inspection
- Pay Building & Planning Fees Online
We are dedicated to ensuring you have all the information required to make the process as smooth as possible.
Before applying, if you are a first time user, if already registered use your existing login, for a MyCity Dashboard Account here:
CityView Portal - Online Submissions
Provincial Streamline Funding Initiative
On February 25, 2022, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing advised the City of Niagara Falls that we were eligible for up to 1 million in funding to implement initiatives in streamlining the development approval process. The Streamline Development Approval Funding provided the City with an opportunity to undertake several necessary initiatives to help streamline development approvals and improve customer service.
The funding was allocated across three key areas for improvements:
- Technology Enhancements
- Human Resources
- Process Improvements
The three key initiatives were aimed at expediting development approvals, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer service.
Please see links below for full council reports on the Streamline Funding Initiative:
PBD-2022-29 Streamline Development Approval Funding - April 12, 2022
PBD-2023-65 Streamline Development Approval Funding - October 24, 2023
Responsibilities
Planning, Building and Development is responsible for land use management and building construction. Growth to 2031 is directed through a long range planning document called the Official Plan. Zoning By-laws set out regulation on permitted uses, setbacks and development requirements. Construction is implemented through Building and Demolition permits issued under the Ontario Building Code.
The Planning Division is comprised of the Policy and Current Development Sections. These Sections are responsible for amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-laws which are considered at Public Meetings held by City Council. Minor Variances to the Zoning By-laws are considered by the Committee of Adjustment. Secondary Plans are prepared to direct future development in new “greenfield” areas.
In new growth areas, development occurs through the Subdivision Process to create streets, lots for houses and blocks for apartments, parks and schools. Within the built-up areas of the City, individual lots may be created through consents to sever land, where roads and services exist. Prior to construction of new commercial and industrial operations or apartment and townhouse projects, builders and developers must obtain a Site Plan Agreement through Planning staff.
Planning and Building maintain statistics on building permits, housing population and future land supply. Planning also maintains an inventory of built and natural environmental hazards and heritage architecture.
Functions & Services
Current Planning
Policy & Long Range Planning
Contact
Planning Division
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street, PO Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6X5
905-356-7521 ext. 4330
[email protected]
