Land Development Considerations

Investors interested in acquiring and developing Canadian real estate should focus at an early stage on key development questions. What use can be made of the property? What regulatory permits and approvals are required? How long will the development process take? What costs are inherent in the development process?

Zoning considerations need to be addressed at an early stage. In Ontario, almost all municipalities have adopted an official plan which sets out the broad goals, objectives and policies of that municipality concerning use and development of the municipal area. Zoning by-laws passed by the municipality translate the broad policy into specific types of zones with specific uses contemplated for each zone category. The zoning by-law also sets out other standards and parameters such as for setbacks, building height, maximum site coverage and requirements for other matters such as parking. In order to obtain a building permit, whether for new construction