Development Applications

Development applications include proposals for new lot creation, land use changes, or construction requiring approval under the Planning Act. These applications are submitted to the City of Kingston for review and approval, ensuring they comply with applicable land use policies and zoning regulations. 

Our Planning Services Department reviews and makes recommendations on development applications to Council. This process involves several steps and includes coordination with various stakeholders, including applicants.

Some applications may not require a public meeting and staff may approve certain types of applications without Council involvement.

Submit all applications through DASH. Learn how to use DASH.

Council Review Process

Learn about applications that require Council review and their process.
A drone image of downtown Kingston looking towards the water

Approvals Delegated to Staff

Learn about applications where approvals are delegated to staff and the Site Plan Approval process.

Pre-application

Learn when you need a pre-application, the types, and the submission and meeting schedules.
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Committee of Adjustment Process

Review the process for submitting an application.
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CLI ECA - Stormwater

Learn about requirements and when you need a permit for stormwater infrastructure alterations.

Planning and development review process

The rules for land use planning in Ontario come from the Planning Act. The Planning Act requires all land use planning decisions to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The Provincial Policy Statement gives provincial policy direction on key land use planning issues that affect our communities. 

The City’s land use policies and regulations are outlined in our Official Plan and Zoning Bylaws:

    • The Official Plan guides our Council's decisions on land use and growth for 25 years.
    • The Zoning Bylaws specify land use regulations. Zoning Bylaws detail how land may be used, where buildings can be located and include requirements such as lot sizes, parking and building heights. Compliance with the Zoning Bylaw is required for building permit issuance.

You can also find the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaws information at the Planning Services offices, located at 1211 John Counter Blvd. 

Parkland dedication requirements 

When land is developed or redeveloped, owners must convey (transfer) a portion of their land to the City for park or recreational use. It applies to all land within the city of Kingston. The Parkland Conveyance Bylaw sets out the requirements and procedures for developers to either provide physical land for parks or pay a specific amount of money (cash-in-lieu) that the City can use for park development elsewhere. 

These rates will only apply if the City determines that the development proposal does not require the land:

  • Consent to create a new single residential dwelling in the urban area (not applicable for subdivisions): $2388.97 per lot
  • Consent to create a new single residential dwelling in the rural area (not applicable for subdivisions): $1557.24 per lot
  • Maximum per unit rate within the Downtown and Harbour Special Policy area: $1664.22 per unit
  • Maximum per unit rate within the Downtown and Harbour Special Policy area and a heritage development or an affordable housing development: $832.11 per unit
  • Maximum per unit rate within the Williamsville Main Street: $2662.75 per unit
  • Maximum per unit rate outside of Downtown and Harbour Special Policy area and Williamsville Main Street: $6656.88 per unit
  • Maximum not-for-profit reduction at the discretion of the Director, Planning Services: $40,617.74

Planning Applications Reports

Contact

Building Services
1211 John Counter Boulevard
Kingston, ON K7K 6C7
buildingpermits
@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 3280

Contact

Planning Services
1211 John Counter Blvd.
Kingston, ON K7L 4X7
planning@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 3180

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.