What extra approvals are needed to sever a commercial lot for redevelopment in Ontario?

Severing a commercial lot into two or more separate parcels generally requires a consent from the local committee of adjustment, or for larger or more complex redevelopments, approval through a plan of subdivision, under the Planning Act, rather than simply being something an owner can do by registering a new survey. This consent process considers whether the resulting lots comply with zoning, have proper access and servicing, and fit reasonably with the surrounding area.

Redevelopment adds further layers beyond the severance consent itself: the municipality may also require updated site plan approval for how the newly severed lots will actually be developed, confirmation that servicing, such as water, sewer, and stormwater, can support the new configuration, and compliance with any parkland dedication or similar conditions tied to development approvals. Depending on the property, part-lot control provisions under the Planning Act can also come into play, since conveying or mortgaging part of a landholding without proper consent or an applicable exemption by-law can create real title problems later.

Because severance and redevelopment approvals typically involve coordinated applications rather than a single step, owners should engage a planning professional and a lawyer early to map out exactly which approvals the specific property and plan will require.