Overview of Areas of Responsibility
The Planning & Development Department participates in numerous activities respecting land use and public policy, community development, urban design, site planning and building construction. The department comprises the following areas of responsibility:

Development Review is responsible for processing, reviewing, and formulating recommendations on development applications such as Draft Plans of Subdivision, Zoning By-law Amendments, Minister's Zoning Order Amendments, Land Severances, Site Plans and Variances (Committee of Adjustment). Provides consultation to owners / developers respecting development potential and the associated process.

Policy is responsible for preparing and maintaining the City's Official Plan; processing, reviewing, commenting, and formulating recommendations on official plan amendment applications, related draft plan and zoning amendment applications. Provide Official Plan interpretations. Undertakes long-range land use, public policy, urban design, and special studies. Reviews and comments on the policy initiatives of other Federal, Provincial, Regional or Municipal government agencies, or organizations.

The Information & Support Services area is responsible for receiving Planning & Development applications. Maintains and provides mapping, property information, and statistics. Responds to both planning and building enquiries at the counter / telephone. Provides administrative support services to the department, and assigns street addresses.

The Development Control area is responsible for providing and coordinating engineering approval and inspections for the installation of the infrastructure (sewers, roads, utilities, lot grading, tree planting, sidewalks, streetlights, fencing, etc.) for residential, commercial and industrial developments. Responsible for review and approval of Municipal Consents, processing, reviewing and issuing permits for swimming pool enclosures and Topsoil Disturbance / Fill Placement. Responds to enquiries and concerns that are generated by development activities as referred to above.

The Building Services area administers building permits in the City of Pickering, including accepting and processing building permit applications, reviewing plans of all new construction, issuing building permits, and inspecting building and plumbing systems during constructions. Provides zoning by-law interpretation and zoning compliance checks/approvals for lawyers letters, applications and building permits. In addition, provides legal and administrative services related to property development agreements and real estate transactions.

Browse through the Planning & Development section of our website to find out about Building Permits, Development Charges, Studies and more!