Land Development and Land Division

Land Division Committee Process Update:

Please note: As of January 1, 2024, the Region of Durham's Land Division function was delegated to the Region's eight area municipalities. Please contact your area municipal Committee of Adjustment for future meeting details or to submit an application:

For any questions regarding these changes, please contact Lino Trombino, Secretary-Treasurer, Region of Durham Land Division Committee at 905-668-4113, Extension 2583.

Why do I need approval (consent)?

The Planning Act requires approval of consent to land division. If you want to sell, mortgage, or lease (for more than 21 years) a part of your property, you need consent. This applies to rights-of-way, easements and any change to your current property boundaries.

Dividing land without approval could have a long-term impact on you and future land owners. Unauthorized land division can affect municipal services, such as snow plowing and waste collection.

Proper approval ensures that:

  • Consents fit in with current community planning framework.
  • New lots and new land uses do not conflict with future planning goals or community policies.
  • Impacts of how a land division might affect your land, your neighbours and your community are considered.

Consent application process

Before you apply for consent, speak to your area municipal Committee of Adjustment for information on how to apply, what fees apply and what documents to bring. They will also tell you if there are any requirements or zoning by-laws affecting your proposal.

The Region of Durham's Official Plan (Consolidation December 13, 2024), contains policies and maps which guide the type and location of land uses in the Region to 2051. Area municipal Official Plans should also be consulted for detailed local information. Please be advised that each area municipality is responsible for the maintenance and implementation of their consent application processes.

Other considerations when applying for consent

You should also consider the following when applying for consent to land division.

Consent applications are evaluated based on the health, safety, convenience and well-being of any present and future residents in the community.

Items that are considered include:

  • The effects the proposal has on provincial interests.
  • Whether the application conforms with Official Plan policies.
  • Nearby land uses.
  • Compliance with local zoning by-laws.
  • Vehicle accessibility, water supply and sewage disposal.
  • Protection from potential flooding.

View the Community Growth and Economic Development Department's fees and charges.

Contact your area municipal Committee of Adjustment for agency review fees that apply to your application.

The approval of consent applications may include conditions of approval such as:

  • Road widenings.
  • Parkland dedication.
  • Finalized rezoning applications.

Also, the land owner may have to make an agreement with the Region or the local area municipality.

Once you meet all of the conditions of approval, you will receive a certificate from your area municipal Committee of Adjustment.

Property owners within 60 metres of a proposed site will receive a public notice of the consent application from the area municipal Committee of Adjustment. People who request notices are also sent one.

If you are concerned about a proposal, you should:

  • Contact your area municipal Committee of Adjustment for details.
  • Write to the committee before the public meeting.
  • Attend the public meeting and share your concerns.
  • Request a notice of the committee decision on the application.

Please contact your area municipal Committee of Adjustment for a public meeting schedule.

For more information about consent applications, read the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Citizens' Guide.