P to P Committee wants to see more discipline in the site plan application process

By Gazette Staff

January 9th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Motion for Council to Consider:
Direct the Commissioner of Development & Growth Management to consider the implementation of a “Three Strikes and You’re In” model for site plan applications, including staffing resources and budgetary implications, as part of the review of the site plan processes and report back to the Pipeline to Permit Committee in Q1 2026.

A site plan is a graphic representation of all existing and proposed improvements to a site. Sometimes referred to as a plot plan, the site plan functions as a map for a development project, incorporating all aspects of landscaping, construction, paving, utilities, and terrain features in a single depiction.

Reason:
The “Three Strikes and You’re In” model provides a predictable, disciplined, and solution-oriented framework for site-plan review. By limiting applications to three rounds of comments before requiring a face-to-face redline meeting between the City and the applicant, the process reduces limitless back-and-forth and shifts the culture from “review and delay” to “resolve and approve.” This model will:

a. Commit the City to providing up to three sets of comments, if required, on Site Plan Applications; and

b. Provide the applicant, following the third set of comments, the option to participate in a face-to-face “redline” meeting with City staff to resolve any outstanding issues so that a Site Plan Approval can be issued.

Outcome Sought:
A streamlined and predictable site-plan approval process that reduces delays and avoids repetitive rounds of review. This approach promotes collaboration between staff and applicants, enabling timely resolution of issues and supporting the delivery of PP-03-26, new housing. A similar process has been undertaken in the Cities of Vaughan and Mississauga.