Development Regulations

Our development regulations set out standards and land-use zones for the City of St. John's. They regulate the use of all private and publicly owned property and land. This includes residential, commercial, industrial, open space, institutional, agricultural, and other land uses. They protect environmentally valuable areas, significant waterways and wetlands, flood-risk areas and heritage areas.

Read the Development Regulations

Read the Development Regulation Appendices

What is ‘development'?

The regulations define development broadly. The definition includes:

• any building, engineering, mining or other operation in, on, over or under land
• making any material change in the use or the intensity of use of any land, buildings or premises
• making an access point onto a roadway
• erecting an advertisement or sign
• constructing a building
• parking a trailer or vehicle for accommodation or sales

Excavation, land clearing, grubbing and subdividing parcels of land are all considered development.

Work carried out inside a building that doesn't change the exterior is not considered development.

Submit a Development Application

To submit a development application, you must also complete this form. You must also submit the correct development checklist with the application.

Resources

• Learn more about the Development Team

• Get the correct development checklists

• Find out about development fees

• Find out how to appeal a development decision

Background

The Envision Development Regulations were approved by Council ion September 7, 2021 under the authority of the Newfoundland and Labrador Urban and Rural Planning Act. A notice of registration was placed in the November 5, 2021 edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

Read the Ministerial Development Regulations, required by the Province to form part of all development regulations.