Planning and Development

The City's municipal plan and development regulations guide land use planning and development in the City of St. John's.

Read our municipal plan, Envision St. John's

Our strategy for municipal planning is to balance growth with:

• a strong diverse economy
• environmental stewardship
• built heritage
• complete neighbourhoods with access to amenities such as parks, open space, food and local services

Planning and development goals

• identify undeveloped areas that are able to accommodate future, and well-planned growth
• encourage intensification and a greater mix of uses
• invest in infrastructure that supports higher density development along major transportation corridors
• respect the pattern and scale of development in established residential neighbourhoods, while looking for opportunities for complementary new development.
• work to improve amenities such as local food, services, parks, recreation and pedestrian trail networks
• recognize the value of the historic downtown
• be good environmental stewards, protecting and preserving waterways, wetlands, coastlines and rural areas

Planning and development topics

In this section, read more about:

• development regulations, fees, applications and appeals
• Development Design Manual 
• landscaping requirements
• private wells and sewage disposal systems
• rezoning and amendments
• stormwater detention
• subdividing property

Contact us

For questions on planning and development email planning@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-8220.