Rezoning and Amendments

Sometimes, a proposed development does not meet the City's Development Regulations. In such cases, two types of amendments may be considered:

1. Rezoning – Changing the zoning map, and in some cases, the Municipal Plan designation, to allow a proposed development that would otherwise be denied.
2. Text Amendment – Modifying the text of the Development Regulations, and potentially the Municipal Plan, to permit a development that would otherwise be denied.

The Amendment Process

Before applying for an amendment, applicants should consult with the Planning and Development division. Rezoning applications are site-specific and typically initiated by applicants for a particular development, while text amendments often impact multiple properties.

Rezoning Checklist

Timelines

The rezoning or text amendment process is lengthy but essential to ensure the city grows responsibly while respecting input from interested parties. Estimated timelines are:

• 9 to 12 months if no plan amendment is required
• 12 to 16+ months if a plan amendment is required

Steps

Once an application is officially accepted, the following steps occur:

1. Review & Consultation – Staff gather background information, consult relevant departments and public agencies as required, and maintain written contact with the applicant.
2. Committee Review – Staff submit a report to Council's Committee of the Whole, which meets biweekly. Applicants may request to speak at the meeting.
3. Council Decision – The Committee’s recommendations go to the next regular Council meeting, where Council decides whether to proceed.
4. Public Notice – If Council moves forward, a public notice is published in a local paper at least 14 days prior to the meeting, and property owners/tenants within a 150-metre radius are mailed notices at least 14 days prior to the meeting.
5. Public Meeting – The general public is invited to attend the public meeting, which is organized by City staff and chaired by an independent facilitator. The applicant is asked to attend and present information about the application. City staff will also be present to discuss the proposed amendment.
6. Council Review – The minutes of the public meeting are forwarded to Council for consideration. If Council agrees to proceed, Council will adopt the amendments and forward them to the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs for review.
7. Public Hearing (if required) – When Municipal Affairs confirms that there is no provincial interest, and if an amendment to the Municipal Plan is required, the City will appoint an independent Commissioner to convene a public hearing, as required by the Urban and Rural Planning Act. The general public is invited to attend. It is advertised in the Telegram and by mail-out notice at least 14 days prior to the meeting. The applicant will be asked to attend and present information on the application. City staff will also be present. The general public is invited to send in written comments. In the event no written objections or concerns have been received by two days before the date of the public hearing, the hearing may be cancelled.
8. Final Approval – After the hearing, the Commissioner submits a report to Council, normally within 30 days, which considers the recommendations but is not bound by them. The Commissioner’s report is tabled at the regular meeting of Council. If approved, amendments are registered by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and take effect upon publication in The Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

Non-Refundable Fees

A non-refundable development fee is required to submit a rezoning application or an application for a text change to the Development Regulations. This fee must be submitted before the application can be officially accepted for processing.  

Where the proposed rezoning or text change also requires an amendment to the Municipal Plan, an additional non-refundable fee must be submitted with the application.

Engage on Planning Applications

The City has launched an engage page for planning applications, including rezonings. This online platform allows residents to provide input and track application progress.