Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Development Planning and Permitting team uses approved policies, guidelines, and checklists to review your project.
Our approved administrative review fees are detailed here: Administrative Review Fees.
Ask for Information on Your Project
In advance of submitting any application to TRCA, we strongly suggest you ask TRCA to assess your site or provide submission information.
Once your application is received, a TRCA planner will be assigned to your project and will guide you through the TRCA Planning and Permitting requirements.
Alternatively, before applying you can also reach out and talk to a planner about general submission information.
Planning Applications
TRCA is a commenting agency and provides input on projects that may impact or be impacted by natural hazards such as flooding or erosion.
Planning approvals for homeowner, landowner, and developer projects follow the processes outlined in the Ontario Planning Act.
It is important that a pre-application consultation meeting be requested in advance of making your first submission.
Permit Applications
As outlined in TRCA Permit Applications, a permit from TRCA is required for construction projects where the Conservation Authorities Act and its regulations apply.
If a municipal building permit is required for your project, a TRCA permit or clearance may be required before the municipality will issue their permit.
If construction details or site conditions change after your TRCA permit is approved, you may need to submit an application for permit revision.
If you need more time to complete the construction of your project before your permit expires, you will need to submit an application for permit extension. This request must be made before the permit expires.
Permission to Enter TRCA-Owned Lands
TRCA is one of the largest landowners in the Greater Toronto Area. Permission to enter TRCA-owned lands may be required as part of your project.
Depending on the nature of the request, a TRCA archaeological review may also be required.
Your assigned planner will advise you of requirements as you move through the appropriate planning or permitting process.
Please note: TRCA Regulated lands and TRCA-owned lands are not the same and the terms should not be interchanged.
Infrastructure
Development Planning and Permitting staff are generally responsible for the review of Institutional, Private, and Partially Private Infrastructure Projects, including:
- Support systems for a private development, such as roads, trails, water, and sewers
- Private cultural facilities
- Educational facilities
- Housing, including public housing
- Plans associated with master environmental servicing plans or secondary plans received under the Planning Act, such as a stormwater management facility
All other infrastructure review is led by Infrastructure Planning and Permits.
Review Fees
TRCA charges administrative review fees for all projects.
Application Submissions
With the exception of Planning Act submissions, applications are received and reviewed through the TRCA Application Portal.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions about TRCA’s Development Planning and Permitting review services, you may Contact a Planner directly or email developmentplanningpermits@trca.ca. Please allow up to two (2) business days for a response.
For additional information, see our Quick Links for Homeowners, Landowners and Developers.