Under Ontario's Planning Act, what is required for most major residential subdivisions before lots can be sold to individual purchasers?

Q: What is the correct answer to: Under Ontario's Planning Act, what is required for most major residential subdivisions before lots can be sold to individual purchasers?

The correct answer is Draft plan and final plan of subdivision approval. Under Ontario's Planning Act, both draft plan and final plan of subdivision approval are mandatory before lots in a major residential subdivision can be sold to individual purchasers. The draft plan approval establishes the conditions and requirements that must be met, while the final plan approval confirms these conditions have been satisfied. This two-stage process ensures proper infrastructure installation, municipal services provision, and compliance with planning requirements before individual lot conveyances can legally occur.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Land Use & Planning question?

Ontario's Planning Act governs land use planning and development approval processes. The subdivision approval process involves two key stages: draft plan approval and final plan approval. Draft plan approval is the initial stage where the municipality reviews the proposed subdivision design, establishes conditions for approval, and ensures compliance with official plans and zoning bylaws. Final plan approval occurs when all draft plan conditions have been satisfied, including infrastructure installation, service provision, and any required studies. Only after final plan approval can individual lots be legally conveyed to purchasers. This process protects both buyers and communities by ensuring proper planning standards.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Land Use & Planning question?

Think of subdivision approval like entering a secure building that requires passing through two locked doors in sequence. The first door (draft plan approval) gets you into the lobby but establishes the security conditions you must meet. Only after satisfying those conditions can you pass through the second door (final plan approval) to reach your destination - the ability to sell individual lots. When you see subdivision questions, remember you need to pass through both doors before lots can be sold. Look for answers that mention both draft and final approval stages, not just one stage or unrelated processes.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Land Use & Planning question?

For subdivision questions, always look for the two-stage process: draft plan AND final plan approval. Eliminate options mentioning only single approvals, construction permits, or environmental studies as standalone requirements.

Q: How does this Land Use & Planning concept apply in real world practice?

A developer purchases a large tract of farmland in Mississauga to create a 200-lot residential subdivision. Before any lots can be sold to individual home buyers, the developer must first obtain draft plan approval from the city, which establishes conditions like road construction, sewer installation, and parkland dedication. Only after completing all these conditions and receiving final plan approval can the developer legally sell individual lots to purchasers who want to build homes.

Question

Land Use & PlanningSubdivision ApprovalONMEDIUM

Under Ontario's Planning Act, what is required for most major residential subdivisions before lots can be sold to individual purchasers?

Answer Options

A

Site plan approval only

B

Building permit for model homes

C

Draft plan and final plan of subdivision approval

D

Environmental assessment completion