Permits and Applications

To ensure that the Escarpment's natural resources, health and ecosystems are protected, Niagara Escarpment landowners are required to get an Escarpment Development Permit for certain types of development.

Download the following application forms:

• Niagara Escarpment Development Permit Form
• Application to amend the Niagara Escarpment Plan
• Application to amend the Niagara Escarpment Mineral Resource Extraction Area
• Application for radio or telecommunications
• Search Development Permit Applications (Please note that the past two years' records are available; for reports from previous years please contact us)
• Search Plan Amendments  
• The Permit Application Process

The permit application process

A planner is assigned to handle your application. Maps are prepared to show the location of your proposal. Agencies such as your municipality, Health Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation, or others, may have regulations in your area. Your application is circulated to them.  

When we get all comments, our staff write a report for the Commission. Applicants may contact the planner for an update on the progress of your application. The planner can also arrange a date for your application to be on the Commission’s agenda.  

The Commission planner evaluates your application to see if it complies with the policies of the Niagara Escarpment Plan. The planner will write a report recommending approval:  

• if your proposal is a "permitted use";
• if it meets the development criteria of the Plan; and,
• if other agencies (such as those above) are satisfied.  

There will be conditions attached. Depending on the complexity of your application, conditions may be minimal or lengthy.  

The planner will write a report recommending refusal:  

• if your proposal is not permitted by the Plan;  
• if it contravenes the local, regional or county Official Plan; or,  
• if there is a major issue raised by an agency that cannot be resolved.  

A copy of the staff report will be available for you. More than 90% of development permit applications are approved.  

Contact the NEC Planner for your region of the Escarpment