The Official Plan documents the objectives and policies to guide the short-term and long-term physical development of all lands within the city. Official Plan policies reflect consideration of the following:

• the planned allocation and distribution of different land uses, such as residential, commercial and industrial;
• means to control the development and use of land (such as zoning, subdivision of land and site plan control); and
• the provision of municipal services and facilities such roads, sewers, and parks.

Policies provide for orderly growth and development, and compatibility between the many different uses of land within the City of London. While the objectives and policies in the Official Plan primarily relate to the physical development of London, they also include objectives related to social, economic and environmental matters. These are implemented through polices related to such things as housing, residential intensification, the location of community facilities and open space.

The Official Plan is composed of text and maps. The text portion of the Official Plan describes the objectives and policies for these various land uses. Its Land Use map indicates the general land use designations. A land use designation describes the predominant type of development planned for an area, such as residential, although certain other types of uses are also often permitted. Other maps identify flood plains and environmental features locations and the recommended transportation network.

Copies of the Official Plan are in all London public libraries and are available for purchase from the City Clerk's Office, 3rd floor City Hall.

Does the Official Plan Apply to the Entire City?

Yes. The Official Plan applies to the entire city. In certain instances, special policies have been developed to recognize the unique character of an area, or to provide for a range of land uses that may be different from those permitted in other areas.

As a result of annexation, the City is also responsible for implementing the inherited Official Plan policies for the annexed lands until a new Official Plan for these areas is completed. These Official Plans describe the land uses and policies for these areas and also include land use maps. The City may amend these policies for the areas now in the city.

The Official Plan is implemented by the Zoning By-Law, subdivision and site plan control, through the current and capital budgets, and by other programs of the City.

Why Change the Official Plan?

The Official Plan is a policy document with some flexibility in the application of its policies. This flexibility provides administrative staff and Council with the ability to interpret Official Plan policies when making decisions on land use matters. This is unlike the Zoning By-law, which applies precise regulations to all properties.

There are instances where a change, or "amendment", to the Official Plan may be required or appropriate. These amendments may be a result of changing conditions or objectives, or the desires of individual land owners, developers, or the City itself. A common reason for amending the Official Plan is that the general nature of the Plan's policies may not recognize the potential, or limitations, of a particular property. Persons who wish to change the zoning of their property may also require an Official Plan amendment, since zoning must conform to the Official Plan. Also, changes to Provincial policies may require that the City change its Plan to be consistent with these new policies.

Any person may make an application to amend the Official Plan. A person who would like to rezone or develop a property in a way that does not conform to the Official Plan would have to obtain an Official Plan amendment.

How is the Official Plan Amended?

The process for amending the Official Plan is outlined below. Important points to remember include:

• Consultation with City planners prior to submitting an application. They are available to discuss the process, and advise you of the feasibility of the change, and any problems that you may encounter through the amendment process;
• Provincial approval is required for all Official Plan amendments; and
• Prior to final approval of an Official Plan amendment by the Minister, persons may ask to have the amendment referred to the Ontario Municipal Board.

How Long Does it Take?

The Official Plan amendment process usually takes a minimum of six months. Complex applications can take longer. This is due to the consultation with various Departments and public agencies, and the Provincial review period.

Public participation is a very important part of the planning process in London! Your participation helps to ensure that the best possible decisions are made regarding planning matters.

For more information, contact the Planning Division at (519) 661-4980, visit Room 609, City Hall, or write us at:

     300 Dufferin Avenue
     PO Box 5035
     London, Ontario
     N6A 4L9

Official Plan Amendment Process

Step 1: Consulting with Planning Staff

Discuss preliminary plans and ideas with Planning Division staff. Staff will assist you in determining whether an amendment to the Official Plan is necessary.

Step 2: Submitting the Application

Completed application and the required fee are submitted by the owner or agent. 

Step 3: Review of the Application

A letter explaining the requested amendment(s) is sent to relevant municipal departments and public agencies for comment. A similar letter is sent to nearby property owners, with an extract advertised in a Saturday edition of The London Free Press.

Step 4: Report to the Planning Committee

A report with recommendations is prepared by the Planning and Development Department. Applications to amend the Official Plan and/or for approval of a plan of subdivision are usually considered in the same report.

Step 5: Notice of Public Meeting

A notice specifying the date, time and location of the public meeting is sent to nearby property owners and advertised in The London Free Press as well as the Living in the City Web page.

Step 6: Planning Committee Public Meeting

The Planning Committee holds a public meeting to consider the application. Any person may appear before the Committee to comment on the application. A recommendation is made to City Council at this meeting.

Step 7: City Council Meeting

Council may adopt the Committee's recommendation, refuse it, or refer it back for clarification or revision.

Step 8: Public Notification

Notice of Council's adoption of an Official Plan amendment is given to persons who have recorded an interest in the amendment.

Step 9: Consideration of Appeals

Objections are reviewed, a recommendation (if any) is prepared, and Council determines if revisions to the amendment should be made.

Step 10: Provincial Liaison

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs arranges provincial liaison of the adopted Official Plan amendment.

Step 11: Minister's Approval

The Minister may approve the amendment, or refer all or part of the amendment to the Ontario Municipal Board for a hearing.

Step 12: Appeal

The Ontario Municipal Board holds a hearing on any objection(s). The Official Plan amendment may be approved, refused, or modified and approved.