Land Severance

What is land severance?

A land severance is an application to separate of a piece of land and create a new lot. It may also be used to adjust a property boundary by adding or taking away lands.

How do I apply for a land severance?

You can get an application form from our Planning and Infrastructure Services Department. But you can only submit the completed application form to the Durham Regional Planning Department at 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby.

Before you complete the application for land severance, we recommend that you consult with staff on the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law requirements.

What happens next?

A Public Meeting will be scheduled and notice is provided to all property owners within 60 metres of the property under application. The applicant will be required to post a sign on the property advertising the time and date of the Public Meeting. At the Public Meeting, an opportunity is given for the applicant and all members of the public to speak. The decision of the Land Division Committee will be made during the meeting and is then subject to a 20-day appeal period.

What are the fees?

For all fees related to a land severance application, please contact the Durham Region Planning Department at 1-800-372-1102.

How long does it take?

On average your proposal is considered sixty days from the time you submit a complete application. After a decision has been made, there is a 20-day appeal period from the date that the Notice of Decision is mailed. If no appeal is filed, the decision is final and the applicant is given one year to fulfil all conditions.

Can I appeal the decision?

The property owner, applicant, interested party, Regional Council or a Municipal Council may appeal all decisions of the Land Division Committee to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).