Why submit a Planning Application?
A planning application form is submitted when a rezoning, development agreement, or site plan approval outside of Downtown Halifax is applied for. These are applications which are consistent with HRM planning policies and can be considered by a Community Council.
Why submit a SMPS Amendment?
A SMPS Amendment is submitted when the desired use or development on a piece of land is not permitted within the existing Council approved policies that apply to the area. Amendments to an SMPS are significant undertakings and Council is under no obligation to consider such requests. Amendments should be only considered within the broader planning context or when there is reason to believe that there has been a change to the circumstances since the policy was adopted, or last reviewed.