$150
Submit a Development Application
Development applications help ensure that new projects and changes to properties align with the City’s plans, regulations, and long-term vision for growth.
They are required for projects that involve new uses or changes to how a property is developed or used, and must follow the City’s Development Regulations and Development Design Manual.
Before applying, confirm your property’s zoning, review applicable requirements, and prepare your plans using the required checklists.
Explore the options below to find the application type that fits your project.
Checklists
When submitting a development application, you must complete the application form and the appropriate checklist, along with supporting documents such as site drawings, surveys, and plans. These checklists cover the most common application types and help ensure all required information is included. They must be submitted with your application.
- Daycare Centre: Private Dwelling
- Daycare Centre: Standalone Non-residential Use
- Discretionary Use
- Home Occupation
- Home Office
- New Dwelling, Vacant Lot and Rebuilds
- Non-Conforming Use/Lot
- Phase 1 Acceptance of Development Checklist
- Phase 2 Acceptance of Development Checklist
- Rezoning/Municipal Plan/Development Regulation Amendment Checklist
- Subdivision/Consolidation
Submit a Development Application
There are three options to submit a development application. If applicable, please submit the appropriate checklist above.
- Email: permits@stjohns.ca
- Fax: (709) 576-8160
- In person or by mail:
Inspection Services
3rd Floor Annex
10 New Gower Street
P.O. Box 908
St. John’s, NL A1C 5M2
If they choose, any person may appeal a development decision.
Chat with the Development Team
Need help with your development project? We’re here for you. Whether you’re exploring an idea or preparing an application, the City of St. John’s Development Team can guide you through the process.
We meet with individuals, firms, and developers interested in submitting an application. We help you navigate the Development Regulations and provide guidance on development concepts and design standards through formal and informal meetings.
Our team brings together expertise from the Planning and Development Division, Transportation Engineering Division, Public Works Department, Legal Services Division, the St. John’s Regional Fire Department, and other City staff as needed to support your project.
Application Fees
Once an application is accepted, processing fees are non-refundable, regardless of the decision to approve or reject the application. Note that certain civic improvement assessments, securities or charges may be applied to an application, depending on the requirements of the regulations. We will advise you of all applicable fees.
$300
$200, payable upon approval of the Development Agreement application.
Extension: $300
Change: $300
Reconstruction: $300
$300
$200 per lot
All Other Applications Not Identified Above
$150
Rezoning/Map or Text Amendments
$300. Where a proposed amendment requires that an amendment also be made to the St. John's Municipal Plan, then an additional processing fee of $1,800 shall be applied.
Appeals to the St. John's Local Board of Appeal
$115. Appeals are to be filed with the Secretary of the St. John's Local Board of Appeal. The appeal fee is refunded when the appeal is successful. Please contact cityclerk@stjohns.ca for information on filing of appeals.
$200. Please note that the fee for a compliance letter is non-refundable once staff start to prepare the letter.
Development Fees
Buildings directly related to agriculture use are exempt from development fees.
Conversion of a Building (Residential and Non-Residential)
No development fee is charged within the existing gross floor area. For the extension of a residential development, a development fee of $1,600 per additional dwelling unit is applied. For the extension of a non-residential development, a development fee of $16/m² per gross floor area is applied.
Non-Residential Development on a Vacant or Developed Lot
$16 per square metre (gross floor area) for a new development as well as the extension of an existing development.
The development fee applicable to the residential component is calculated based on either the residential development on a vacant lot or development of a homestead lot. A commercial component is calculated based on non-residential development on a vacant or developed lot. Both fees are then added for the total development fee charged.
Residential Development on a Vacant Lot
For a single detached dwelling, with or without a subsidiary unit, the development fee is $1,600 (up to two units total). For each additional unit beyond two units, the development fee is an additional $1,600 per unit.
Residential Development of a Homestead Lot
There is no development fee for an existing single-family dwelling, with or without a subsidiary unit, for a total of two units. A development fee of $1,600 per unit for each additional unit, in excess of two units, shall be applied.
Additional Guidelines
These resources may be of help to housing developers.
Universal Design Guidelines
Building or renovating a home? Consider adding Universal Design features to make your space more accessible, usable, and future-ready. Check out the Universal Design Guide for Accessible and Inclusive Homes and the Universal Design Network of Newfoundland and Labrador Home Building Checklist.
These standards are not required, but they are encouraged to help create homes that work for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or life stage.
Housing Design Catalogue
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Housing Design Catalogue helps make building homes faster and more affordable. This resource includes seven pre-designed housing options, ranging from backyard suites to fourplexes, stacked townhouses and a six-plex. Developed by architecture and engineering professionals, the designs align with local building codes and development regulations.
The plans are available at no cost and can help reduce design time and costs. They are designed to be accessible, energy efficient and climate resilient. While generally aligned with local requirements, site-specific review will still be required as part of the development and building permit process.
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