Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 1 Exam Practice

If a landowner in Southern Ontario wants to divide one parcel of land into two or three parcels, what should they do first?

1. Apply to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

2. Seek approval for a plan of subdivision.

3. First apply to a local committee of adjustment or land division committee (depending on the municipality).

4. First apply to the municipal council and, if unsuccessful, make application to the regional government.

5. Seek approval from the provincial land division board.

6. Submit a zoning amendment application.

The correct answer is: First apply to a local committee of adjustment or land division committee (depending on the municipality).

The correct approach is to first apply to a local committee of adjustment or land division committee, as this is typically the initial step when a landowner seeks to divide a parcel of land into smaller parcels. Local committees are established to review such applications and ensure they comply with municipal policies, zoning by-laws, and land use planning regulations. These committees focus on the specific characteristics of the property and its surroundings, enabling tailored decision-making that aligns with the community's planning goals. Given this context, seeking approval for a plan of subdivision follows as a subsequent step, but it is dependent on the initial approval from the committee, thus making it secondary in the process. Additionally, other options like applying to the municipal council or provincial boards may occur later in the process or under particular circumstances, but they do not represent the first action that should be taken by the landowner. Similarly, zoning amendments are pertinent after understanding how the proposed divisions fit within existing regulations. Overall, starting with the local committee allows for a structured and compliant approach to land division.