Application Submission Tool Overview

Use the Application Submission Tool (AST) to submit your development application, request a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) meeting or provide updated/resubmission materials for an existing application.
AST Login

The Application Submission Tool offers applicants an easy and secure way to: 

  • Submit new development applications and upload required materials 
  • Request Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) meetings 
  • Manage submissions and PAC meeting requests 
  • Submit updated materials (when an application has been deemed incomplete) for applications originally submitted through the AST 
  • Submit a resubmission (after an application has been deemed complete) for applications originally submitted through the AST 
  • Track the status of an application in real time 

Before using the Application Submission Tool, review the requirements below.  

Note:

  1. The AST is only for development applications, such as Zoning By-Law Amendment or Site Plan Control Applications. If you are a resident looking for building permit information, please use Express Services.
  2. If your application was not originally submitted through the AST (officially launched on December 6, 2021) or if it is a Rental Housing Demolition & Conversion and Telecommunications Towers application type, and you have been asked by the City to resubmit, please contact a  Planning Consultant  to request a secure link (GoAnywhere Service) to resubmit. The AST does not support resubmissions for these applications at this time.  

To use the Application Submission Tool (AST), you will need to request an account. Once City staff have approved your request, you will be emailed a temporary password to log in and to create your own password.

Your AST account is associated with both you and your organization. When requesting an account, you will need to provide your business information (e.g., email address, company/business name, contact information). Please do not provide personal information. By requesting an account, you are acknowledging that you will be the main point of contact for all applications and/or requests for Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) meetings that are submitted.

Requests for Pre-Application Consultation meetings must be made through the AST. The City no longer accepts requests via the PDF form that was used prior to April 3, 2023.

You can request a Pre-Application Consultation meeting for the following application types in the AST:

  • Official Plan Amendment
  • Zoning By-law Amendment
  • Draft Plan of Subdivision
  • Site Plan Control

Note: You must request a separate Pre-Application Consultation meeting for each application type. Exception: Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment may be combined.

Before Requesting a Pre-Application Consultation Meeting

To reduce delays in processing your request, review the City’s requirements and procedures and have your materials ready to upload in accordance with the Pre-Application Consultation Meeting: Application Requirements. The following materials are required:

  • Concept Site Plan
  • Concept Elevations and/or Renderings

File Requirements

  • Maximum size of all files combined must be under 30 megabytes
  • Reduce raster image quality to 72 dpi
  • Do not include comments. Multiple layers must be flattened to a single layer.
  • Fonts must be embedded in the drawing
  • PDF files must have the following naming convention “File Description_address_st/rd/wy”
    Examples:

    • Concept Site Plan_100main_st.pdf
    • Concept Elevations_100main_st.pdf

After Submitting your Meeting Request

Once your meeting request has been submitted, a Planning Consultant will check your documents and then send you an email with information about next steps. Read more about the Pre-Application Consultation Meeting: Review Procedure.

Note that you will not be able to update your meeting request after it has been submitted. However, City staff may ask you to make changes to your meeting request if additional information or documentation is required; you will be provided with instructions on how to update your request.

Pre-Application Consultation Fee

Fees are not paid through the AST. You will be emailed instructions on how to pay the fee after City staff have processed your meeting request.

How-to Guide and Demonstration

Application Submission Tool – How-to Guide for Requesting Mandatory Pre-Application Consultation Meetings

Video of Application Submission Tool PAC Request Info Session – March 28, 2023

Prior to submitting your development application, please read the requirements and processes for the submission of applications.

You can submit the following application types in the AST:

* You can submit a combined Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) in the AST. All other applications need to be submitted separately.

Submission Documents

Each application type has specific application requirements. You will not be able to submit the application without uploading these documents. However, you can save your progress as a draft and submit at a later time.

Technical Requirements

Please ensure your documents meet the following technical requirements prior to upload:  

  • Each Plan/Drawing must be one PDF file for each application requirement (e.g.: Architectural Plans, Landscape Plans, etc.);
  • Plans/Drawings with multiple pages and sets must be combined into a single PDF file;
  • Each PDF file must be properly labelled. PDF file names should have an abbreviated description of the document (see naming conventions below);
  • Each information/study must be submitted as a separate PDF file, including the Project Data Sheet;
  • Each PDF file must be submitted without a password and/or restrictions;
  • Do not include comments. Multiple layers must be flattened to a single layer, except the Project Data Sheet. All electronic files must be submitted in PDF Version 7 or later;
  • Each PDF file submitted must not exceed 25MB and have no layers.

Naming Conventions

PDF file names must use underscores and abbreviations that describe the digital file and reference the subject property. Examples:

  • Architectural Plans_100main_st.pdf
  • Public Utilities Plans_100main_st.pdf
  • Survey Plans100mainst.pdf
  • Parking_100main_st.pdf
  • SunShadowStudy_100main_st.pdf
  • SWMReport_100main_st.pdf

After Submitting your Application

Once your application has been submitted, a Planning Consultant will check your documents and then send you an email with information about next steps.

Note that you will not be able to update your application once you have submitted it for intake. However, City staff may ask you to make changes if additional information or documentation is required prior to circulation; you will be provided with instructions on how to update your application.

Planning Application Fees

Fees are not paid through the AST. You will be emailed instructions on the amount and how to pay after the Planning Consultant has processed your application submission.

Resources

Application Submission Tool – How-to-Guide

Video of Application Submission Tool Information and Demo Session – December 2, 2021

Video Demonstration of the Application Submission Tool

The City may request additional materials from you after your initial application submission. Depending on the stage of your application, you may be asked to either update your application or resubmit application materials. 

Please review the appropriate section below to understand the process. 

A. Update Your Application

(In response to a Notice of Incomplete Application) 

You will be asked to update your application if the City determines that your submission is incomplete during the initial intake review. 

When You’ll Be Asked to Update:

  • After intake, your application will be reviewed for completeness. 
  • If incomplete, a Notice of Incomplete Application is issued for the first round. 
  • For subsequent updates after the first incomplete notice, instructions may be sent via email without a formal letter. 
  • In both cases, the application status in AST will be updated to “Incomplete – Update Submission” provided the application was originally submitted via AST.  

    How to Submit Your Update in the Application Submission Tool:

    1. Log in to the Application Submission Tool (AST) 
    2. Locate the application with status “Incomplete – Update Submission” 
    3. Click the “Update Submission” button 
    4. Upload all revised documents as outlined in the letter/email 
    5. Accept the declaration and click “Submit Update” 
    6. You’ll receive an email confirming your update was received 

    Note: Please submit documents as a complete package addressing all comments.  

    B. Resubmit Application Materials

    (After receiving consolidated comments) 

    If your application was previously deemed complete and you receive comments after a round of review, you may be asked to resubmit application materials. This means providing revised documents to address the issues raised by staff. 

    You will receive an email notification when a resubmission is requested, with instructions to proceed through AST. 

    When You’ll Be Asked to Resubmit: 

    • After circulation and review, the assigned Planner will send comments summarizing required revisions. 
    • This triggers AST to enable resubmission and updates your application status to “Ready for Resubmission,” provided the application was originally submitted via AST. 

    How to Resubmit in AST: 

    1. Log in to the Application Submission Tool (AST) 
    2. Locate the application with status “Ready for Resubmission” 
    3. Click “Resubmit” 
    4. Upload the revised materials addressing the review comments 
    5. Accept the declaration and click “Resubmit Application” 
    6. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your resubmission is successfully submitted 

    Document Requirements for Resubmission 

    For resubmissions related to complete applications, the following documents are required: 

    • Resubmission Form – required for all application types. 
    • Project Data Sheet – required only for the following application types: 
      • Site Plan Control  
      • Draft Plan of Subdivision  
      • Official Plan Amendment  
      • Zoning By-law Amendment – Standard subtype 
      • Combined Official Plan & Zoning By-law Amendment  

    You may also upload optional supporting documents to further address the comments provided to you.  

    Note:  

    • Please submit documents as a complete package addressing all comments. 
    • The mandatory documents do not apply when you are submitting an update in response to an Incomplete Application. 

    Additional Notes: 

    • Each resubmission must comply with the technical requirements outlined for new submissions. 
    • Your assigned Planning Consultants will review uploaded materials to ensure they are accessible. If documents are not accessible, you may be asked to provide revised documents or alternative formats. 
    • Resubmission fees may apply for subsequent resubmissions. The assigned Planning Consultant will confirm this and provide payment instructions if applicable. 

    Resubmission Availability in AST

    Resubmissions (both updates and full resubmissions) via AST are currently supported for the following application types: 

    1. Site Plan Control 
    2. Official Plan Amendment  
    3. Zoning By-law Amendment  
    4. Draft Plan of Subdivision  
    5. Draft Plan of Condominium  
    6. Part Lot Control Exemption  

    Not yet supported in AST: 

    • Resubmissions for Rental Housing Demolition & Conversion and Telecommunications Towers will be supported in a future release. 
    • Resubmissions for applications submitted manually pre-AST. 
    • Submissions to clear condition(s) post-decision. 

    Resources

    Application Submission Tool – How-to-Guide

    Demo Session Resubmission Workflow in AST – September 2025 

      Release Date: May 1, 2026

      What’s New in the Application Submission Tool

      As part of ongoing improvements, the Application Submission Tool (AST) has been updated to include:

      • a new attachment type to better support applicants and the Heritage review process
      • accessibility (AODA) compliance improvements
      • new contact information on the login page

      New: Attachment Type

      A Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report is now available as an optional attachment to support applications through the Heritage review process.

      Update: Improved Accessibility

      Several updates were made to improve accessibility and ensure the AST complies with AODA requirements. These include improved screen reader announcements, clearer validation messages and semantic structure, as well as improved colour contrast, layout behaviour and button labelling.

      Release Date: March 20, 2026

      As part of ongoing improvements, the AST has been updated to make application submissions more efficient. These updates enhance usability, simplify the document upload process and clarify submission requirements. Adjustments to required fields help reduce errors, while updated document rules ensure applicants submit the correct materials.

      Improvements to the Application Submission Process

      1. Project Data Sheet Submission Update

      The File Upload and Application Submission page within an application now clarifies that the Project Data Sheet file must be submitted in its original, unflattened PDF format.

      Updated screen text makes it clear that all documents must be flattened except the Project Data Sheet, which supports automated data extraction processes in the back end.

      (Project Data Sheet Submission - File Upload modal) Alt text - File upload window indicating only flattened documents are accepted, except the Project Data Sheet.(Project Data Sheet Submission - Application Submission confirmation screen) Alt text - Application submission screen indicating that all files must be flattened before submission, except the Project Data Sheet.

       

      2. Application Checklist Required for Draft Plan of Condominium (CD) Applications

      Draft Plan of Condominium (CD) applications now require the submission of an Application Checklist as part of the initial submission. The checklist appears under the Mandatory Application Documents section and must be uploaded in order to submit a Draft Plan of Condominium application.

      (Application Documents page) Alt text – Condominium Application Documents page showing ‘Application Checklist’ as a required upload.


      3. Removal of Combined OPA/ZBA Application Subtypes

      For combined Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) applications, the subtype selection has been removed to simplify and streamline the submission process.

      Applicants will now proceed with submitting a combined OPA/ZBA application without selecting a subtype, ensuring only relevant information is requested during application submission.


      4. AODA Updates

      Accessibility improvements have been implemented to better support compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards and improve usability for all users. The updates address a wide range of accessibility gaps across navigation, forms, tables, status announcements and interactive controls, improving screen reader compatibility, focus management and user feedback.

      Release Date: January 08, 2026

      What’s New

      As part of our ongoing improvements to the Application Submission Tool (AST), the following changes have been made to improve usability, accuracy, and flexibility during application resubmissions.

      1. Increased File Upload Limit

      Applicants can now upload up to 30 files per document type over the life cycle of an application, up from the previous limit of eight files. The process is now faster and more convenient because applicants can now complete multiple resubmission cycles without being constrained by file limits, upload all required documents in a single submission and reduce the need for follow-up submissions due to upload restrictions.

      Screenshot of the file upload screen showing 30 as the new maximum number of files that can be uploaded into AST. Each file can can be a maximum of 25 mb.


      2. Minor UI Update for Site Plan Control – Administrative Subtype

      When required information is missing, administrative applications have been refined to provide clearer guidance through the on-screen validation message for Site Plan Control. This helps applicants understand what is needed for a successful submission and reduces potential errors or delays.

      Site Plan control validation message. Please enter your Site Plan Control application file number to continue.


      3. Accessibility (AODA) Improvements

      Additional accessibility improvements have been implemented to better support compliance with AODA standards and improve usability for all users. The updates address a wide range of AODA accessibility gaps across navigation, forms, tables, status announcements, and interactive controls, improving screen‑reader compatibility, focus management and user feedback.

      Updates from 2023 – 2025

      Refer to the summary of Updates from 2023-2025.

      Updates from 2022

      Refer to the summary of Updates from 2022.
      Date modified: June 10, 2026