Home

How to prepare for a hearing

Listed below are some suggestions that may assist you in preparing your presentation to the SDAB:

  • Contact the file manager or applicant of the development permit to clarify and discuss the proposed development under appeal.
  • Obtain a copy of the SDAB report for the item from the Appeal Board office.
  • Understand the legislation governing the Board including the Municipal Government Act and the land use of the site
  • Determine the relevant planning issues relating to the appeal.
  • Review the relevant planning documents such as the Land Use Bylaw , Area Redevelopment Plan, Area Structure Plan, Municipal Development Plan and Intermunicipal Development Plan.
  • Prepare a written presentation to ensure that key issues are not overlooked and that your presentation to the Board will be complete, clear, concise and logical. You may be requested to leave a copy of your written presentation and all materials with the Appeal Board staff after you have presented.
  • Consider taking photographs of the site and the surrounding area. This may give the Board a visual perspective of what you are referring to.
  • Consider asking persons affected by the appeal (neighbours, neighbourhood association, etc.) to:
    • attend and speak at the hearing,
    • write letters outlining their position, or
    • compile a letter of objection signed by affected parties.
  • While it is important to obtain support for your position, the Board considers each application on its own merits and weighs all planning evidence presented. It does not make its decision solely based on the support or opposition from affected parties.
  • Familiarize yourself with Board procedures by attending an SDAB hearing prior to your presentation, if possible.

Please see the SDAB Clerk for assistance with the equipment in the room.

If you will be presenting your arguments by means of an electronic presentation (on a laptop or a tablet) you must leave a hard and electronic copy of your presentation with the SDAB Clerk.

When you are preparing your presentation, consider asking these types of questions:

Development Potential

  • What are the range of uses available or allowed on the subject site?
  • What density, height and form are possible?

Policy Considerations

  • Determine the relevant policy plan for your community.
  • Does the project meet those expectations?

Impact of Potential Development

  • What would be the impact caused by traffic, parking and on-site activities generated by the proposed development or business?
  • What would be the impact from the height, massing, shadowing or other physical features?

Compatibility

  • How does the proposed development fit into the established streetscape pattern of the community?

This is not an exhaustive list.