SPD104 - Site Planning and Development
| Semester | |
| School | |
| Last revision date | 2026-01-26 01:36:22.37 |
| Last review date | 2026-03-16 00:15:24.35 |
Subject Title
Site Planning and Development
Subject Description
In this course, students learn about the site planning and development process. Focus areas include site analysis, preliminary design, density, walkability and circulation, policies and by-laws, and the final approval process. An overview of the land development regulatory process is provided, which considers zoning issues, context, and infrastructure. Sustainable development techniques are also emphasized throughout the course.
Credit Status
One credit toward the Sustainable Planning and Development Certificate program.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
- Navigate the various legislative, policy, and regulatory documents.
- Process site plan applications and other development applications, from the pre-consultation stage to final approval.
- Evaluate the various elements and nuances of the site plan and development review process.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Topic Outline
Unit 1 - Introduction / Course Overview / Introduction to Land Use Planning in Ontario.
Unit 2 - The Land Use Planning Framework and Provincial Plans
Unit 3 - Municipal Planning Tools and Development Applications. Part 1 - Official Plans and Official Plan Amendments
Unit 4 - Municipal Planning Tools and Development Applications. Part 2 - Zoning Bylaws and Zoning Bylaw Amendments
Unit 5 - Municipal Planning Tools and Development Applications. Part 3 - Site Plan Control, Review, and the Approval Process
Unit 6 - Site Planning: The Various Elements and Nuances
Unit 7 - Site Planning: Evaluating the Various Elements and Nuances
Unit 8 - Design Considerations to Gain Community Acceptance
Unit 9 - Preliminary Reviews and Pre-Consultation Basics
Unit 10 - Site Plan Application Requirements
Unit 11 - Roles and Responsibilities of Internal Departments, External Agencies, Public Applicants / Agents, and Elected Representatives
Unit 12 - Agreements, Conditions, and Securities
Unit 13 - Application Review: Coordination, Negotiations, and Meetings
Unit 14 - Final Project Presentations / Course Wrap Up / Evaluations
Mode of Instruction
- Students are expected to attend and participate in each scheduled synchronous session for this course at the time specified.
- Asynchronous activities (e.g. discussion board, weekly quizzes) can be completed anytime up to the specified due date.
Prescribed Texts
Site Analysis: Informing Context-Sensitive and Sustainable Site Planning and Design, 3rd ed.
LaGro, James A.
Hoboken NJ: John A. Wiley and Sons, 2013.
ISBN: 978-1-1181-2367-6
To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.
Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.
Reference Material
Optional
Planning Canadian Communities
Hodge, G., Gordon, D., And Shaw, P. 2013.
Toronto: Nelson College Indigenous
ISBN-13: 978-0176705497
Required Supplies
None
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
| A+ | 90% to 100% |
| A | 80% to 89% |
| B+ | 75% to 79% |
| B | 70% to 74% |
| C+ | 65% to 69% |
| C | 60% to 64% |
| D+ | 55% to 59% |
| D | 50% to 54% |
| F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
| OR | |
| EXC | Excellent |
| SAT | Satisfactory |
| UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).
Modes of Evaluation
Assignments
All assignments must be submitted by the due date stated by the instructor and in the manner directed by the instructor (e.g. on a separate Word document through Blackboard).
Late assignments will be penalized as per instructor’s guidelines.
In extenuating circumstances, students must notify the instructor in advance of the deadline for possible extensions. Valid reasons include medical emergencies, family illness or family death. Please note that valid documentation (such as an original doctor's note) may be required. Make-up opportunities may be arranged and communicated by the instructor.
English Proficiency
-
All written work should demonstrate the following characteristics for clarity and conciseness:
- writing is consistent with the rules of English grammar
- spelling and punctuation are correct
- sentences are structured correctly
- main ideas are supported with specific, relevant examples and reasons
- work flows logically through supporting statements/paragraphs
- work is arranged in correct format (e.g., as a report, essay)
- up to 10% of the final grade may be deducted on all work if the above English competencies are not met.
Format for Assignments
Students must use the standard, APA style for quoting sources. Help is available at: http://library.senecapolytechnic.ca
Grading is based on the following marking scheme:
| Group Presentation | 20% |
| In-class Activities | 20% |
| Assignmens | 40% |
| Final Presentation | 20% |