LAND DEVELOPMENT & SEVERANCE ARCHITECT SERVICES IN TORONTO & THE GTA

UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL OF YOUR PROPERTY

Quadrant Architects helps Toronto landowners and developers navigate severance, rezoning, minor variances, and subdivisions with confidence. Every design we create is unique — never reused — and tailored to the client’s goals, the site’s conditions, and the requirements of zoning by-laws and the Ontario Building Code. From feasibility reviews to final approvals, we manage the entire process so you know what’s possible before investing further.

Licensed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) | Full Professional Liability Insurance

WHAT WE DO

LAND SEVERANCE & CONSENTS

What this means for you: Create new, saleable lots and increase property value without waiting for full rezoning.

REZONING & OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENTS

What this means for you: Rezoning unlocks higher density, new uses, or taller buildings — increasing long-term value.

SUBDIVISION PLANNING

Concept design for multi-lot subdivisions including:

Street layouts, servicing strategies, and stormwater management planning
Public realm design, including open spaces, trails, and pedestrian connections
Traffic circulation, parking strategy, and integration with surrounding road networks
Grading and drainage coordination for all lots and common areas
Utility coordination (water, sanitary, hydro, gas, telecom)
Environmental and ecological considerations (tree preservation, buffers, natural heritage systems)
Full compliance with zoning by-laws, subdivision regulations, and the Ontario Building Code

What this means for you: Subdivisions designed for livability and compliance are more attractive to buyers and more likely to be approved by municipalities.

MINOR VARIANCES

What this means for you: Variances allow you to maximize property potential without the cost and time of a full rezoning.

OUR PROCESS

Step 1: Feasibility Review: We confirm zoning, by-law restrictions, and servicing to provide a realistic assessment of your property’s development potential.

Step 2: Development Concepts : We prepare custom options showing lot layouts, density, and financial potential based on your goals and site conditions.

Step 3: Application Package: We coordinate surveys, planning reports, engineering studies, arborist reports, and architectural drawings.

Step 4: Approvals & Hearings: We submit applications, respond to staff comments, and represent you at city meetings or hearings.

Step 5: Construction-Ready Plans: We deliver coordinated drawings so builders can price and build with confidence.

Approvals & Timelines

Timelines vary widely depending on municipality, project complexity, season, and workload at the planning department.

Severance and minor variance applications are generally shorter.
Rezoning and subdivision approvals require more time and consultation.

We provide honest guidance at the feasibility stage, so you understand realistic expectations before moving forward. We provide clear guidance at the feasibility stage, so you understand what’s possible before you move forward.

Why Developers & Owners Choose Quadrant

Proven record with Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment and municipal planning staff
Deep understanding of zoning by-laws, Ontario Building Code, and planning policy
Streamlined coordination with surveyors, planners, engineers, and legal teams
Clear communication, realistic schedules, and transparent processes
Every design is unique — tailored to client needs, site restrictions, and municipal requirements

Areas We Serve

We provide land development and severance services across Toronto and the GTA, including: North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, East York, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby.

Each municipality has distinct policies and processes — we adapt strategies to match.

Plan Your Land Development Project

Start with a Feasibility Review:

Zoning and by-law confirmation
Development potential assessment
Process overview and strategic recommendations

Contact Quadrant Architects

FAQs About Land Development in Toronto

Q: How long does a severance take? 
A: Timelines depend on the municipality, season, and complexity of the application. A typical severance can take several months from submission to decision, but busy periods or additional requirements may extend the process.

Q: Do I need rezoning or just variances?
A: It depends on your goals. Variances are generally faster but limited in scope. Rezoning allows bigger changes such as higher density, new uses, or additional height. We confirm the right path for your property.

Q: Can you represent me at Committee of Adjustment? 
A: Yes. We prepare the required drawings, submit applications, and represent you at hearings.

Q: What determines if my land can be severed?
A: Severability depends on zoning by-laws (minimum lot frontage and area), physical constraints (easements, environmental features, existing structures), and lot configuration, with corner lots offering more flexibility. Past approved severances in the neighbourhood and whether neighbours support or oppose the application are also very important factors.

Q: What reports are needed for subdivision?
A: Most subdivision applications need reports like surveys, engineering and servicing studies, grading and drainage plans, stormwater management, tree and environmental reports, and a planning justification. The exact list depends on your city—after a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) meeting, the planners will confirm which reports are required for your property.

Meet Our Team

Every member of our team has advanced education in architecture and design

What’s Clients Say

I’ve had the great pleasure of collaborating with Studio Quadrant on several projects, interior and architectural design for 3 town house, 4 semi-detached and my own detached house in Ottawa. Studio Quadrant, the driving force behind the firm has a unique way of balancing environmental stewardship, great design, and realistic budgets. They never cease to impress me with their ability to come up with ideas on unique design, weaving them together in beautiful, creative ways. The studio’s attention to detail doesn’t stop at design, they stay with the project through construction and add real value to the process. They made working together enjoyable and brought an intense committed work ethic to the team. I look forward to our next opportunity and highly recommend them to those who are looking for a fresh take on their projects. They will bring ideas to the table that have real meaning.

Studio Quadrant designed my modern, new house in Scarborough Bluffs. The final product is above an beyond expectations! Studio Quadrant was creative, detailed and thorough. They also helped during the committee of adjustment process, and the result was more than my expectation. Studio Quadrant designs were very creative and responded directly to my needs. and I would highly recommend them to others looking for both commercial and residential architecture and interior services, and I would pass their information on to friends and family without hesitation.

We were particularly excited about the creative solutions from Farzad, which were always developed anew on the basis of our ideas. Right the first planning distinguished itself by an excellent and individual design. The various 3D display variants always gave us a very detailed feeling for the planned living space. The adjustment and coordination during the planning process was always a pleasure – despite the distance (from Germany), we experienced simplicity here. The matching, consulting, and tuning of the plans was possible any time and was characterized by a high level of engagement and absolute flexibility. Thank You Farzad!!