Communities that are wonderful places to live, work, learn, and play are communities that were well planned. In this way, Community Planning plays an important role in improving the quality of life for residents.
The Community Planning Service is responsible for preparing statutory plans, policies, and studies that guide Saint John’s growth and development. Community Planning is also responsible for processing applications for Municipal Plan Amendments, re-zonings, Section 59 Amendments, and permit applications (Development Officer) for developments and variances.
Development Applications and the Planning Advisory Committee
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) is made up of volunteers and members of Common Council appointed by Saint John Common Council. The PAC’s role is to advise Common Council on planning-related applications that require Common Council approval. This includes applications to:
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Amend the Municipal Plan
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Amend Neighbourhood Plans
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Amend the Zoning By-Law
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Amend Section 59 Conditions
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Subdivision Applications that Create a New Public Street
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Release Land for Public Purpose
In addition, the PAC also serves as the approving authority for other types of planning-applications. They are responsible for rendering decisions on applications for:
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PAC Variances
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Conditional Uses
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Non-Conforming Uses
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Similar and Compatible Uses
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Subdivision Applications that involve the dedication of Land for Public Purpose or the creation of lots not fronting onto a public street.
Regular PAC meetings are held at 6pm on the third Tuesday of each month, except the December meeting which is held on the second Tuesday of the month. In addition, any meetings scheduled following a holiday Monday will be held on the third Wednesday of the month.
Meetings take place in Council Chambers located on the second floor of Saint John City Hall. Access to the Council Chambers is via the elevator in the Shoppes of City Hall pedway connection. PAC Meetings are open to the public and are also available on the City of Saint John’s YouTube Channel.
The Meeting Agenda is posted the Friday before the Meeting. Copies of all Meeting Agendas and Minutes are available on the City website.
Minutes, Agendas, and Records | City of Saint John, New Brunswick
Current Planning Applications
Planning Applications that are scheduled for an upcoming Meeting of PAC or Common Council will be made available on this webpage. Written notification is also mailed to all property owners within a 100-metre radius of the subject property.
Members of the public may submit written comments for all planning applications identified below. Written feedback will be made publicly available and will form part of all Agenda Packages associated with the Planning Application.
Effective August 2025, Public Hearings will only be held at PAC Meetings for those applications in which PAC has approving authority. Members of the public are invited to speak on applications for:
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PAC Variances
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Conditional Uses
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Non-Conforming Uses
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Similar and Compatible Uses
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Subdivision Applications that involve the dedication of Land for Public Purpose or the creation of lots not fronting onto a public street.
For planning applications to adopt or amend the Municipal Plan, Neighbourhood Plans, the Zoning By-Law or Section 59 Conditions, a Public Hearing will be held at a Meeting of Common Council. Members of the public are invited to speak on those applications during the Common Council Meeting.
Address: 155 Sandy Point Road
PID: 55150700
Application Details: The City of Saint John has received an application for 2 proposals, (1) for the release of existing Section 59 conditions, and (2) for the authorization of an addition of another non-conforming use to the existing legal, non-conforming auto body use at 155 Sandy Point Road.
Additional Project Information: Location Map.
Comment Sheet: Fillable Comment Sheet
PAC Meeting: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Address: 0 Mountain View Drive
PID: 55175988
Application Details: The Planning Advisory Committee has received an application requesting the disinvestment of Lands for Public purpose for the use of Public Works as an access to their existing utility site at 525 McAllister Drive
Additional Project Information: Location Map and Site Plan
Comment Sheet: Fillable Comment Sheet
PAC Meeting: Tuesday June 16, 2026
Address: 459 Woodville Road and 400 Lowell Street
PID: 00471540 and 00394940
Application Details: The City of Saint John has received an application to rezone 400 Lowell Street and the formal vesting of Public Street for a portion of 400 Lowell street and 459 Woodville Road. This would allow for approximately 200 stacked townhouse style units on the former Belyea Arena site.
Additional Project Information: Location Map and Site Plan
Comment Sheet: Fillable Comment Sheet
PAC Meeting: Tuesday June 16, 2026
Public Hearing: July 27, 2026