The Direct Answer
Yes, you can potentially sever a large lot in Southeast Oakville for two new builds in 2026, provided your proposal meets the "four tests" of the Planning Act and aligns with the Town’s stable residential guidelines. Success depends on demonstrating that the new lots are compatible with the existing streetscape and lot patterns. With 2026 development charges and new stormwater fees now in effect, a data-driven approach is essential for a profitable project.
The Deep Dive: Navigating the 2026 Committee of Adjustment
In Oakville, the Committee of Adjustment remains the gatekeeper for "consent to sever" applications. To succeed this year, your project must navigate a rigorous review process that has become more complex following provincial legislative shifts. While Bill 23 has introduced a mandatory phase-in for development charges offering a 20% discount on specific rates in early 2026 the Town has offset these gaps by decoupling stormwater management from property taxes. This means your new builds will face a separate stormwater levy (averaging $137/year for detached homes) alongside traditional taxes.
The Town assesses whether a severance maintains the "character" of the neighborhood. If your property is surrounded by 100-foot frontages, proposing two 50-foot lots will likely trigger significant opposition. Furthermore, the 60-metre notification rule ensures your neighbors in high-stakes pockets like Morrison or Ford will have a say. Professional representation is no longer optional; it is a requirement to manage the technical scrutiny regarding drainage, grading, and site-plan exceptions.
Local Nuance: Southeast Oakville Standards & RL1/RL2 Zoning
Southeast Oakville is defined by its RL1 and RL2 zoning, which carry the most restrictive lot area and frontage requirements in the Halton Region.
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The 2026 Financial Landscape: For a single-detached severance, expect Halton Region development charges and FERP (Front-ending Recovery Payment) to total approximately $62,243 per new lot in the "built boundary."
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Tree Canopy Protection: Oakville’s Private Tree Protection By-law is strictly enforced. Removing any tree with a diameter greater than 15cm requires an arborist report and a permit. In Glen Abbey or Southeast Oakville, if your lot coverage reduces the canopy below 35%, you will be mandated to plant high-stature replacements or pay significant cash-in-lieu fees.
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Parkland Dedication: For 2026, residential intensification projects on sites under 5 hectares are subject to a parkland dedication fee, often calculated at 10% of the land value or the alternative rate of 1 hectare per 1,000 units.
2026 Severance Checklist
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Zoning Audit: Verify your lot meets the 1,393.5 m² minimum area for RL1 or 836.0 m² for RL2.
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Committee Fees: Budget for the 2026 base application fee of $9,817 for consent, plus additional minor variance fees (approx. $4,328 per application).
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Education Levies: Combined HDSB and HCDSB charges now total $11,385.43 per new unit.
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Infrastructure Assessment: Ensure the proposed "severed" lot has independent access to municipal services without encroaching on protected root zones.
Maximize Your Property's Potential
Navigating the intersection of the Planning Act, local zoning, and the 2026 fee schedules requires a partner who understands the ground-level reality of the Halton market. Whether you are looking to unlock equity through a severance or build your dream home in Southeast Oakville, we provide the strategic insight you need.
Contact Martin Group today to schedule a confidential property consultation and ensure your development project is positioned for success.
"Profit from our experience."
