What does OPA mean in CIVIC & MUNICIPAL

An Official Plan Amendment (OPA) is a type of land-use document that can be adopted by municipalities to modify their existing official plan. The OPA may propose changes to the zoning bylaw with regard to land use, density, size, and other development activities in order to bring the official plan up-to-date.

Municipalities often need to adopt an OPA when there are changes in the community or environment that necessitate changes to their existing plans for development. This could include new legislation, significant growth or decline in population or economic activity, or changes in infrastructure needs.

An OPA typically outlines specific revisions or additions to the municipality's official plan. These revisions or additions may include: updated policies and objectives; revised land use designations, including zoning bylaws; revised density regulations; revised height limits; amended provisions for transportation infrastructure; and provisions for environmental protection.

In most cases, OPAs are prepared by municipal staff in collaboration with other relevant departments such as planning and development. Additionally, citizens and stakeholders from the local community are consulted regarding proposed changes before a proposed OPA is drafted and presented for public review.

The duration of preparation time for an OPA can vary greatly depending on its complexity as well as resources available within the municipality or region. In general however, it can take anywhere between three months and two years from the initial consultation period until the final adoption of amendments outlined within the amendment itself.

Generally speaking, all proposed OPAs must be reviewed by both provincial and municipal review bodies prior to being adopted by council. Additionally, members of the public will have access to comment on any proposed changes presented within the document prior to its adoption thereby allowing them a say in how their local area develops moving forward.

Affected property owners should receive notification directly from their municipality when an OPA is being considered which impacts their property. It is recommended that affected property owners follow any instructions provided by their municipality pertaining to making written submissions on the proposed amendment if desired.