Request Development Records in London, Ontario - FOI Steps

In London, Ontario you can request development records, site plans, building permit files and related planning documents through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Start by checking public online resources, then submit a formal FOI application to the City of London Access and Privacy office if records are not publicly available. This guide explains practical steps, statutory timelines, who enforces requests, typical fees and how to appeal or complain if records are withheld. Use the official City and provincial resources listed below to find forms, submission addresses and contact points before you apply.^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary legal framework for access to municipal records is the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA); enforcement and review are handled provincially while operational administration is by the City Clerk/Access and Privacy office. The City processes requests but appeals and oversight are handled by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC).^{[2] [3]}

• Statutory response time: 30 days from receipt for most FOI requests under MFIPPA (see provincial Act for full details).^[2]
• Application fee: $5 statutory application fee under MFIPPA; additional fees for search, copying and delivery may apply (see forms and fee schedule).^[2]
• Penalties and fines: specific municipal fine amounts for obstruction or wilful violations are not specified on the City of London FOI guidance page; consult MFIPPA and IPC decisions for statutory offences and penalties.^{[1] [2]}
• Enforcer and review: the City Clerk/Access and Privacy office administers requests; appeals of access decisions go to the IPC of Ontario.^{[1] [3]}
• Inspection, complaint and reporting pathways: submit FOI applications or complaints to the City Clerk; unresolved access refusals or disputes can be brought to the IPC for review.

Applications & Forms

Use the City of London Freedom of Information Request Form when records are not available online. The MFIPPA statutory $5 application fee applies; additional fees or deposits for reproduction and searching may be required. Submission methods, contact addresses and any departmental routing instructions are published on the City FOI page and on the municipal form.

• Name of form: Freedom of Information Request Form (City of London). See Help & Support for the direct link.
• Fee: $5 application fee under MFIPPA; further fees for search/copies possible (see official schedule).^[2]
• How to submit: mail, deliver or email the City Clerk/Access and Privacy office as specified on the form and the City FOI web page.^[1]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

• Withholding records without stated exemption: may lead to an IPC review and order to disclose (outcome depends on exemption applied).
• Failure to respond within 30 days: subject to complaint to IPC; remedies not specified on the City FOI page.
• Refusal to provide copies or charging unreasonable fees: can be appealed to the IPC for review of fee calculations.

FAQ

How long will the City take to respond to an FOI request?

The City generally follows MFIPPA timelines; the statutory response period is 30 days from receipt, subject to extensions for exemptions or third-party notice. See the provincial Act for precise rules.^[2]

What does the $5 fee cover?

The $5 is the statutory application fee under MFIPPA; additional fees for search, reproduction and delivery may be charged and are detailed on the municipal form or fee schedule.^[2]

Can I get building plans and site plans through FOI?

Yes; building permit files, site plans and related planning records can be requested. Some records may be redacted or withheld under privacy or security exemptions; check the City FOI guidance and the Planning/Building pages for public records first.^[1]

How-To

1. Search public online resources (City of London planning maps, building permit search, open data) to see if the record is already available.
2. Complete the City of London Freedom of Information Request Form if the record is not public.
3. Pay the $5 application fee and submit the form to the City Clerk/Access and Privacy office by the method listed on the form.^[1]
4. Wait for the City to acknowledge receipt and process the request (statutory 30-day response period under MFIPPA).^[2]
5. If access is denied or fees disputed, file a request for review with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario following IPC procedures.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Check public City resources first; many planning and permit records are published online.
• Use the City FOI form and pay the $5 statutory fee to start a formal request.
• Appeals and oversight are handled by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of London - Freedom of Information (Access & Privacy)
• City of London - Permits & Development (Planning/Building)
• City of London - City Clerk / Access & Privacy contact
• City of London - Open Data (maps, permits, datasets)

1. [1] City of London - Freedom of Information (Access & Privacy)
2. [2] Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) - Ontario e-Laws
3. [3] Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC)