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Severance (a "consent") divides one lot into two or more, each able to be sold or built on separately. It's one of the highest-value moves in low-rise real estate — and one of the most site-specific.
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Dividing a lot needs a consent from the local land-division authority — for Markham, an application to the Committee of Adjustment. Each resulting lot must be able to stand on its own: sufficient frontage and area for its zone, legal access, and adequate servicing.
A severance often travels with minor variances if one of the new lots falls slightly short of a standard.
The core tests are the zone's minimum lot frontage and minimum lot area — each new lot must meet them (or justify a variance) — plus depth, the position of the existing house, driveway access, and services to each parcel. Wide corner and through lots are the usual candidates.
SiteIQ measures your parcel's frontage and area and checks them against Markham's zone minimums, so you can see whether a split is even in range before paying for a survey.
Consent applications, surveys and studies cost money and months. A quick feasibility read that says "your frontage is 18 m and the zone needs 12 m per lot" — or "there isn't room" — saves both.
How do I split my lot in Markham?
You apply for a consent (severance) to Markham's Committee of Adjustment. Each new lot must meet the zone's frontage, area and access requirements, or obtain the necessary variances.
What's the minimum lot size to sever?
There's no single number — it's the minimum lot frontage and area of your zone, applied to each resulting lot. SiteIQ checks your parcel against those minimums.
How long does a severance take?
A consent application runs through the Committee of Adjustment and can take several months, often alongside surveys and conditions. Screen feasibility first to avoid spending on lots that can't be split.
General guidance, not legal or planning advice. Rules turn on your specific lot and can change — confirm with the City of Markham, and use SiteIQ to read your parcel.