FLUDTA: NCC approval for projects in the Capital

The NCC is the federal planning and coordinating agency for Canada’s Capital Region. It protects the character and national significance of the Capital, and strives to improve the quality of the Capital experience for residents and visitors.

For this reason, the NCC has approval authority over some projects in the region, a role set out in the National Capital Act.

This process is known as federal land use, design and transaction approval, or FLUDTA. It ensures that projects will contribute to the Capital’s being a source of pride for Canadians.

Within Canada’s Capital Region, projects that need federal approval include the following:

• work by federal departments, including the NCC
• the sale or transfer of federal lands or property
• projects on federal lands or that pertain to federal buildings
• projects on privately owned land subject to NCC covenants

Here are a few examples:

• change of land use
• construction, rehabilitation, alteration, extension, or demolition of buildings or structures
• installations, public art, commemorations, monuments and signage
• civil, landscape and infrastructure projects

Unless it is for a change in use, an alteration to the interior of a building does not need NCC approval.

The FLUDTA process has four stages. Each stage provides NCC staff with more information as the project develops.

NCC staff know exactly how to help proponents make their proposals successful and compliant. They are available every step of the way to provide expert advice and guidance to proponents and their teams.

The duration of the complete process, from the consultation to the review and approval, varies. It depends on the complexity of the project, as well as the impact on the nature, character and significance of the Capital.

To start the federal approval process, you must complete the online application form.

If you have questions about the federal approval process, please see the FLUDTA proponent’s guide, or send us an email.