Once the Niagara Escarpment Commission has made a decision regarding a development permit application, a Notice of Decision is sent to the permit applicant, other agencies consulted during the application assessment stage, and neighbouring landowners within 120 metres of the subject property and any person who asked to receive the Notice of Decision. Upon receipt by the Niagara Escarpment Commission, an appeal is forwarded to the Ontario Land Tribunal that appoints a Hearing Officer to process the appeal and coordinates the hearing process. 

The Hearing Officer will make a report to the Minister of Natural Resources within 30 days after the conclusion of the Hearing or within such longer period as the Minister may permit. The report will either:

• Confirm the decision of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, or;
• Not agree with the decision of the Niagara Escarpment Commission. In this instance, the Minister will then make a final decision on the application.  

The Ontario Land Tribunal will notify parties of the outcome of an appeal.