Property Information Sheet

Thinking about or are you in the process of purchasing property in Lanark Highlands?

A Zoning Compliance Report provides you with:

• Assessment mapping;
• Official Plan mapping and
• Zoning By-law mapping
• The pertinent zoning information will give the permitted uses and the various yard setback requirements for those uses.
• Information on other zoning provisions that may affect the property including Section 4 (Amended by By-Law No. 2007-785 - Accessory Structures).
• A review of the property file is completed which may reveal items on file that would affect the property (i.e. outstanding local improvements, site plan control agreement, development agreement).

A zoning compliance report must be requested in writing with the following information:

• assessment roll number
• legal description (lot and concession)
• contact information (mailing address, phone number)
• how you would like to receive the report (pick-up, mail etc.)
• Specific Questions you have related to the property

Zoning compliance reports cost $75.00 per assessment roll number.

Payment must be received with the written request.

Consents

The County of Lanark Planning Department processes consent applications under Section 53 of the Planning Act and validation of title applications under Section 57 of the Planning Act made to the Lanark County Land Division Committee.

Subdivisions

The County of Lanark is the approval authority for Plans of Subdivision.

Consent Applications Scheduled for Land Division Committee

The Site Plan review and approval process is a legislative tool under the Planning Act. Site Plan Control is a development review process which evaluates the layout of site features, (buildings, parking areas, landscaping, etc), but not the interior spaces of the proposed structures. It seeks to mitigate the impact of development.

Site plan control by-laws are not zoning by-laws. They are used to establish areas where site plan control will be applied over and above those set out in the zoning by-laws. These areas must be described in the official plan.

Site plan controls are used to ensure that:

• developments are built and maintained in the way that council approved
• new developments meet certain standards of quality and appearance
• there is safe and easy access for pedestrians and vehicles
• the appearance and design features of buildings, and their sustainable design, are satisfactory
• there is adequate landscaping, parking and drainage
• nearby properties are protected from incompatible development.

As a condition of site plan approval, the Township may require the owner to provide land for road widening.

Site Plan Control Applications

The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an application for Site Plan Control. If you are acting as an agent for the purposes of the application, a letter of authorization is required from the registered owner of the property.

Application

Applications are also available at the Municipal Office.

How Much Will it Cost?

The application fee is outlined on the application form, payable at the time an application is submitted. Fees may be paid by cash, cheque or debit. If the fee is being paid by cheque, the cheque must be made payable to: “Township of Lanark Highlands”.

What Happens Once the Application is Submitted?

The application is circulated to other Township Departments and various agencies for their comments. All correspondence will be reviewed and the Township Planner will prepare a report for the CAO to review.

By-Law No. 2023-1842 to Implement Site Plan Control

Appeal Provisions

Only the Applicant can appeal the conditions of the Site Plan Control Approval to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Implementation and Enforcement of Site Plan Control Applications

The Township takes steps to ensure that the Site Plan Control Agreements are implemented and remain in force until the development is completed. Site Plan Control Agreements are registered on title and remain in effect for as long as the development is in place.

The Township of Lanark Highlands Building Department issues building permits, reviews construction and development plans, and performs onsite project inspections.

The Building Department's mandate is to promote and assist development in compliance with the regulations established by the Ontario Building Code , Lanark Highlands Zoning By-Law and all other applicable law.

If you plan to begin a construction project, we recommend you contact our office in your early planning stages so we can help identify the steps for your consideration and this will avoid potential costly delays and disappointments.

If you are unsure whether you require a building permit, contact the Building Department. It is the property owner's responsibility to obtain a building permit prior to any construction launch or alterations.

If you are planning to build near a waterway, or if your project will in any way disrupt, reroute, alter, fill or impact a nearby waterway, you must contact your local conservation authority to determine if you need additional permits or permissions.

Here are some definitions from the Ontario Building Code Act. Check also the Guide to Building for more information on what does and doesn't require a permit.

"Building" means any of:

• a structure occupying an area greater than ten square metres consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto
• a structure occupying an area of ten square metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto
• plumbing not located in a structure
• a sewage system
• structures designated in the building code

Looking for more information on Additional Residential Units? By-Law No. 2023-1841 A By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law No. 2003-451 to Allow Additional Residential Units (ARUs).pdf

Interested in Tiny Home Information? Tiny Home Information.pdf

All building within the Township of Lanark Highlands is governed by the Ontario Building Code and local By-laws. Any new construction over 15 square meeting, if it will be attached to an existing building or is a major renovation will require a Building Permit. In order to obtain a permit the application form must be filled out and submitted with a complete set of drawings, specification, permit fees and approvals from any other relevant agencies. The Building Department will review all items and issue a permit accordingly.

"Construct" (or "construction") means to do anything in the erection, installation, extension or material alteration or repair of a building and includes the installation of a building unit fabricated or moved from elsewhere.

"Demolish" (or "demolition") means to do anything in the removal of a building or any material part thereof.

All building within the Township of Lanark Highlands is governed by the Ontario Building Code and local By-laws. Any new construction over 15 square meeting, if it will be attached to an existing building or is a major renovation will require a Building Permit. In order to obtain a permit the application form must be filled out and submitted with a complete set of drawings, specification, permit fees and approvals from any other relevant agencies. The Building Department will review all items and issue a permit accordingly.

In order to avoid delays when making an application it is recommended that you pre-consult with the Building Department as well as the Planning Department as early as you can in the design stage of your project. In particular, the zoning and location of a specific property may affect the required design limitations.

After a permit has been issued, the applicant and/or property owner are responsible to notify the building department of readiness for the mandatory inspection stages. It is recommended that 2 business days notice are given prior to the inspection to ensure it is conducted when your building schedule needs it. Booking an inspection either by phone or in person is the preferred method and can be done at 75 George St. Lanark or at 613-259-2398 during regular office hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Looking for more information on Additional Residential Units? By-Law No. 2023-1841 A By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law No. 2003-451 to Allow Additional Residential Units (ARUs).pdf

Interested in Tiny Home Information? Tiny Home Information.pdf

The Planning Department establishes policies, regulations and standards guiding land use and development in Lanark Highlands and ensures compliance with provincial building regulations.

The Planning Department deals with all matters that fall under the Planning Act including plans of subdivisions, consents, official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, minor variances, and site plan control.

For more information on:

• The Planning Act
• The Official Plan
• Zoning By-Law
• Minor Variances
• Applications and Fees
• Zoning Compliance Report
• Site Plan Control
• Consents and Subdivisions