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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
Notice of Application
Notice of Application B24-148-150 Hopetown Holstiens
Notice of Application B22-092-094 HUTT
Notice of Application B24-140 B24-153 Wark_Hutchinson_SommervilleNotice of Application B24-105-107 126432 ON INC.
Notice_of_Application_B25-015-016_003_McCormick
Township Planning Report
Planning Report #B23-060-062 (Cole)
Planning Report #B20-122 (Lanthier)
Planning Report #B24-037 (Brown)
Planning Report B24-083 084 085 Pokrwya (REVISED)
Planning Report #B24 087 (Kristine-Graham)
Planning Report #B24 093 Coupland
Planning Report #B24 088 Henry-Henderson
Planning Report B24 126 BoyerPlanning Report B24 117 Pretty
Planning Report B24 119 Neilson.
Planning Report B24-155 James.
Planning Report B25-157 B124-158 Mingie.
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.
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.
Municipal Applications
Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Official Plan Amendment Application
County of Lanark Planning Applications
Fees
By-Law No.2022-1799 To Prescribe a Tariff of Fees for Planning
| 2024 | Fees | Deposits |
|---|---|---|
| Official Plan Amendment | $660.00 | $2000.00 |
| Zoning By-law Amendment | $660.00 | $2000.00 |
| Combined OPA/ZBA | $1100.00 | $2000.00 |
| Site Plan Control Agreement | $570.00 | $2000.00 |
| Site Plan Amendment minor (less than 10% change) |
25% of the fee | |
| Site Plan Amendment major | 50% of the fee | |
| Combined ZBA/SPC | $1020.00 | $2000.00 |
| Minor Variance | $720.00 | $2000.00 |
| Minor Variance Amendment minor (less than 10% change) |
25% of the fee | |
| Minor Variance Major Amendment | 50% of the fee | |
| Combined MV/SPC | $1070.00 | $2000.00 |
| Subdivision Review | $2500.00 plus $60/hour per related staff review | $5000.00 |
| Subdivision minor change, prior to draft approval | $750.00 plus $60/hour per related staff review | |
| Subdivision major change, prior to draft approval | $1000.00 plus $60/hour for other staff review | |
| Part Lot Control Application | $500.00 | |
| Consent | $500.00 plus $215 each additional severance | $1500.00 |
| Consent Amendment | $150.00 | |
| Cash-in-lieu | Waterfront lots $600.00 Other lands $450.00 |
|
| Removal of Holding Symbol | $450.00 | $500.00 |
| Temporary Use By-law | $500.00 | $1500.00 |
| Zoning Certificate | $75.00/ property file | |
| Communication Tower Application | $200.00 | |
| No significant movement of file for 1 year | 50% of original fee | |
| Pre-consultation Meetings | Inquiry plus one pre-consultation free; after which $60.00/hour prior to application being deemed complete | |
| Review of applications by other (Fire, PW) | $60.00/hour during pre-consultation phase, to come from deposit after application is deemed complete (will be placed in appropriate budget line) | |
| Third Party Review of Studies | All costs borne by the applicant | |
| Legal Fees | All costs borne by the applicant | |
The owner of a property or any person authorized in writing by the owner who is unable to comply with the provisions of the Zoning By-Law may apply to the Committee of Adjustment by means of an “Application for Minor Variance” for relief from the Zoning By-Law. Minor Variances may be granted provided that, in the opinion of the Committee, the request is minor in nature, is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure and if, in the opinion of the Committee, the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-Law and the Official Plan are maintained. A minor variance does not change a zoning by-law. It simply excuses you from a specific requirement of the by-law and allows you to obtain a building permit.
The Committee of Adjustment is composed of 7 members, who are appointed by the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands. The authority of the Committee of Adjustment is set out in the Planning Act.
Applications
Information regarding the proposed Minor Variances will be available for public inspection at the Township of Lanark Highlands Municipal Office BY APPOINTMENT ONLY during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For Questions or Comments on the application, please email Forbes Symon at . For alternate forms of documents, please contact Avery Dowdall at .
Minor Variance Applications
If you wish to apply to the Committee of Adjustment you should obtain and complete the application form. The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an application for minor variance. The requirements include a site plan or survey which will indicate the location of the property, the setbacks of all buildings or structures on the property and sufficient information to clearly identify the variance required. 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.
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. Notice of all Committee of Adjustment applications is also sent, by mail, to all property owners within 60.0 meters (200 ft.) of the subject property. Following the circulation period, all correspondence will be reviewed and the Township Planner will determine if the proposal meets all requirements and prepare a report for the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee of Adjustment will then decide to approve, approve with conditions, or not approve the application.
What Happens at the Meeting?
At the hearing, the Township Planner or Planning Assistant will present the Report to the Committee. Presentations may also be made by any other interested parties in support of or in objection to your application. The Committee considers all presentations for and against your proposal and renders a verbal decision in the presence of all interested parties at the time of the Public Meeting. An approval of your application may be subject to such conditions and/or restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate. If an individual wishes to receive a copy of a Committee decision their request must be in writing.
Please Note that third-party appeals for Minor Variance applications have been eliminated through Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. As a result, no one other than the applicant, the municipality, certain public bodies, and the Minister are permitted to appeal minor variance decisions.
What Happens After the Meeting?
A written decision from the Committee will be sent to the applicant, agent and all persons who requested a copy of the decision by Certified Mail within ten days from the date of the hearing. At the end of the twenty-day appeal period, if no appeal has been filed by an eligible person or public body as noted above,the decision will become final and binding.
Appeal Provisions
The decision of the Committee of Adjustment is subject to appeal within twenty days from the date that the decision is signed. During the appeal period, any person having an interest in the application may file an appeal of the Committee’s decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. The notice of appeal is filed with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment. The notice of appeal must be in writing and outline the reasons for the objection. A cheque for the required fee, payable to “The Minister of Finance”, must be included with a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal, the fee and all required documents will be forwarded by The Secretary-Treasurer to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
A zoning by-law controls the use of land in your community. It states exactly:
- how land may be used
- where buildings and other structures can be located
- the types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used
- the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street.
An official plan sets out the Township’s general policies for future land use. Zoning by-laws put the plan into effect and provide for its day-to-day administration. They contain specific requirements that are legally enforceable. Construction or new development that does not comply with a zoning by-law is not allowed, and the Township will refuse to issue a building permit.
Applications
Information regarding the proposed zoning by-law amendments will be available for public inspection at the Township of Lanark Highlands Municipal Office BY APPOINTMENT ONLY during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. For Questions or Comments on the application, please email Forbes Symon at . For alternate forms of documents, please contact Avery Dowdall at .
Zoning By-Law Documents
** Section 4 Amended by By-law 2007-785
** Housekeeping By-Law-By-Law No. 2004-548 To Amend 2003-451
Additional Residential Units (ARU's) By-Law No. 2023-1841 A By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law No. 2003-451 to Allow Additional Residential Units (ARUs)
Zoning By-Law Amendments
If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not permitted by the zoning by-law, you may apply for a zoning change, also known as a zoning by-law amendment or a rezoning.
How are Zoning By-Laws Evaluated?
When council considers a zoning by-law, they evaluate it against criteria such as:
- conformity with the official plan and compatibility with adjacent uses of land
- suitability of the land for the proposed purpose, including the size and shape of the lot(s) being created
- adequacy of vehicular access, water supply, sewage disposal
- the risk of flooding.
When council considers a zoning by-law, its decision shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement issued under the Planning Act. The Provincial Policy Statement contains clear, overall policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The “shall be consistent with” rule means that a council is obliged to ensure that the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement are applied as an essential part of the land use planning decision-making process.
Zoning By-Law Amendment Applications
Before you apply for rezoning, you should talk to Township staff for advice and information. You must complete an application form which requires information identified by the Planning Act and the municipality.
The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an application for a Zoning By-Law Amendment. 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.
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, as well as to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject site. A notice will be installed on the property briefly describing the proposal.
All correspondence will be reviewed and the Township Planner will prepare a report with a recommendation to approve or refuse the rezoning application. The report will then be presented at a Public Meeting.
If the recommendation is to approve the rezoning the necessary by-law will be considered at the next Council Meeting, which generally is held immediately following the Public Meeting. Council will then adopt a By-Law approving the necessary rezoning for the specific parcel of land.
What Happens After the Meeting?
If Council approves the proposed amendment and passes a by-law, the by-law will be circulated to give interested parties the chance to appeal. A 20-day appeal period is provided for, once notice of Adoption of the By-Law has been given. If no appeals are received by the end of the appeal period, the amendment is in full force and effect.
Appeal Provisions
The process for dealing with zoning by-law amendments is the same as for a zoning by-law. If local council refuses your zoning application, or if it does not make a decision within 120 days of the receipt of your application containing the prescribed information, you may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Township of Lanark Highlands - Official Plan Review
0940-OP-22002 LH OPA 8 Notice of Decision ISSUED
0940-OP-22002 LH OPA 8-Decision-ISSUED
Final Approved with OPA 3 June 19, 2024
Schedule A Land Use Transportation 1_2
Schedule A2 Lanark Village Land Use Transportation
Schedule B Development Constraints
Schedule B2 Development Constraints
Schedule C Natural Heritage Features
What is an Official Plan By-Law?
An official plan describes your upper, lower or single–tier municipal council's policies on how land in your community should be used. It is prepared with input from you and others in your community and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of your community.
Applications
Information regarding the proposed official plan amendments will be available for public inspection at the Township of Lanark Highlands Municipal Office BY APPOINTMENT ONLY during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. For Questions or Comments on the application, please email Forbes Symon at . For alternate forms of documents, please contact Sarah Hobbs at .
ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) - Application
Planning Addendum Report Highland Line Pit January 2025
OPA-08 & ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) - Cover Letter
OPA-08 & ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) -Traffic_Impact_Study
OPA-08 & ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) -ARA_Site_Plan
OPA-08 & ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) -Acoustic_Assessment
OPA-08 & ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) - MVCA Comments
OPA-08 & ZA-2023-02 Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Highland Line Pit) - Public Meeting Report
Due to the size of the Archaeological Assessments, they cannot be uploaded to the website. Please email for a copy.
OP-06 & ZA-2023-06 Cooney Construction and Landscape Ltd. (HWY 511) - OPA Application
OP-06 & ZA-2023-06 Cooney Construction and Landscape Ltd. (HWY 511) - Cover_Letter.
OP-06 & ZA-2023-06 Cooney Construction and Landscape Ltd. (HWY 511) - Level_1_Hydrogeological_Report
OP-06 & ZA-2023-06 Cooney Construction and Landscape Ltd. (HWY 511) - NOISE_IMPACT_OPINION
OP-06 & ZA-2023-06 Cooney Construction and Landscape Ltd. (HWY 511) - Traffic_Study
Why do you need an official plan?
The Official Plan:
- lets the public know what the municipality's general land use planning policies are
- makes sure that growth is coordinated and focused on expansion and intensification within strategic growth areas
- helps all members of the community understand how their land may be used now and in the future
- helps decide where roads, watermains, sewers, garbage dumps, parks and other services will be built
- provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning by-laws to set local regulations and standards, like the size of lots and height of buildings
- provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional and provincial interests
- shows council's commitment to the future growth of the community.
Official Plan Amendments
An official plan amendment is a formal document that changes a municipality's official plan. Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners.
Official Plan Amendment Applications
Before you apply for an Official Plan Amendment, you should talk to Township staff for advice and information. You must complete an application form which requires information identified by the Planning Act and the municipality.
The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an application for an Official Plan Amendment. 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.
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, as well as to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject site. A notice will be installed on the property briefly describing the proposal.
All correspondence will be reviewed and the Township Planner will prepare a report with a recommendation to approve or refuse the Official Plan Amendment application. The report will then be presented at a Public Meeting.
If the recommendation is to approve the Official Plan Amendment the necessary by-law will be considered at the next Council Meeting, which generally is held immediately following the Public Meeting. Council will then adopt a By-Law approving the necessary Official Plan Amendment for the specific parcel of land.
What Happens After the Meeting?
If Council approves the proposed amendment and passes a by-law, the by-law will be circulated to give interested parties the chance to appeal. A 20-day appeal period is provided for, once notice of Adoption of the By-Law has been given. If no appeals are received by the end of the appeal period, the amendment is in full force and effect.
Appeal Provisions
The process for dealing with official plan amendments is the same as for an official plan by-law. If local council refuses your official plan amendment application, or if it does not make a decision within 120 days of the receipt of your application containing the prescribed information, you may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
What is the Planning Act?
The Planning Act sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario and describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them.
The Act is legislation passed by your elected provincial representatives to:
- promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment within a provincial policy framework
- provide for a land use planning system led by provincial policy
- integrate matters of provincial interest into provincial and municipal planning decisions by requiring that all decisions shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement when decision-makers exercise planning authority or provide advice on planning matters
- provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open, accessible, timely and efficient
- encourage co-operation and coordination among various interests
- recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal councils in planning.
The province:
- issues provincial policy statements under the Planning Act
- prepares provincial plans e.g. Greenbelt Plan and Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006
- promotes provincial interests, such as protecting farmland, natural resources and the environment, as well as promoting development that is designed to be sustainable, supportive of public transit and oriented to pedestrians
- provides one-window planning service to municipalities through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the primary provincial contact for advice and information on land use planning issues
- gives advice to municipalities and the public on land use planning issues
- administers local planning controls and gives approval where required.
The local municipality:
- makes local planning decisions that will determine the future of communities
- prepares planning documents, such as:
- an official plan, which sets out the municipality's general planning goals and policies that will guide future land use
- zoning by-laws, which set the rules and regulations that control development as it occurs
- ensures planning decisions and planning documents are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conform or do not conflict with provincial plans.
The County of Lanark has the authority to approve consents (severances), plans of subdivision and condominium, condominium exemptions and part-lot control by-laws. For further information visit the following link Lanark County - Planning Approvals or contact the County of Lanark at 613-267-4200 and ask for the Planning Department.
Under the Planning Act, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may, from time to time, issue provincial statements on matters related to land use planning that are of provincial interest.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 (PPS, 2020) contains clear, overall policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development.
2025 APPLICATIONS Open
Download Municipal Grants Policy and Application
Council would like to encourage all who wish to apply to get their completed applications in to the CAO – or drop off in person at the Town Hall by 31 October 2024.!
There is government money available to help with your business expenses, but you'll need to meet very specific criteria to qualify for it.
Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is a community-based organization dedicated to stimulating job creation and economic growth through business and community development. Funded by FedDev, Valley Heartland CFDC assists small towns and rural communities to strengthen and diversify their economies.
Valley Heartland's Business Resources and Funding Opportunities
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Contact Us
Sarah Hobbs
Planning, Building and Clerk Admin
Ext. 250
Forbes Symon
Planning Consultant, Jp2g
613-281-9894
75 George Street,
PO BOX 340
Lanark, Ontario
K0G 1K0
613-259-2398
1-800-239-4695
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.