Land Development and Applications

Are You Planning to Develop Property? Start Here...

Depending on the nature of the development you are proposing, an application may need to be submitted to either your Area Municipal office or the District's office. Planning staff are available to answer any questions about your proposal and we encourage you to speak with them prior to submitting an application. Learn more about Muskoka's six Area Municipalities at the following link: Muskoka's Area Municipalities

Topics, Process and Requirements for a Variety of Development Options

Dividing Land/Property/Ownership

Plans of Subdivision

The creation of several lots requires the approval of a Plan of Subdivision by the District. Applicants are required to pre-consult with District staff prior to the submission of an application (links to BY-LAW NO. 2009-19).

To set up a pre-consultation meeting regarding your proposal or for more information regarding these types of planning applications, please contact the District's Planning Team at 705-645-2100 ext.4234 or via email.

The MMAH Land Use Planning: Subdivisions website is also a great reference tool for more general information.

Condominium Descriptions

When dividing the ownership interests in a property or building, the District approval of a Condominium Description is required.

Applicants are required to pre-consult with District staff prior to the submission of an application (links to BY-LAW NO. 2009-19).

Subdivision and Condominium Application Forms and Fees By-law

Part Lot Control

The District is the approval authority for Part Lot Control applications. Part Lot control is a method for further division of a lot or block within a plan of subdivision so that it can be held in separate ownership.

Applications for the further division of a lot or block in a plan of subdivision by way of the Part Lot Control process are submitted to the Area Municipality in which the plan is located.

Once the Area Municipality passes the Part Lot Control By-law, it is then sent to the District for approval. Applicants are encouraged to pre-consult with District staff prior to the submission of an application.

To set up a pre-consultation meeting regarding your proposal or for more information regarding these types of planning applications (see BY-LAW NO. 2009-19), please contact the District's Planning Team at 705-645-2100 ext.4234 or via email .

Severance/Consents/Right of Way/Easements/Lot Additions

If you are thinking about dividing your land into two or more parcels, adding land to an abutting property, or dividing ownership interests, approval is required from either an Area Municipality or the District.

A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This is commonly known as consent.

While the Area Municipal Official Plans and Zoning By-laws are the main documents that govern land division by consent, there are a number of District interests that may need to be considered as part of an application. Contact District Planning staff for more information.

Other Approvals

Depending on the nature and location of the project, certain other approvals may be required from the District. For example, if the land fronts onto a District Road, a road entrance permit application for a new or upgraded road entrance may be required.

In addition, if the project is located within one of Muskoka's Urban Centres, the development must generally be connected to municipal piped water and wastewater services. To connect to these services, a water and sewer connection permit application must be obtained.

Muskoka's Urban Centres

Bracebridge
Gravenhurst
Huntsville
Hidden Valley
Port Carling
Bala
Port Severn
MacTier
Baysville

Construction and Zoning

Your ability to establish a new use or business on your land, or make an improvement to one or more of your buildings or your property depends on how the Area Municipality's zoning by-law applies to your land.

A zoning by-law controls the use of land in your Area Municipality. 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

You should start your project planning by meeting with the Planning /Building department staff of your Area Municipality to determine how the zoning by-law applies to your land. They will also tell you which Area Municipal permits and approvals are necessary - as well as the related fees and timeframes.

If the Area Municipality's planning documents (by-laws, official plan, etc.) permit what you are proposing to do, the project may simply involve obtaining a development and/or building permit. However, if this is not the case, you may need to apply for a zoning by-law amendment.

For more information on the applicable zoning by-law or the zoning by-law amendment process please contact the respective Area Municipality or visit the MMAH Land Use Planning: Zoning-Bylaws for more general information.

Development Application Forms (Zoning By-law Amendment) are available through your Area Municipality.

Where Can I Find Zoning Information?

Contact your respective Area Municipality for zoning information. For contact information for Muskoka's six Area Municipalities please visit the following link: Muskoka's Area Municipalities

You can also view zoning information for Muskoka on Muskoka's web mapping portal: Muskoka GeoHub.

Applications and Forms (Alphabetical Listing)

Development Charges

All new development may be subject to development fees and charges, in accordance with the District and Area Municipal Development Charges By-Laws.