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 forbes.symon@jp2g.com. For alternative document formats, please contact Lillian Logan at planningadmin@lanarkhighlands.ca.
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.
Get In Touch
Township of Lanark Highlands
75 George Street
Lanark, ON K0G 1K0
Phone: 613-259-2398 ext. 250
Email: planningadmin@lanarkhighlands.ca
Zoning By-Law Documents
Sections
Zoning By-Law - Table of Contents
Zoning By-Law - Sections 1, 2, 3
Zoning By-Law - Sections 7 - 11
Zoning By-Law - Sections 12 - 19
Schedules
Amendments
By-Law No. 2004-548 Amend By-Law No. 2003-451 (Omnibus)
By-Law No. 2007-785 Amend By-Law 2003-451 (Accessory Structures)
By-Law No .2023-1841 Amend By-Law No. 2003-451 (Allow Additional Residential Units ARUs)
Application and Fees
Zoning By-law Amendment
Approval Process
Timeline: 3-5 Months
Pre-consultation Meeting
- Applicant meets with staff to discuss the proposed amendment.
- Staff will identify any studies or supporting documentation that may be required.
- Note that certain studies may be required to be peer reviewed.
- Early consultation with local departments and external agencies is strongly recommended.
Complete Application Submission
- Applicant will prepare and submit an application form, the required plans and documents, and the application fee.
Application Review
- Within 30 days of filing the application (including payment), the applicant will be advised in writing as to whether the submission is complete or incomplete.
Public Notice / Circulation
- Should the application be deemed complete, a Notice of Public Meeting will be sent at least 20 days before the scheduled meeting to property owners within 120 m of the subject lands.
- Application is circulated to internal departments/ external agencies.
Council Meeting
- Planner prepares a Planning Report reviewing the merits of the application.
- Public Meeting is scheduled before Village Council.
- Council holds a public meeting, receives comments, reviews planning report and proposed zoning by-law amendment.
Decision
- The Notice of Decision will be sent to the applicant and any person who made a written request for notice.
Appeal Rights
- The application is eligible for appeal no earlier than 20 days after the date the decision is signed.
- If no appeal is received, the By-law becomes effective on the date of passage.
- Note: Third-party appeals are no longer permitted. Only the applicant, local municipality, a public body, or specified person under the Planning Act may appeal the decision.
FAQs
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”.
