Planning and Zoning

Development Inquiries are the primary way to learn about the planning information about a piece of property in Trent Hills. Staff are able to answer a wide range of questions about your property, such as:

• Applicable Zoning By-law
• Official Plan Designations
• Permitted Uses
• Building Provisions, such as building setbacks and heights
• Severance Potential
• The Location of any Environmental Features and the relevant regulations
• Any other by-laws or provisions that may apply

Staff can't directly answer the following, but can help point you in the right direction on:

• The location of a property line
• Legal land issues relating to ownership
• Planning matters outside of the Municipality of Trent Hills

Staff are not permitted to provide the name and contact information of an individual. If you would like to get in contact with someone who has submitted a planning application, staff can provide your contact information to them, but it will be their call if they reach out to you.

To submit a Development Inquiry, head to the Development Inquiries webpage, or click on Submit a Planning Inquiry at the side (web) or bottom (mobile) of this page.

The Trent Hills Official Plan sets out a vision and long-term goals to guide the growth and development of the Municipality. The Official Plan provides a framework that balances population and economic growth with the protection of the natural environment, ensuring the sustainability of our resources for future generations.

Starting in 2022, the Municipality of Trent Hills has begun the process of updating the Official Plan. 

You can find out more about the current Official Plan and the creation of the new Official Plan on the following page: Official Plan

Trent Hills Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 is the primary tool regulating land use within the municipality. It provides provisions for permitted use, where buildings can be located on a property, and other rules to make sure new development is compatible with existing land uses.

You can read more about Trent Hills Zoning By-laws on the following page: Zoning & Land Use

Planning Applications are required in order to change zoning and permitted uses on a property, to sever off and create new parcels of land, to create a shared easement between others, and to subdivide land for future development.

A list of Planning Applications can be found on the following page:  Planning Applications. Print copies are also available for pickup from the municipal office.