Planning Applications

Application For a Pre-Consultation

Pre-consultations work as an intermediate step between Development Inquiries and the Planning Application Process. Planning staff will reach out to you to choose a date for a meeting to discuss the opportunities and challenges that your proposal may face and advise you of next steps.

Depending on the nature of the proposal, multiple departments may be invited to discuss the application.

Application For a Minor Variance

Minor Variance Applications are required when a permitted use on a property would not comply with one or more provisions for that use. For example, if an extension to the side of a house was proposed that would encroach into the interior side yard setback for that zone, a Minor Variance may be supported to permit the extension.

Minor Variances must pass 4 tests under the Planning Act - 1) The variance must be minor in nature, 2) The variance must be appropriate and desirable, 3) it must meet the Intent of the Official Plan, and 4) The variance must meet the intent of the Zoning By-law. Staff will notify the applicant if a Minor Variance or a Zoning By-law Amendment is required to suit their proposal. 

Application For a Zoning By-law Amendment

A Zoning By-law Amendment is required to change the zoning of a property to allow a specific use, to allow uses that are not permitted as-of-right within Trent Hills, or to significantly alter the provisions on a property.

Application For a Consent or Severance

A Consent or Severance Application is required to create a new parcel, modify the boundaries of an existing parcel, transfer a part of a parcel to another person, or to create an easement for access or other purposes.

The creation of new lots through the consent process is limited per the Trent Hills Official Plan and Provincial Planning Statement, 2024. Please submit a development inquiry form and get in touch with staff to confirm if your property is eligible for a severance.

Application For A Plan Of Subdivision (2026)

Plans of Subdivision are required for the creation of 3 or more lots within settlement areas. They often require the installation of municipal services, including roads, water, sanitary, and electricity. This also applies to Plans of Condominiums.

This application may also be used for Redline Revision Requests (a change to the draft approved plan), extension to draft approval, and a copy is required when proceeding to the Subdivision/Condominium Agreement phase.

Before submitting an application for a Plan of Subdivision/Plan of Condominium Application, please contact the Planning Department for required studies, plans, and reports, that will be required before the application can considered to be complete.

Application For a Part Lot Control Exemption/Deeming By-Law

Part-lot Control Exemption By-laws are primarily used to divide parcels within a registered Plan of Subdivision for the purposes of creating multiple freehold units in semi-detached and townhouse-style units. The affected structure must meet the zoning requirements and provisions for the zone in which it is located.

A Deeming By-law deems an area of land to no longer be part of a registered Plan of Subdivisions, allowing for lots to merge or be added to by adjoining lots.

Application For Site Plan Control

Site plans ensure that development proceeds as approved and minimize impacts. It is a detailed plan of development that shows the location of buildings, services, driveways, walkways, parking, landscaping and how these relate to the site and surrounding uses.

Per changes to the Planning Act, Site Plan Control is not applicable for developments with fewer than 10 residential units. It may apply to commercial, industrial, and home-based business operations that exceed the requirements of the Zoning By-law, and will apply to residential developments with 11 units or greater.

Please contact the Planning Department to confirm whether your proposal will be subject to a Site Plan Control Application.

Application For an Official Plan Amendment

Official Plan Amendments are required to change the designation of a property within the Official Plan, or to expand the settlement area. Please reach out to a member of the Planning Department if you think an Official Plan Amendment may be required for your proposal.

Application To Close a Road Allowance

If your property is adjacent to a road allowance that is not in use, you may be eligible to apply to close the road allowance, have it declared surplus to the needs of the Municipality, and purchase a portion of it. Other adjacent landowners will have an opportunity to purchase their portion of the road allowance as well.

Please submit a Development Inquiry to the Planning Department to confirm whether the road allowance meets the criteria to be closed.

Please see the Trent Hills Sale Of Road Allowance Procedure for a list of the steps required to Close a Road Allowance.

 Find the road and entrance permits you need, including:

• Entrance permits
• Road cut permits
• Road occupancy permits
• 911 sign permit
• Temporary road closure
• Close a municipal road allowance

Cost Acknowledgement Agreement

Any application with a deposit as part of the required payment must include a signed Cost Acknowledgement Agreement.