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Property Development

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Thinking of Building? Start Here...

Covid-19 Updates

Planning Service Changes

Thank you for your interest regarding development in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

One of the impacts of Covid-19 has been a dramatic increase in property development within the Township. This has resulted in an overwhelming increase in Planning inquiries and application submissions. In order to prioritize the increased volume of workload and maintain compliance with legislated timeframes, staff will only be available to assist applicants with submitted applications.

Complete planning applications or appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) can be submitted via mail or by utilizing the drop box at the Municipal Office.

As it pertains to general development inquiries, we ask that you please consult the Township website which contains an extensive amount of information and may assist with your inquiry. 

Alternatively, you may wish to consult with a local planning/consulting firm who can provide further assistance. A google query for land use planning consultants in Muskoka has produced these results.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Development Charges 

Development Charges for the Township and District will be charged as follows: Notice of Development Charges. 

 

Township Development Charges

In accordance with By-law 2019-074, as of July 17, 2019:

  • Single family and Semi's - $4,445.00
  • Rows and other multiples - $2,447.00
  • Apartments (2 or more bedrooms) - $1,985.00
  • Apartments (Bachelor or 1 bedroom) - $1,323.00
  • Non-residential, per square foot of building space - $1.85
District of Muskoka Development Charges

View the District of Muskoka Development Charges Pamphlet. District Development Charges do not apply if the addition to a non-residential building is 50% or less of floor area.  

In accordance with By-law 2019-49, as of January 1, 2021:

Rural

  • Single family and Semi's - $5,000.00
  • Low density multiples (townhouses and row housing, duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes) - $4,139.00
  • High density residential (buildings, suites, apartments or unit with two or more sleeping areas and hunt camps) - $3,277.00
  • High density residential (buildings, suites, apartments or unit with less than two sleeping areas and hunt camps) - $2,241.00
  • Uncategorized residential (per occupant) - $1,726.00
  • Nonresidential (per square foot) - $0.43

Urban

  • Single family and Semi's - $15,738.00
  • Low density multiples (townhouses and row housing, duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes) - $13,024.00
  • High density residential (buildings, suites, apartments or unit with two or more sleeping areas and hunt camps) - $10,312.00
  • High density residential (buildings, suites, apartments or unit with less than two sleeping areas and hunt camps) - $7,055.00
  • Uncategorized residential (per occupant) - $5,429.00
  • Nonresidential (per square foot) - $2.06
Maps

The Muskoka Web Map is an online interactive mapping application that features a new mapping interface and touch screen support for mobile devices. The application allows users to search for features and view high resolution aerial photography for the entire district.

Link to Muskoka Web Map

Step 1 - Property Zoning

First, confirm the zoning of the property using the Muskoka GeoHub Map below.

Step 2 - Determine Permitted Uses on Property

Once the zoning of a property has been confirmed, please consult with the Township's Zoning By-law. Zoning By-law 2014-14 applies to all properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes and regulates how land and buildings are used, the location of buildings, lot coverage, building heights and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development.

View Zoning By-law

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Zoning By-law?

Zoning By-laws regulate how land and buildings are used, the location of buildings, lot coverage, building heights and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development.

How do I find out what the zoning is for a property?

Visit Muskoka Web Map to determine your zoning designation or contact the Planning Department at the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Official Zoning Schedules are located at the Township of Muskoka Lakes office.  Please contact the Planning Department for current information. 

Zoning by-law 2014-14 

Zoning By-law 2014-14 is the new comprehensive zoning by-law applying to all properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

If a proposed use or structure on a property doesn't meet the requirements of our Zoning By-law, an application may be made for a Zoning By-law Amendment (or rezoning). The decision to approve or deny an application is made by Council. Prior to this decision, Planning Committee will hold a public meeting and make a recommendation to Council.  

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is needed when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished. The Township of Muskoka Lakes also requires a building permit to be taken out when processing an application to connect to the District Water and Sewer. A permit to connect must be taken out first from the District of Muskoka. This permit must go with your application to the Township of Muskoka Lakes, along with the needed drawings.

The following is a list of common renovation projects that require a building permit:

  • Constructing an addition to an existing building, such as:
    • second or third story additions
    • attached garages or carports
    • “Muskoka rooms”
    • porches, decks
  • Making structural or material alterations, such as:
    • adding or removing walls
    • new windows or doors where there were none before
    • enlarging or moving existing windows or doors
    • expanding an existing deck or dock
    • enclosing an existing deck or porch
    • replacing structural parts of a deck or dock
  • Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following:
    • structural or material alterations
    • installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
    • excavating and/or constructing foundations
    • basement underpinning
    • constructing a basement entrance
    • adding an additional unit or suite
  • Demolishing or removing all or part of a building
    • Installing or reconstructing a chimney or fireplace
    • Installing a wood burning stove or fireplace
    • Replacing or repairing footing drains
    • Upgrading or repairing a sewage system
    • Installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
    • Constructing or replacing a retaining wall (if the retaining wall is adjacent to public property)
    • Changing a building's use (example: residential to commercial or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is needed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit may be required.

I need to determine the zoning of a property.

Please review the zoning of a property using the Muskoka GeoHub Map.

I need to review zoning/development requirements (minimum frontage/area, setbacks, height, lot coverage, etc.) of a particular zone.

First, confirm the zoning of the property using the Muskoka GeoHub Map. Once confirmed, please consult with the Township's Comprehensive Zoning By-law. (please also note that a link to the zone section is provided through Muskoka GeoHub Map)

I don't meet the requirements of a particular zone and require a Minor Variance or Zoning By-law Amendment.

Please review application guides and application forms.

Minor Variance

A Minor Variance can provide specific relief from provisions of our Zoning By-law (an example would be needing to build slightly closer to a property boundary than the setbacks permitted in the Zoning By-law). Minor Variance decisions are made by the Committee of Adjustment.

  • Minor Variance Application 
  • Minor Variance Guide

Zoning by-law 2014-14 

Zoning By-law 2014-14 is the new comprehensive zoning by-law applying to all properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

If a proposed use or structure on a property doesn't meet the requirements of our Zoning By-law, an application may be made for a Zoning By-law Amendment (or rezoning). The decision to approve or deny an application is made by Council. Prior to this decision, Planning Committee will hold a public meeting and make a recommendation to Council.  

  • Zoning By-law Amendment
  • Zoning By-law Amendment Guide

I wish to subdivide or alter the lot lines of my property.

Please confirm the zoning of your property and related zoning requirements.

Consent from the Township is needed to separate a piece of land to form a new lot.  A Consent is not needed in certain situations, such as when the land is already divided by a railway or public road. 

You can also apply for Consent to create a Right-of-Way or change existing property boundaries (e.g. lot addition). Consent Application decisions are made by the Committee of Adjustment, unless submitted concurrently with a necessary Zoning By-law Amendment.

  • Consent Application
  • Amended Consent Application
  • Consent Guide

I wish to determine whether or not a proposed development is subject to Site Plan Control, or have questions regarding the Site Plan Approval process.

Please review the Site Plan Control By-law, application guide and application form.

A Site Plan Agreement establishes both design and technical aspects of development over and above the requirements set out in the Zoning By-law.  Site Plan Agreements can help to:

  • Ensure that development projects contribute to attractive waterfronts, streetscapes and the character of the neighbourhood, and
  • Protect the environmental features and surrounding land (e.g. wetlands, wildlife habitats, water quality).

Some development in the Township is exempt from Site Plan Control. Please refer to Site Plan Control By-law 2006-100 for more information. 

  • Site Plan Agreement – Amending
  • Site Plan Agreement – Commercial
  • Site Plan Agreement – Residential
  • Site Plan Guide

I require a copy of a previously approved Zoning By-law Amendment.

Please note that a link is provided on the subject property through Muskoka GeoHub Map.
How do I request a Municipal Records Search?

A Municipal Record Search is a document that provides details regarding issued building permits on file, the status of inspections, and any outstanding orders. It also offers information with respect to planning such as the zoning designation, permitted uses, and any planning approvals for the property. Typically, these requests are from solicitors performing a transfer of ownership or placing a mortgage.

If you would like to request a Municipal Records Search please submit a written request along with the fee to the Planning Department, Township of Muskoka Lakes, at either planning@muskokalakes.ca, or 1 Bailey Street PO Box 129 Port Carling ON P0B 1J0. In your request please provide the property tax roll number, property address, name of seller, name of purchaser, legal description of property, requisition date, name of law office, and email address where the Municipal Record Search can be returned once completed.

The Municipal Record Search Fee is $200.00 for a residential property and $300.00 for a commercial property. If you require the results within 48 hours and the municipality is able to accommodate the request, it is an additional $100.

Step 3 - Applications, Permits and Guides

basement being built
Book Inspection
building plans
Building Permit
demolition
Demolition Permit
dock
Docks and Boathouses
open field
Land Severance
framed house
Minor Variance
large white outdoor tent
Outdoor Tents
open septic tank lid
Septic Permit
rolled up building plans
Site Plan Agreement
hand drawing on map
Zoning By-law Amendment
Muskoka Geomap Logo
Zoning Maps
parking lot view of building
Other Planning Applications

Concerned About a Development?

It is always best if neighbours can respectfully resolve their issues without the need for By-law Enforcement. If possible, discuss the problem with your neighbour. Remember to focus on the issue, listen to their concerns, and look for mutually beneficial solutions.

If your efforts to resolve the matter with your neighbour have been unsuccessful, the Township's By-law Enforcement team may be able to assist in resolving the issue. Contact the By-law Enforcement Team to learn about the Township's By-laws and if they apply to your situation. You may find an answer to your inquiry in our By-law Fact Sheet.

The Muskoka GeoHub has an interactive mapping tool that provides a great deal of helpful information on development projects in Muskoka Lakes. This convenient self-use tool is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To report an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Report a Concern  By-law Fact Sheet

Process for Submitting a Complaint

  • Website Report a Concern Form.
  • Written complaint or completed complaint form submitted by Mail, Email, Fax or Hand Delivered to the Township of Muskoka Lakes Office.
    • Mailing Address: PO Box 129, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
    • Fax: (705) 765-6755
    • E-mail your form to the By-law Officer.
  • Call (705) 765-3156 – Answering Service is available 24/7 and the call taker will record the complaint and forward it to the Township.
  • Burning & Fireworks By-laws - Please call 705-765-3156 (answering service is available 24/7) to report a Burning and Fireworks By-law complaint.

After Hours

  • Complete online form or email complaint to the By-law Officer.
  • Call (705) 765-3156 – Answering Service is available 24/7 and the call taker will record the complaint and forward it to the Township.

Once a Complaint has Been Received

By-law Enforcement Officer will contact complainant via phone or e-mail to:

  • Obtain more information to complete the investigation.
  • Relay information to complainant regarding any action taken.

A By-law Enforcement Officer cannot stop people from contravening by-laws; he/she can only enforce the by-laws. Compliance with by-laws may be achieved in the following manner:

  • Giving verbal or written warnings and providing copies of the appropriate by-laws;
  • Issuing a Part 1 ticket in accordance with the Provincial Offenses Act (short form wording and set fines);
  • Summoning a defendant to court, usually initiated for a second, third or more serious offense where a larger fine or a Court Order is appropriate.

Regulatory By-laws

By-Laws are created as a way to address local issues and concerns. They are adopted to protect the environment, public health and safety, or to maintain an orderly appearance in the community.

View our listing of Frequently Requested By-Laws. 

View more By-Laws in our Document Centre.

Contact Us

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© 2019 Township of Muskoka Lakes, 1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0, T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

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