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Applications Licences and Permits

HomeTownship HallApplications, Licences and Permits
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The following is a list of common application forms, licenses and permits in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

911 Civic Application

All properties in Muskoka Lakes are required to have a 911 address. These numbers and blue reflective signs are your assurance that your property can be located in the event of an emergency.


If your land is undeveloped but is accessed for other purposes (hunting, camping, etc.), or if you are clearing trees for a future build, a 911 sign is required so that Emergency Services can find the property quickly.


If you are applying for a building or entrance permit and there is not already a number assigned, please request one from Public Works before starting any work on the property. A site plan showing the entrance location is required.


If your property is on a private road, please ensure that any changes to the road’s structure or entrances are reported to the Township in order to ensure that the proper civic address sequence is maintained.

Installation

Your 911 number plate must be installed in a prominent location to be clearly visible from the primary access point to your residence (road or water). View our installation guidelines for more details.

Fee

You can purchase a new or replacement 911 civic address blade and post from the Public Works Department during regular operating hours. The following rates apply:

  • Blade: $22.00
  • Post: $33.00

 

Contact the Public Works Department by email at 705-765-3156 for information.

Building and Construction

Building and Demolition

  • Building or Demolition Permit Guide

For more information on Building and Demolition view Building Permits.

Septic System

  • Schedule 3A – Soil and Water Table Information

  • Schedule 3B – Design Criteria

  • Schedule 3C – Proposal to Construct Class 4 Sewage System
  • Sewage System Permit Guide

For more information view Septic Systems.

Tents

  • Tent Construction Permit

For more information view Tent Guide.

Travel Request Form

  • Travel Request Form

For more information on Inspection Ice Travel view Inspections.

Development Charges

  • Development Charges

For more information on Development Charges view Building Permits.

Planning

Municipal Record Search (MRS) Requests

The Township of Muskoka Lakes Planning Division is now accepting Planning Applications and Municipal Record Searches online through Cloudpermit! Please note that the Township does not accept requests via email or regular mail.

 Submit an Application or a Municipal Record Search

The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:

  • How to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user.
  • How to determine the property location.
  • How to complete a planning application.
  • How to sign off, upload and download an affidavit and submit the planning approval application.
  • How to invite a party to an application for agents and more than one property owner.
  • Conditions in planning applications.
  • For additional information, please view the Applicant User Guide.

For more information on Municipal Record Search Requests, view Planning.


What are the Municipal Record Search Fees (2025)?

Application Fees:

  • Municipal Record Search (Compliance Letter) Residential: $200
    • Residential Survey Included: $50
  • Municipal Record Search (Compliance Letter) Commercial: $300
    • Commercial Survey Included: $100
  • Site Plan/Consent/Subdivision Agreement Compliance Letter: $400
  • MRS required within 48 hours (RUSH): Additional $100
    • Please note that a RUSH service cannot always be accommodated. 

Once an application has been submitted via Cloudpermit, applicants and/or agents will be invoiced the appropriate fees. Payment can be paid online through Cloudpermit (service fees apply), cheque, cash or in-person debit.

Consent Application

Pre-consultation is strongly recommended to help streamline the application process. 
Please request a pre-consultation through our Pre-consultation Request Form here. 

Please ensure you submit a complete consent sketch. Download the Consent Guide here. 

 Submit a Consent Application 

The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:

  • How to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user.
  • How to determine the property location.
  • How to complete a planning application.
  • How to sign off, upload and download an affidavit and submit the planning approval application.
  • How to invite a party to an application for agents and more than one property owner.
  • Conditions in planning applications.
  • For further assistance using Cloudpermit, please view the Applicant User Guide.

For more information on Consent Applications and land severance, view Planning.


What are the Consent Applications Fees (2025)?

Pre-Consultation Fee: None

Application Fees:

  • New lot creation: $1,600
  • Right-of-way or easement: $1,600
  • Lot addition:$1,600
  • For any subsequent right-of-way, or easement, or lot addition: $750
  • Title Validation Certificate: $1,000
  • Septic Inspection (per each new lot - including all severed and retained): $200 + HST
  • Septic Inspection (for a right-of-way, easement or lot addition): $100 + HST

Once an application has been submitted via Cloudpermit, applicants and/or agents will be invoiced the appropriate fees. Payment can be paid online through Cloudpermit (service fees apply), cheque, cash or in-person debit.

Deeming By-law

 Submit a Deeming By-law Application 

The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:

  • How to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user.
  • How to determine the property location.
  • How to complete a planning application.
  • How to sign off, upload and download an affidavit and submit the planning approval application.
  • How to invite a party to an application for agents and more than one property owner.
  • Conditions in planning applications.
  • For further assistance using Cloudpermit, please view the Applicant User Guide.

For more information on applying for a deeming by-law, view Planning.


What are the Deeming By-law Applications Fees (2025)?

Pre-Consultation Fee: None

Application Fees:

  • Deeming By-law: $400
  • Condition of Minor Variance/Consent/Zoning By-law Amendment: 50% of fee

Once an application has been submitted via Cloudpermit, applicants and/or agents will be invoiced the appropriate fees. Payment can be paid online through Cloudpermit (service fees apply), cheque, cash or in-person debit.

Minor Variance

Pre-consultation is strongly recommended to help streamline the application process. 
Please request a pre-consultation through our Pre-consultation Request Form here. 

Please ensure you submit a complete site plan. Download the Minor Variance Guide here. 

 Submit a Minor Variance Application 

The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:

  • How to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user.
  • How to determine the property location.
  • How to complete a planning application.
  • How to sign off, upload and download an affidavit and submit the planning approval application.
  • How to invite a party to an application for agents and more than one property owner.
  • Conditions in planning applications.
  • For further assistance using Cloudpermit, please view the Applicant User Guide.

For more information on Minor Variances, view Planning.


What are the Minor Variance Applications Fees (2025)?

Pre-Consultation Fee: None

Application Fees:

  • Minor Variance Application: $1,400
  • In conjunction with Consent Application: 50% of Fee
  • Agreement pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act: $600

Once an application has been submitted via Cloudpermit, applicants and/or agents will be invoiced the appropriate fees. Payment can be paid online through Cloudpermit (service fees apply), cheque, cash or in-person debit.

Site Plan Agreements

Pre-consultation is strongly recommended to help streamline the application process. 

Please request a pre-consultation through our Pre-consultation Request Form here. 

 Submit a Site Plan Agreement Application 

The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:

  • How to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user.
  • How to determine the property location.
  • How to complete a planning application.
  • How to sign off, upload and download an affidavit and submit the planning approval application.
  • How to invite a party to an application for agents and more than one property owner.
  • For further assistance using Cloudpermit, please view the Applicant User Guide.

For more information on Site Plan Agreements, view Planning.


What are the Site Plan Agreement Fees (2025)?

Agreement Fees:

  • Residential (Dwelling): $1,200
  • Residential (Accessory): $800
  • Residential Amendment (Minor): $800
  • Commercial / Multi-Residential / Industrial: 
    • Less than 7,500 square feet gross floor area: $1,900 plus cost recovery
    • Over 7,500 square feet gross floor area: $3,000 plus cost recovery
  • Commercial Amendment (Minor): $1,000
  • Condition of Minor Variance / Zoning By-law Amendment / Consent: 50% of fee
  • The Site Plan Agreement must be registered at the Muskoka Land Registry Office. The Township will be responsible for registering the agreement. The fees noted above includes the registration fee.

Once an application has been submitted via Cloudpermit, applicants and/or agents will be invoiced the appropriate fees. Payment can be paid online through Cloudpermit (service fees apply), cheque, cash or in-person debit.

Heritage

  • Heritage Designation
  • Heritage Property Tax Relief

For more information on Heritage Designation, view Heritage and History.

Zoning By-law Amendment

Pre-consultation is strongly recommended to help streamline the application process. 

Please request a pre-consultation through our Pre-consultation Request Form here. 

Please ensure you submit a complete site plan. Download the Zoning By-law Application Guide here. 

 Submit a Zoning By-law Amendment Application 

The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:

  • How to log in to Cloudpermit as a registered user.
  • How to determine the property location.
  • How to complete a planning application.
  • How to sign off, upload and download an affidavit and submit the planning approval application.
  • How to invite a party to an application for agents and more than one property owner.
  • For further assistance using Cloudpermit, please view the Applicant User Guide.

For more information on Zoning By-law Amendments, view Planning.


What are the Zoning By-law Amendment Applications Fees (2025)?

Pre-Consultation Fee: None

Application Fees:

  • Exemption: $1,900
  • Rezoning: $2,200 plus cost recovery
  • When in conjunction with a consent application:
    • Exemption: 50% of fee
    • Rezoning: 50% of fee
  • Removal of holding zone: $600

Once an application has been submitted via Cloudpermit, applicants and/or agents will be invoiced the appropriate fees. Payment can be paid online through Cloudpermit (service fees apply), cheque, cash or in-person debit.

Official Plan Amendments

Please note that Pre-consultation is mandatory for Official Plan Amendment Applications per Pre-consultation By-law #2022-199.

Please fill out our online Pre-consultation Request form to schedule a pre-consultation with Planning Division Staff. 

Please ensure you submit a complete site plan. Download the Official Plan Amendment Application Guide here. 

For more information on Official Plan Amendments, view our Official Plan page.

Other Planning Applications

  • Cash in Lieu of Parking
  • Authorization for Application
  • Green Energy
  • Injure or Damage Trees
  • Site Alteration
  • Telecommunication Tower
  • Validation Certificate
  • Consent Agreement Request Form

For more information on the different applications, view Planning.

Business Licenses and Permit

  • Taxi Cab License
  • Transient Traders License
  • Hawkers and Peddlers License
  • Refreshment Vehicle License

For more information view Business Licenses and Permits.

Short Term Rental Accommodation

For information on obtaining a short term rental accommodation license, please visit the Short Term Rental Accommodation webpage.

Freedom of Information Request

  • Freedom of Information Request Form

For more information on Freedom of Information view Accountability and Transparency.

Roads

  • Entrance Permit
  • Temporary Road Closure/Usage Application

For more information view Road Permits/Applications.

Sign Permit

  • Sign Permit Application

For more information on Sign Permits view Road Permits/Applications.

Finances

  • Change Address Form
  • Pre-authorized Payment Application

For more information view Property Taxes.

Dog License

Online Application

  • Application Form (Print Version)

Site Alteration

  • Site Alteration 

For more information, please contact By-law

Burn Permit

Under the Burning By-law 2018-16 as amended, and in accordance with the Ministry of Ntaural Resources, you will need a Burn Permit between April 1st until October 31st. 

  • Burn Permit Application

Fireworks Permit

  • Display Fireworks Event Approval Form
  • Pyrotechnic Fireworks Event Approval Form

For more information on Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Permits view Fire Permits and Plans.

Lottery License

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for regulating gaming activities on Ontario. The AGCO and municipalities work together to ensure that the legal requirements, including terms and conditions of the licenses, are complied with by lottery licensees and any gaming suppliers used by charities.

The Registrar has issued a Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM) which is used to determine eligibility for a lottery license and for the use of proceeds.  The LLPM sets out the types of lottery schemes for which a license may be issued. The Registrar also issues “terms and conditions” for lottery licenses, which provide detailed information on the conduct and management of licensed lottery events, and which may be supplemented by municipalities.

Lottery Types – Charitable Gaming

A lottery license is required if all of the following exists:

  • a prize,
  • a chance to win a prize, and
  • a consideration or a fee.

As such, a lottery scheme exists if money is paid or some other consideration is given for a chance to win a prize.

Municipalities have the authority to issue the following types of lottery licenses:

  • Bazaar Lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2.00, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500.
  • Bingo Events with prize boards of up to $5,500.
  • Break Open Tickets for local organizations.
  • Media Bingo Events with prizes up to $5,500.
  • Raffle Lotteries for total prizes of $50,000 and under.

Eligibility

Only charitable organizations can obtain a lottery license. According to the AGCO, organizations must fall within one of the following four classifications to be eligible:

  • The Relief of Poverty
  • The Advancement of Education
  • The Advancement of Religion
  • Other Charitable Purposes Beneficial to the Community

Refer to the Charitable Lottery Licensing Overview for full details on lottery licensing. 

Application Process 

  1. Review the AGCO's guidelines and eligibility criteria related to your event. 
  2. Download, print and complete the form relating to the type of lottery license you wish to obtain.
  3. Submit completed application form and 3% licensing fee to the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
  4. The completed application package must be submitted within the timelines set by the AGCO. A lottery cannot be conducted unless a license is issued.

Charitable Gaming Lottery Licensing Fees 

The maximum fees that may be charged for the issuance of charitable gaming lottery licensing are in accordance with Section 17 of Order in Council 1413/08.

Reporting

That AGCO has a number of reporting requirements for lotteries to finalize the event. The AGCO outlines these requirements. Refer to the type of license you wish to obtain for reporting requirements. Reports must be submitted to the municipality within the AGCO's timeframes.

All Funds that are raised by an organization must only be spent as listed on your lottery license application and as prescribed by the Criminal Code of Canada, the Order-in Council, and policies of the Registrar of the AGCO.

Liquor License

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor License Act (LLA) and specific sections of the Liquor Control Act (LCA), which together with the regulations made under them establish the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale and service of alcohol in Ontario.

Among its regulatory activities in the alcohol sector, the AGCO is responsible for licensing and regulating manufacturers of wine, beer and spirits in Ontario as well as their representatives and representatives of foreign manufacturers.

Liquor Sales Licenses

Municipal support and approval may be required for the AGCO to issue a liquor license to sell or serve alcohol, to modify an existing license, or to temporarily extend a licensed area. Municipal fees apply to these requests.

Refer to the different types of licenses obtainable through the AGCO. 

Special Occasions Permit (SOP)

A SOP is required any time alcohol is offered for sale anywhere other than in a licensed establishment (such as a bar or restaurant) or a private place (such as a private office or home).

A permit may be issued for the following types of events:

  • Private Event: For events where only invited guests will attend. These events cannot be advertised and there can be no intent to gain or profit from the sale of alcohol at the event.
  • Public Events: For events that are open to the public. Public events can be advertised and allow for fundraising/profit from the sale of alcohol.
  • Tailgate Events: For Public Events that are held outdoors, in connection with, and in proximity to, an eligible live sporting event and where attendees 19 years of age or older may bring their own liquor (BYOB) for consumption at the event. These events can be advertised and the sale and/or service of alcohol are permitted at the event.
  • Industry Promotional Events: For events held to promote a manufacturer's product through sampling. There can be no intent to gain or profit from the sale of alcohol at the event.

Municipal approval may be required for the AGCO SOP. Municipal fees apply to these requests.

Film Permit

  • Film Permit Application

For more information view our Policy regarding Filming on Municipal Property.

Street Banners

  • Street Banner Application
  • Street Banner Template Guidelines

For more information view our Policy on Street Banners.

Sale of Municipal Land

  • Original Shore Road Allowance Application
  • Original Road Allowance Application
  • Flooded Original Shore Road Allowance Application
  • Disposition of Land Application

For more information on Sale of Municipal Land view Clerks and Legislative Services under Departments or Contact the Clerks Department.

License Agreement

For more information on License Agreements view Clerk's and Legislative Services under Departments or Contact the Clerk's Department.

Swimming

Registration

Register/Log In

More information on swimming lessons

 

Special Event Permit

By-law 2024-046 governs the permitting and regulating of Special Events held within the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The Township has consolidated the special event procedure so that the process is streamlined. It is important to read the Special Event Guide prior to completing an application. 

Any event that is being held on a Township roadway or property is required to fill out the Special Event Permit Application if at least one of the following criteria apply to the proposed event or if determined by staff:

  • Alcohol will be served;
  • Filming is taking place;
  • The duration of the event is at least 6 hours;
  • Attendance levels are forecasted at 250 patrons or more; and/or if
  • Road closure is required.

Any event that is being held on private property with more than 500 people in attendance at any given time is required to fill out the Special Event Permit Application.

Some events may require a Special Event Permit outside of these requirements due to the event activities. If event organizers are not sure if an event requires a Special Event Permit, please contact the Economic Development Officer to verify.

If your event does not fit in any of the above requirements but is on Township property, please contact the facility staff to book your facility or park space.

Special Event Permit Guide

Special Event Permit Application

Special Event Vendor Form

Special Event Emergency Planning Guidelines (for large events)

Please submit all applications to the Economic Development Officer.

 

 

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