Development Applications

The purpose of a Consent application is to change the lot lines of a property. This includes severing (splitting) a lot to create one or more new lots, changing the location of a lot line, or creating an easement.

If you are interested in learning more about the Consent process, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step. It may be determined that a Consent Inquiry is required to provide further details on the proposal and to allow staff to complete a more in-depth review

• Consent Inquiry Info Sheet
• Consent Process Guide
• Consent Application Form

The purpose of a Minor Variance application is to request relief from one or more provisions of the Zoning By-law. For example, a property owner may wish to construct a dwelling that is closer to a lot line than what the Zoning By-law permits. Minor Variance applications go to the Committee of Adjustment, where they are reviewed and a decision is made to approve, refuse, or approve the request with conditions.

If you are interested in learning more about the Minor Variance process or feel that your proposal may require an application, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step.

• Minor Variance Process Guide
• Minor Variance Application Form

Preconsultation enables the internal departments and external partner agencies (ie. relevant Provincial Ministries and agencies) to provide preliminary comments on the proposal and identify studies/requirements necessary to pursue an application.

Preconsultation is recommended prior to submission of a development application for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Plan of Subdivision or Condominium. If you are interested in learning more about the Preconsultation process, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step.

• Preconsultation Info Sheet
• Preconsultation Application Form

The purpose of Site Plan Approval is to allow the municipality and external partner agencies to review and approve the detailed design of proposed development. This includes proposals for new development as well as significant changes to existing development. Some of the details reviewed through Site Plan Approval include parking, vehicle and pedestrian access and circulation, landscaping, lot drainage, and lighting.

If you are interested in learning more about the Site Plan Approval process or feel that your proposal may require an application, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step.

• Site Plan Process Guide

Development applications are required for proposed Plans of Subdivision and Plans of Condominium. Subdivision is the division of land into multiple parcels, typically on a larger scale. Condominiums are a form of property ownership which  title to a unit. For example, an individual apartment in a residential building is owned by an individual together with share of the rest of the property, which is common to all of the owners. 

The purpose of an Official Plan Amendment is to request to change the Official Plan to facilitate development that does not otherwise conform to the policies of the Official Plan. The City of Kawartha Lakes Official Plan provides a long-term vision, objectives, and policies for the use of land within the Municipality.  For example, property owner may apply to change the designation under the Official Plan from Highway Commercial to Industrial to permit a new use on their property.

If you are interested in learning more about these processes or feel that your proposal may require an application, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step. A Preconsultation application may be recommended.

• Subdivision and Condominium Process Guide
• Official Plan Amendment Process Guide
• Subdivision, Condominium and Official Plan Amendment Application Form

The purpose of a Zoning By-law is to implement the policies of the Official Plan through site specific permitted uses and provisions. The purpose of a Zoning By-law Amendment is to request to change the Zoning of a property to facilitate development that does not otherwise comply with the applicable Zoning By-law. For example, a property owner may seek to rezone their property from a Commercial Zone to a Residential Zone to permit a new use.

If you are interested in learning more about the Zoning By-law Amendment process or feel that your proposal may require an application, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step. A Preconsultation application may be recommended.

• Zoning By-law Amendment Process Guide

• Zoning By-law Amendment Application Form

The Planning Division also reviews the following development applications:

• Condominium Conversion
• Deeming By-law
• Part Lot Control

If you are interested in learning more about these processes or feel that your proposal may require an application, please contact the Planning Division. Staff can review your proposal and determine the best next step.