Our team is responsible for the review, development and implementation of land use policies and By-Laws including the Municipal of Dysart et al Official Plan. We accept, review, and process development related applications such as zoning amendments, severance, minor variances, site plan agreements, deeming By-Laws, unopened road allowance closings and shore road allowance closings.

 Pre-Consultation
A pre-consultation meeting is required before submitting a planning approval application including Multiple Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional developments. This allows you to explain the proposal and will allow Municipal staff to guide you through the process, provide preliminary comments about the viability of your proposal and advise you what plans and studies are required to support an application. At the pre-consultation meeting, a checklist will be provided setting out the submission requirements for a complete application.

We would like you to retain the services of a professional architect, planner or engineer to prepare your plans and we also encourage you to talk to adjacent property owners prior to the application process in order to answer questions and address any concerns your neighbours may have.

 

A mandatory Pre-Consultation Meeting Request Form must be completed for the following applications: 

  • Official Plan Amendment
  • Zoning By-Law Amendment
  • Plans of Subdivision
  • Plans of Condominium
  • Site Plan Approval

For more information, please refer to By-Law 2022-32 Being a By-Law to require mandatory Pre-Consultation for certain Planning Act Applications.  

  

Please feel free to contact the Planning and Land Information Department by phone 705-457-1740 with questions or to make an appointment.
 Planning Application Forms and Fees

Planning Application Fees:

For fees, please see the following Municipality of Dysart et al Fees and Charges.

The Municipality of Dysart et al Planning and Land Information Department is responsible for the review and administration of applications for Planning approvals. We highly recommend consultation with Planning staff prior to making an application. As processing times vary, please ensure that you have allowed sufficient time for the review and approval for any specific application.

In order for an application to be complete, all fees and requirements as noted in the application form need to be submitted. Applications may be accepted by mail or by dropping the application off at our office. Please see the fee schedule and take the time to carefully read the requirements for the application you will be submitting.

Below are links to each of our various application forms. Please note that we do not accept online applications. Most application will require original signatures from all registered owners.

The following is a list of application forms for the Municipality of Dysart et al:

Deeming By-Law

License of Occupation

Minor Variance

Official Plan Amendment

The County of Haliburton is the approval authority for Official Plan Amendments.  A pre-consultation with the Municipality of Dysart is required prior to submitting an application.  For more information please visit the following links:

Part Lot Control

Permission for Use of Road Allowance

Responsibility Agreement

Road Allowance Closing Applications - Original Road Allowance and Shore Road Allowance

Severances and Consents

The County of Haliburton is the approval authority for severance/consent applications.   A pre-consultation with the Municipality of Dysart is required prior to submitting an application. For more information please visit the following links:

Site Plan

Subdivision and Condominium

The County of Haliburton is the approval authority for subdivision and condominium applications. A pre-consultation with the Municipality of Dysart is required prior to submitting an application. For more information please visit the following links:

Zoning By-Law Amendment

 Official Plan

County of Haliburton Official Plan

To determine applicable designations and policies, reference should be made to the County of Haliburton Official Plan, which contains a vision and provides policies to protect the natural environment, align growth and development with Municipal infrastructure investment, drive a vibrant economy and promote complete, safe, accessible and inclusive communities throughout the County.

Municipality of Dysart et al Official Plan

The Municipality of Dysart et al Official Plan (PDF) was approved the County of Haliburton on May 18, 2018. The Plan allocates land use, directs Municipal services and facilities to guide development over a 20 year time frame. All development approvals within the Municipality must conform to the policies contained in the Official Plan. These policies are implemented through the Municipality of Dysart et al Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 2005-120.

A Copy of the Official Plan is available here:

Official Plan Amendments

Occasionally, it is necessary to amend the policies and/or designations contained in the Official Plan in order to facilitate new development or redevelopment proposals. Opportunity for public consultation is required prior to Council adopting any new Official Plan Amendments.

Depending on the proposal, an application may also be required to amend the County of Haliburton Official Plan and the Municipality of Dysart et al Official Plan.

Before applying for an Official Plan Amendment, please contact the Municipal Planning Department for information regarding specific requirements. To support your application, you may be asked for additional information such as a planning justification report. All applications must be completed in full prior to submission.

Official Plan Amendment Applications are adopted by Council after a public meeting. The decision to approve or deny an application is made after recommendations from Dysart Council. Any person or agency may attend the public hearing. An appeal can be submitted to the County of Haliburton within 20 days of Council's decision. Only persons who have made oral submissions at the public meeting or written submissions to Council prior to the decision may appeal.

For general information on Official Plans in Ontario, please visit the following websites:

Zoning By-Law

Zoning By-Law 2005-120 for the Municipality of Dysart et al was approved by Council on December 12, 2005. The Zoning By-Law implements land use policies of the Municipality of Dysart et al Official Plan by regulating and controlling specific land uses on individual properties. The provisions of this By-Law shall apply to all lands and waters within the Municipality, except for all lands and waters within the boundary of Algonquin Provincial Park including the geographic townships of Bruton, Clyde, and part of the geographic township of Eyre.

A Zoning By-Law contains a number of zones and sets out the permitted uses of land, minimum lot dimensions, building and structure locations, permitted types of buildings and structures, as well as parking and landscape requirements. Zoning maps are available to assist in determining the zoning of a property (see links below) as well as specific lot provisions and amendments.

Through zoning, a municipality can guide and shape the pattern of development that occurs. The requirements in a Zoning By-Law help to determine the physical appearance of a community.

A full copy of the Municipality of Dysart et al Comprehensive Zoning By-law is available here:

Zoning Amendments

If you have a development proposal that does not comply with the Zoning By-Law, you may apply for a Zoning Amendment. All applications must conform with the Municipality of Dysart et al Official Plan. If not, an Official Plan Amendment may be necessary.

Before applying for a Zoning Amendment, please contact the Planning and Land Information Department for information regarding specific requirements. To support your application, you may be asked for additional information such as a planning justification report or other required studies. All applications must be completed in full prior to submission.

Zoning Amendment applications are approved by Council after a public meeting. The decision to approve or deny an application is made after consideration of recommendations from Planning staff and public comments. Formal objections to Councils decision can be submitted to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) within 20 days of Council's decision. Only persons who have made oral submissions at the public meeting or written submissions to Council prior to the decision may appeal.

For general information on Zoning By-Laws in Ontario, please visit: 

Zoning Amendment Application Form

Letter of Zoning Compliance 

If you are either buying, selling or mortgaging a property, you may need a letter of zoning compliance. Or, your lawyer may need to obtain a letter on your behalf. No problem - we can assist you.

Based on the request, here is some of the information that may be included in the letter:

  • Current zoning and whether the proposed property use complies
  • Pending zoning, if applicable
  • Compliance with building setback regulations
  • Status of any building and septic permits on file
  • Whether there are any active zoning or property standard violations
  • Whether the property has any heritage significance

Please contact the Planning and Land Information Department for further information.

Minor Variances 

A minor variance allows for a minor change from the requirements a zoning By-Law. For example, you may want to construct a building on your property but the minimum setbacks, lot coverage or height cannot be met.

A minor variance does not change the zoning of a property. It will only allow for minor relief from specific requirements of the By-Law in order to obtain a building permit (ex. rear yard setback for a shed).

The Committee of Adjustment is the approval body for Minor Variances in the Municipality of Dysart et al. As part of their review, the Committee must be satisfied that the minor variance will meet the following tests as outlined Under Section 45(1) of the Planning Act:

To approve any Minor Variance, the Committee of Adjustment must be satisfied that:

  1. The proposal is appropriate for the development of the land and/or building.
  2. The general intent and purpose of the Municipality's Zoning By-Law is maintained.
  3. The general intent and purpose of the Municipality's Official Plan is maintained.
  4. The variance requested is minor in nature.

In order for the Committee to consider approval, the minor variance application must meet all of the tests. Any proposal not considered "minor" must proceed through the Zoning By-Law Amendment process, which is considered by Council.

Minor Variance - Appeals

Formal appeals to Committee’s decision can be submitted to the Municipality within 20 days of the date of decision. The appeal is then forwarded to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

In order to ensure timely processing of an application, please contact the Planning and Land Information Department for a pre-consultation meeting. To support your application, you may be asked for additional information such as a planning justification report. All applications must be completed in full prior to acceptance.

For general information on minor variances and zoning by-laws in Ontario, please visit the following websites:

Severance/Consent Proposal 

Once you submit your application and sketch it will be circulated to internal departments at the Municipality of Dysart et al as well as the County of Haliburton for comments.  

A report will be prepared and brought forward for council consideration (endorsement) at the Municipality of Dysart et al.  

Upon completion of endorsement with the Municipality, you will be required to submit your application to the County of Haliburton which is the approval authority for severance/consent applications. 

 

The County of Haliburton is the approval authority for Consents and Land Severances. For more information, please visit the County of Haliburton Severance and Consent page. 

Consent applications are required to create a new lot, right-of-way, easement or any change to existing property boundaries (lot additions). Consent applications are also required if a landowner wants to sell, mortgage, charge or enter into any agreement (over 21 years) for a portion of their land.

The property Owner is required to submit a severance/consent sketch including the consent application form and fee prior to staff providing comments related to a proposal.

Severance/Consent Drawing Example and Minimum Requirements.

The severance/consent shall be properly colour coded and show all applicable information as identified in the list below.

The list below gives the minimum requirements (if applicable) that shall be shown on the proposed sketch which is required with the application to the Municipality of Dysart et al:

  • The locations, widths, and names of existing and proposed roads and highways, indicating whether they are unopened road allowances, public travelled roads, private roads or right-of-way's;
  • The location of any utility easements (Hydro, Bell, etc.);
  • The 9-1-1 address (if available) of the subject property and adjacent properties;
  • If access to the subject land is by water only, the location of the parking and docking facilities to be used;
  • The locations and dimensions of off-street parking spaces and off-street loading facilities;
  • The location of entrances, driveways and access points;
  • The approximate/proposed dimensions and layout of the proposed lot(s);
  • Natural and artificial features such as buildings or other structures or installations (the location, size, and type of all existing and proposed buildings and structures, indicating the distances from the front yard lot line, rear yard lot line, and the side yard lot lines, which in the opinion of the applicant, may affect the application), highways, watercourses, lakes, drainage ditches, wetlands and wooded areas within or adjacent to the land subject to the application;
  • Planting strips and landscaped areas;
  • Buildings to be demolished or relocated;
  • Clearly demonstrate the difference between the existing building and the proposed addition/location (if applicable);
  • The availability and nature of domestic water supplies, and location of existing wells;
  • The location of existing septic systems;
  • The nature and porosity of the soil (subdivision/condominium);
  • Existing contours or elevations as may be required to determine the grade of the highways and the drainage of the land (subdivision/condominium);
  • The municipal services available or to be available to the land;
  • The nature and extent of any restriction affecting the land, including restrictive covenants or easements;
  • For Consent Applications:
    • New Lots – colour outline of the proposed lot, a different colour outline from the proposed retained lot, and label each;
    • Easements – Colour the proposed easement a different colour outline from the proposed retained, and colour outline the proposed benefitting land a third colour. Label each;
    • Lot Additions; - Colour the proposed severed a different colour from the proposed retained and proposed benefitting land. Label each;
  • Acceptable colours include all dark colours (red, green, blue, purple). Do not use yellow, orange, or pale colours that do not copy or scan well;
  • Applicant's name(s);
  • Date of site plan;
  • The scale to which the site plan is drafted (e.g. 1 cm = 50 m);
  • Paper size must be a minimum of 8.5” x 11” and a maximum of 11” x 17”;
  • Any revisions to drawings should be clearly identified with a new number, e.g. D1a, D2b, D3c, etc. The date and details of the revision should also be indicated on the drawing.

 

Plan of Condominium/Plan of Subdivision

If several lots are being created, a Subdivision or Condominium Application may be more appropriate. While many of the design standards are the responsibility of the Municipality of Dysart et al, the County of Haliburton is the approval authority for Plans of Subdivision and Condominium. For more information please visit the County of Haliburton Plans of Subdivision and Condominium Descriptions page.

 

Subdivision and Condominium Drawings Minimum Requirements.

The below list gives the minimum requirements to be included with your application to the Municipality of Dysart et al:

  • The boundaries of the land (for subdivision/condominium application these must be certified by an Ontario Land Surveyor);
  • The locations, widths, and names of existing and proposed roads and highways, indicating whether they are unopened road allowances, public travelled roads, private roads or right-of-way's;
  • The location of any utility easements (Hydro, Bell, etc.);
  • The 9-1-1 address (if available) of the subject property and adjacent properties;
  • If access to the subject land is by water only, the location of the parking and docking facilities to be used;
  • The locations and dimensions of off-street parking spaces and off-street loading facilities;
  • The location of entrances, driveways and access points;
  • On a small key plan, on a scale of not less than 1 centimetre to 100 metres, all of the land adjacent to the subject property that is owned by the applicant or in which the applicant has an interest, every subdivision adjacent to the proposed subdivision and the relationship of the boundaries of the land to be subdivided to the boundaries of the township lot or other original grant of which the land forms the whole or part (subdivision/condominium);
  • The proposed land use of the proposed lot(s);
  • The existing land uses of all adjacent lands;
  • The approximate/proposed dimensions and layout of the proposed lot(s);
  • Natural and artificial features such as buildings or other structures or installations (the location, size, and type of all existing and proposed buildings and structures, indicating the distances from the front yard lot line, rear yard lot line, and the side yard lot lines, which in the opinion of the applicant, may affect the application), highways, watercourses, lakes, drainage ditches, wetlands and wooded areas within or adjacent to the land subject to the application;
  • Planting strips and landscaped areas;
  • Buildings to be demolished or relocated;
  • Clearly demonstrate the difference between the existing building and the proposed addition/location (if applicable);
  • The availability and nature of domestic water supplies, and location of existing wells;
  • The location of existing septic systems;
  • The nature and porosity of the soil (subdivision/condominium);
  • Existing contours or elevations as may be required to determine the grade of the highways and the drainage of the land (subdivision/condominium);
  • The municipal services available or to be available to the land;
  • The nature and extent of any restriction affecting the land, including restrictive covenants or easements;
  • For Consent Applications:
    • New Lots – colour outline of the proposed lot, a different colour outline from the proposed retained lot, and label each;
    • Easements – Colour the proposed easement a different colour outline from the proposed retained, and colour outline the proposed benefitting land a third colour. Label each;
    • Lot Additions; - Colour the proposed severed a different colour from the proposed retained and proposed benefitting land. Label each;
  • Acceptable colours include all dark colours (red, green, blue, purple). Do not use yellow, orange, or pale colours that do not copy or scan well;
  • Applicant's name(s);
  • Date of site plan;
  • The scale to which the site plan is drafted (e.g. 1 cm = 50 m);
  • Paper size must be a minimum of 8.5” x 11” and a maximum of 11” x 17”;
  • Any revisions to drawings should be clearly identified with a new number, e.g. D1a, D2b, D3c, etc. The date and details of the revision should also be indicated on the drawing.
Site Plan Agreements and Site Plan Control

A Site Plan Agreement establishes both design and technical aspects of development over and above the requirements set out in the zoning By-Law. They can supplement zoning by providing more detailed site-specific requirements.

Site plan control provides an opportunity for the municipality to comment on the design and the development of a site. This includes the location, design and shape (massing) of buildings, the layout of parking and service areas, drainage, traffic and pedestrian/public access areas, landscaping, paving materials and street furniture (e.g., bicycle facilities, benches, lampposts, recycling containers).

The goal of Site Plans is to ensure that development projects contribute to attractive waterfronts, streetscapes and the character of the neighbourhood while protecting the environmental features of the property and surrounding land (e.g. wetlands, wild life habitats, water quality).

There are two components of a Site Plan Agreement: Site Plan schedule and a written agreement that is registered on title. The written agreement contains the terms of the agreement and in some cases includes financial guarantees to ensure compliance with the agreement.

There are two main types of Site Plan Agreements in the Municipality of Dysart et al:

  • Non-residential Site Plan Agreements
  • Residential Site Plan Agreements

Certain developments are exempted from site plan control. A complete list of exemptions is available by reviewing the municipal Site Plan Control By-Law 2022-63.

Site Plan Agreement Application Forms

Site Plan Control Guidelines

Site Plan Drawings Minimum Requirements

The below list gives the minimum requirements to be included with your application to the Municipality of Dysart et al:

  • The boundaries of the land (for subdivision/condominium application these must be certified by an Ontario Land Surveyor);
  • The locations, widths, and names of existing and proposed roads and highways, indicating whether they are unopened road allowances, public travelled roads, private roads or right-of-way's;
  • The location of any utility easements (Hydro, Bell, etc.);
  • The 9-1-1 address (if available) of the subject property and adjacent properties;
  • If access to the subject land is by water only, the location of the parking and docking facilities to be used;
  • The locations and dimensions of off-street parking spaces and off-street loading facilities;
  • The location of entrances, driveways and access points;
  • On a small key plan, on a scale of not less than 1 centimetre to 100 metres, all of the land adjacent to the subject property that is owned by the applicant or in which the applicant has an interest, every subdivision adjacent to the proposed subdivision and the relationship of the boundaries of the land to be subdivided to the boundaries of the township lot or other original grant of which the land forms the whole or part (subdivision/condominium);
  • The proposed land use of the proposed lot(s);
  • The existing land uses of all adjacent lands;
  • The approximate/proposed dimensions and layout of the proposed lot(s);
  • Natural and artificial features such as buildings or other structures or installations (the location, size, and type of all existing and proposed buildings and structures, indicating the distances from the front yard lot line, rear yard lot line, and the side yard lot lines, which in the opinion of the applicant, may affect the application), highways, watercourses, lakes, drainage ditches, wetlands and wooded areas within or adjacent to the land subject to the application;
  • Planting strips and landscaped areas;
  • Buildings to be demolished or relocated;
  • Clearly demonstrate the difference between the existing building and the proposed addition/location (if applicable);
  • The availability and nature of domestic water supplies, and location of existing wells;
  • The location of existing septic systems;
  • The nature and porosity of the soil (subdivision/condominium);
  • Existing contours or elevations as may be required to determine the grade of the highways and the drainage of the land (subdivision/condominium);
  • The municipal services available or to be available to the land;
  • The nature and extent of any restriction affecting the land, including restrictive covenants or easements;
  • For Consent Applications:
    • New Lots – Colour outline of the proposed lot, a different colour outline from the proposed retained lot, and label each;
    • Easements – Colour the proposed easement a different colour outline from the proposed retained, and colour outline the proposed benefitting land a third colour. Label each;
    • Lot Additions; - Colour the proposed severed a different colour from the proposed retained and proposed benefitting land. Label each;
  • Acceptable colours include all dark colours (red, green, blue, purple). Do not use yellow, orange, or pale colours that do not copy or scan well;
  • Applicant's name(s);
  • Date of site plan;
  • The scale to which the site plan is drafted (e.g. 1 cm = 50 m);
  • Paper size must be a minimum of 8.5” x 11” and a maximum of 11” x 17”;
  • Any revisions to drawings should be clearly identified with a new number, e.g. D1a, D2b, D3c, etc. The date and details of the revision should also be indicated on the drawing.

Right to refuse

Please note, the Municipality of Dysart et al reserves the right to refuse the Site Plan, Sketch, Draft Plan or Drawings if information is lacking or poorly presented.

Can Site Plan Agreements be appealed?

Under the Planning Act, only the applicant can appeal a site plan control application decision. All appeals are heard by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), the provincial tribunal that is the final arbiter of any planning decisions. Once a site plan control is approved, the next step for an applicant is to apply for a building permit. 

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Municipal Mapping

What is GIS?

GIS is a computer system that incorporates geographical features with tabular data in order to store, manipulate, analyze and display data on a map.  Each feature contains spatial data to locate it on the earth’s surface, as well as additional data in order to capture other important attributes about the feature. For example, the actual location of a bridge is the spatial data and the name, length and age of the bridge might be its attribute data.

Municipalities and local governments are defined by geographic boundaries. Municipal services are related to that geography, from roads and sewers, to parks/trail and recreational facilities, from development permits to tax collection. Location is an important aspect of most municipal information. 

Tree Preservation By-Law/Site Alteration By-Law

The Shoreline Tree Preservation By-Law No. 3505, as Amended, applies to all lands in the County of Haliburton, that are within 30 metres of a watercourse. The Shoreline Tree Preservation By-Law governs the removal or injuring of all trees with a diameter of 5 cm or more. Diameter is measured 1.37 metres from the ground. The goal is to minimize the destruction of trees in order to protect our water resources and sustain a healthy natural environment.

 

The Site Alteration By-Law regulates all site alteration within Environmental Protection Zoned lands and within 30 metres of a lake. Shoreline protection involves protecting the natural vegetation, prevented silt and sediment from entering the lakes, ensuring slopes are stabilized to prevent erosion, restricting foundation drainage from discharging too close to the lake and maintaining retaining walls in good repair.

Urban Design and Built Form

The Municipality Built Form Guidelines provide a framework for evaluating the aesthetic quality of development proposals. The intention of the guidelines is to ensure that the Municipality's built environment reflects the spectacular surrounding natural environment. The Municipality has a built form vision, and new development will be encouraged to articulate their buildings to the Haliburton Village Built Form Guidelines, which has similar characteristics to the Banff Design Guidelines.   

Land Use Planning and Resource
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) 

About OLT

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is an adjudicative tribunal that hears cases in relation to a range of municipal planning, financial and land matters. These include matters such as official plans, zoning by-laws, subdivision plans, consents, minor variances, land compensations, development charges, electoral ward boundaries, municipal finances, aggregate resources and other issues assigned by numerous Ontario statutes.

OLT is part of Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario (ELTO), a cluster of tribunals that adjudicate matters related to land use planning, environmental and heritage protection, property assessment, land valuation and other matters.

History of OLT

OLT  and LPAT was formerly known as the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The OMB was an independent adjudicative tribunal that conducted hearings and made decisions on land use planning issues and other matters. The OMB was also Ontario’s first independent, quasi-judicial administrative tribunal. Originally named the Ontario Railway and Municipal Board (ORMB), the ORMB oversaw municipalities’ accounts and supervised the rapidly growing rail transportation system among municipalities. In 1906, the ORMB assumed new responsibilities, including those previously carried out by the Office of the Provincial Municipal Auditor, and was renamed to the OMB in 1932. 

The Ontario government passed the Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021, with a proclamation date of June 1, 2021. Through this Act, as of June 1, 2021, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, Environmental Review Tribunal, Board of Negotiation, Conservation Review Board and the Mining and Lands Tribunal were merged into a new single tribunal called the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The new OLT will help reduce delays and make the land dispute resolution process more efficient by creating a single forum to resolve disputes faster by eliminating unnecessary overlap between cases. Website 

Current Development Applications

To review information on larger developments in the Municipality of Dysart et al, please visit our Current Development Applications page

To see all upcoming Council, Public Meetings, Committee of Adjustment Meetings and Agendas (including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-Law Amendments, etc.) please visit our Council and Public meetings page

Policy
 
Civic Addressing for your Property 

The County of Haliburton administers the civic addressing for the county.  To request a civic 911 address or sign, please see the following link:

Sign Maintenance

Your 9-1-1 civic address sign quickly alerts emergency responders to your civic address. Sign maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

  • Keep snow, brush and anything else from obstructing either side of your sign.
  • Repair damaged or knocked down signs quickly.
  • Apply for a replacement if your sign is missing or damaged beyond repair. You may put up a temporary sign until a replacement can be installed.
 

Contact Us

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