How do I know what I can build on my property? |
The Central Frontenac Zoning By-law controls the use of land in the Township. The Zoning By-law sets out where buildings and structures can be located, the types of buildings and structures permitted, how buildings can be used, lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks. To look up the zoning on your property, please visit Frontenac Maps and turn on the zoning layer on the left panel. Once you know the zoning of the property, please find the relevant section in the Zoning By-law (e.g. rural). |
What is the Zoning of my property? |
To find out a property's zoning, use Frontenac Maps. This website is a publicly accessible interactive online mapping tool maintained by the County of Frontenac. Check the zoning layer in the left panel to determine the zoning of the property. |
How can I do an addition to my house or cottage that is too close to the lake? |
The standard setback from the high water mark of a lake is 30 meters; you may require planning approvals if you are intending to build within 30 meters from the lake. Please review the information for a minor variance application, as this may be the planning approval required. Once you have reviewed the relevant information, please submit a planning inquiry request form and book a pre-application meeting. |
Does the Township have mapping I can use? |
Frontenac Maps is a publicly accessible interactive online mapping tool maintained by the County of Frontenac. Please note that zoning information and conservation authority boundaries are available here. There are also measuring tools and the ability to see aerial imagery. Frontenac maps is a great tool to be used to assist with the technical drawing in the application. |
What is the role of the Planner? |
The planning department:
- Reviews planning applications and makes recommendations to Council and the Committee of Adjustment
- Prepares planning documents, such as:
- official plan, which sets out the municipality’s general planning goals and policies that will guide future land use
- zoning bylaws, which set the rules and regulations that control development as it occurs
- Ensures planning decisions and documents are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conform to the County and Township Official Plans
The County of Frontenac provides planning services to the Township of Central Frontenac. Please submit a planning inquiry form should you have a planning related question or are interested in submitting an application.
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How is the Conservation Authority involved in the planning process? |
Unique to Ontario, Conservation Authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs to protect and manage impacts on water and other natural resources in partnership with all levels of government, landowners and many other organizations. There are three conservation authorities across the Township: Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Quinte Conservation Authority and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. To learn more, please check out What is a Conservation Authority? Following a pre-application meeting with the Township, you may be directed to the Conservation Authority for more information before submitting an application. |
What is Parkland Dedication? |
Parkland dedication is a component of the consent process, outlined in the Planning Act, which is designed to help municipalities ensure parkland is available for the use of citizens. Municipalities can opt to accept cash-in-lieu or a combination of land and cash-in-lieu to put towards parkland at a later date. The rates and equations used to calculate the appropriate amount of parkland or cash-in-lieu is outlined in the Township's By-law. |
When do you need a zoning by-law amendment (rezoning) as opposed to a minor variance? |
Minor variances are evaluated based on four tests under Section 45(1) of the Planning Act:
- Does the application conform to the general intent of the Official Plan?
- Does the application conform to the general intent of the Zoning By-law?
- Is the application desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question?
- Is the application minor?
If a proposal does not pass all of these tests but is still related to requirements in the zoning by-law, it is likely requiring a zoning by-law amendment. Often times a zoning by-law amendment is required to change a use of a property such as a property going from residential to commercial. To find out more, please refer to the following: What is a Minor Variance? and What is a Zoning by-law Amendment?
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When do you need a severance versus a subdivision? |
A plan of subdivision or plan of condominium is required if a property owner would like to establish more lots than permitted by severance, or there is a common element required, such as a new private lane. There may be additional circumstances that require a plan of subdivision. To learn more, refer to the following: What is a severance? Or the County Website, as they are the approval authority for plans of subdivision and condominium. |
What is Minimum Distance Separation (MDS)? |
Minimum Distance Separation is formulae and guidelines developed by the Province, as amended from time to time, to separate uses so as to reduce incompatibility concerns about odor from livestock facilities. MDS I setbacks are required for the creation of a new lot, change in land use or issuance of a building permit when there are livestock facilities (vacant or used) or anaerobic digester within 1.5 kilometers of the subject property. MDS II setbacks are required prior to the issuance of a building permit for new or altered livestock facilities greater than 10 m2 or any aerobic digester and is measured from existing land uses.
For more information, see What is Minimum Distance Separation (MDS)?
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For inquiries regarding the zoning information of a property, you can request for a Zoning Certification Letter from the Township using the form below. This form only confirms that appropriate approvals have been granted for the subject property. The form will request information about the applicant, property owner (if different from the applicant) and information about the property. Once all fields (mandatory fields included) are filled out, submitted and paid for, the form will be sent to the development services department to be completed.
***Note: Any other specific information requested beyond the scope of this letter, may be billed @ $80.00 per hour.***
Zoning Certification Letter Request Form |
For inquires related to planning or to schedule a pre-application meeting or phone call, please submit a planning inquiry request form. Completing this form provides staff with the necessary information to respond to your inquiry. Upon submission of the form, you will receive an email confirming receipt and outlining an anticipated timeline to respond. Please be aware that during peak development season, it may take planning staff up to 10 days to return your inquiry. Thank you for your patience. Before submitting an inquiry form, please visit the resources below:
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The Planning Department is responsible for providing planning services and advice to decision-makers on all planning matters related to the local municipality. Planning staff review applications to ensure that they conform to all local planning policies and are consistent with provincial policy.
In addition to the submission of an application and fees, there may be the requirement for additional studies to be submitted and further legal, engineering and planning costs. Depending on the scale and complexity of an application, timelines for processing may vary. Applicants are encouraged to start planning processes in advance of their anticipated development deadlines.
Frontenac Maps is an excellent resource for viewing the property and learning more about the regulations that may be in place before proceeding with an application.
Before submitting a planning application or to learn more about what application, you may require, the Township requires a pre-application meeting with planning staff. Submit an inquiry or request a meeting with planning staff to start this process.
Application Fees
The Township establishes fees for the processing of planning applications. Fees are required to be submitted at the time of application submission. In addition to Township fees, there may also be fees required by commenting agencies, such as the Conservation Authority, as well as additional costs associated with studies, legal, engineering and fulfillment of conditions. All costs for the processing of applications are the responsibility of the applicant.
Please contact staff for current fees.
Application Process
Generally, all planning applications follow a similar review process. Please view the specific application process for each application type included in the guidance documents below and along with processing timelines.
Applications
Planning staff are available to assist you with understanding the planning application review process. However, as the applicant, it is your responsibility to make sure that the application is complete, accurate and clearly identifies required approvals. Staff are not permitted to complete application forms. If you require assistance, staff can direct you to the appropriate resources.
Planning staff strive to process applications efficiently, but failure to provide all the required information may result in processing delays. All planning applications are public documents and will be available for public review.
Guidance documents are available for the applications below and provide greater detail on the application requirements, timelines and decision making.
Minor Variance |
A minor variance is a minor variation from the requirements of the Township Zoning By-law, granted by the Committee of Adjustment. Minor variance approval allows the property owner to obtain a building permit or use property in a specific way which does not comply with the provisions of the Township Zoning By-law.
Under Section 45(1) of the Planning Act there are four tests a minor variance must meet:
1. Does the application conform to the general intent of the Official Plan? 2. Does the application conform to the general intent of the Zoning By-law? 3. Is the application desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question? 4. Is the application minor?
What is a Minor Variance? Application Guidance Document Please view the Committee of Adjustment web page.
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Consent – Severance, Lot Addition or Easement |
The consent approval process is used for severance, lot addition and easement applications granted by the Committee of Adjustment. A consent is required if the property owner wishes to subdivide land or enter into a lease longer than 21 years less a day
What is a Severance? What is a Lot Addition? What is an Easement? Application Guidance Document
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Zoning By-law Amendment |
The Zoning By-law states how land may be used, where buildings and structures can be located, the types of buildings and structures permitted and how they can be used, and lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks. To change the use of land, a zoning by-law amendment or rezoning application will be required.
What is a Zoning By-law Amendment? Application Please contact the Planning Department for application submission cut-off dates.
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Official Plan Amendment |
An official plan amendment is required when a proposal does not conform to the policy in the Township or County Official Plan. Amendments can be made to both plans but are processed through their corresponding agency. Due to the complexity of the application, a number of studies and reports may be required to support an application.
Application
Please contact the Planning Department for application submission cut-off dates.
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Site Plan Control |
Site plan control is a planning tool under the Planning Act that includes a detailed review of a property to ensure municipal, provincial, and other agency standards, regulations and policies are met. Site plan control also ensures that the effects on neighbouring properties are minimized and that the development is safe and functional. Site plan control is required for all commercial, institutional and industrial development and may be required for residential development.
Site Plan Control By-law Application
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Plans of Subdivision and Plan of Condominium |
The County of Frontenac is the approval authority for plans of subdivision and condominium in the Township. A subdivision or condominium may be required when no further consents are permitted from a property or a complex application is proposed, including the creation of a new lane. Please contact the County of Frontenac for more information on the process to submit an application for a Plan of Subdivision/Condominium. |
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If your property contains any of the following or is located along the waterfront, the local conservation authority will be required to review the application: natural features and hazards such as flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches, unstable bedrock/soils, wetlands, and steep slopes.
Septic Authority:
When dealing with planning permits, you may be required to deal with the Septic Department.
Please Contact the on-site sewage systems inspector, Crystal Nedow:
Phone: 613 279-2935 Ext 258
Email: cnedow@centralfrontenac.com
Ontario Land Registry Access:
Surveys & Deeds are available through the Land Registry Office. Frontenac LRO 13 is located at 1201 Division Street, Kingston, Ontario Telephone: 613-548-6767. To search Ontario land property records, please visit their website: Ontario Land Registry Access.
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