Planning Approvals
The County of Lanark has the authority to approve consents (severances), plans of subdivision and condominium, condominium exemptions and part-lot control by-laws.
The County was given approval authority for consents (severances) in June 1973. This task is handled by a Land Division Committee composed of three non-elected persons appointed for a three-year term coinciding with the term of Council. The Land Division Committee meets monthly. The land division function is funded entirely by application fees collected from those landowners who use this process.
In July 2000, approval authority for plans of subdivision and condominium, condominium exemptions and part-lot control by-laws was delegated to the County. In turn, Council has delegated approval authority for part-lot control by-laws to the Chief Administrative Officer. Since the County does not have a planner on staff, two professional consulting firms assist in performing the Municipal Plan Reviews required by the Province. The peer review services of Mississippi Valley Conservation and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority are used for hydrogeological reports and environmental impact statements. The subdivision function is also funded entirely by application fees.
As part of its vision, the Department strives to make timely and consistent decisions on applications which are in conformity with provincial and local planning policy and while balancing multiple interests. Early consultation with key players is encouraged to avoid time delays.
For consent (severance) applications, the Planning Approvals Department reports to the Land Division Committee. For subdivision and condominium applications, it reports to the Community Development Committee of Lanark County Council.
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