Planning is governed in Ontario by a combination of provincial legislation, policies, and plans, as well as municipal official plans, zoning by-laws, and other instruments. The Planning Act is the main law that sets out the rules and principles for land use planning in Ontario. It describes how land uses may be controlled, who may control them, and how the public can participate in the planning process.

The province issues provincial policy statements under the Planning Act to promote provincial interests, such as providing for a full range of housing options, including affordable housing, and protecting and managing natural resources. The Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) is a key document that provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The PPS supports a comprehensive, integrated and long-term approach to planning, and recognizes linkages among policy areas. All decisions affecting land use planning matters made on or after 2020 shall be consistent with the PPS.

The public has the right to be notified about planning proposals, to give their views to their municipal council or planning board, and to appeal decisions to the OLT where permitted. The Planning Act also encourages co-operation and coordination among various interests involved in land use planning.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has established an online guide that explains the basic principles and concepts of land use planning in Ontario. It provides information on how citizens can get involved and influence land use decisions in their communities. The guide is intended to help citizens understand and participate in land use planning processes that affect their quality of life.

A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This is commonly known as a consent. It is required, if you want to sell, mortgage, charge or enter into any agreement (at least 21 years) for a portion of your land. View the Make an Application page for further information on the consent process within Lanark County.

You can apply for a consent for:

• A new lot
• Lot addition
• Easement
• Charge or lease
• Correction of title

For more information, contact the Planning Department.

If you are interested in creating new lots or units for residential or commercial purposes in Lanark County, you may need to apply for a subdivision or condominium development approval. A subdivision is a legal process that divides a parcel of land into two or more lots, while a condominium is a form of ownership that allows individual units to be sold within a larger property. Both types of development require planning and technical review by the County and other agencies, as well as public consultation and council approval.

A pre-consultation is highly recommended for Subdivision & Condominium applications. For more information, visit the Make an Application page or contact the Planning Department.

Part lot control development applications are a type of planning approval that allow the creation of new lots or changes to existing lot boundaries without going through the subdivision process. In Lanark County, part lot control development applications are regulated by the Planning Act and the County Official Plan. Part lot control development applications are typically used for minor adjustments, such as correcting lot lines, enlarging lots, or creating easements. Part lot control development applications require the approval of the County Council and the registration of a reference plan at the Land Registry Office.

 

For more information, visit the Make an Application page or contact the Planning Department.

Lanark County adopted its first Sustainable Communities Official Plan (SCOP) in 2016 and combined an official plan under the Planning Act, with an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP). The Lanark County SCOP is a document that guides the development and land use planning in the county. It sets out the vision, goals, objectives, policies, and maps for the county’s physical, social, and economic growth. It also provides a framework for coordinating and evaluating development applications, such as severances, subdivisions, and zoning amendments. The Lanark County Official Plan is approved by the county council and must conform to the provincial policy statement and the upper-tier official plan. The current official plan was adopted in 2016 and is under review every five years.

The SCOP provides for the implementation of land use policies through traditional tools, such as zoning and lot creation with a focus on the integration of sustainable practices regardless of political boundaries. The ICSP part of the plan identifies goals and objectives designed to enhance community sustainability.

Official Plan Document (2025 Office Consolidation)

Official Plan Schedule “A”

Official Plan Schedule “B”

To view the Official Plan on our online mapping system, select the “Official Plan A – Land Use” or “Official Plan B – Source Water Protection” in the legend.

To view open/ongoing Official Plan Amendment (OPA) applications, please visit our Open Applications Page

To get more information on previously approved OPA Applications, please contact Mike Dwyer, Planning Manager

Lanark is currently undertaking two major studies to inform land use planning in the County.  They include an Aggregate Resources Master Plan (ARMP) and a Growth Management Strategy (GMS).  The outcomes of these studies will eventually inform updates to the County’s Sustainable Communities Official Plan (SCOP) later in 2025.

Open and Ongoing Major Studies:

• None

Past Major Studies (Final Reports):

• Lanark County Growth Management Strategy (2025)
• Lanark County Aggregate Resources Master Plan (2025)

The public and stakeholder comment period for the Draft ARMP and GMS have closed.  Final reports will be advance the the Economic Development Committee in May (ARMP) and June (GMS) respectively.  If you have question related to the studies and their current status please contact Mike Dwyer, Planning Manager.