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 Ontario Land Tribunal (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 consent, commonly known as a severance or lot creation, is an approval a land owner can apply for to be able to convey or create an interest in part of their land. View the Make an Application page for further information on the consent process within Lanark County.

You can apply for a consent for:

• New Lot
• Lot Addition
• Easement or Right-of-Way
• Charge or Lease of Land (exceeding 21 years)

An owner can also apply for related approvals including a Cancelation Certificate and Validation Certificate.

For more information, contact the Planning Department.

Plans of subdivisions and Condominium are used to comprehensively subdivide land and create ownership and tenure structures. They are generally required when a number of lots are being created, when there will be public infrastructure or there will be common private infrastructure. Both types of development require planning and technical review by the County and other agencies, as well as public consultation and County Council approval.

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

Part lot control is used to facilitate the administrative division of lands that have already been reviewed and approved within a Plan of Subdivision. This is often done where Blocks in a plan are developed with semi-detached or townhomes. The County is the approval authority for the By-law passed by the local municipality.

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

Lanark County adopted its first Official Plan (OP) in 2016, called the Sustainable Communities Official Plan. It built on the previous work on the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP). The Lanark County OP provides the wider policy framework for growth and development across Lanark County. It also implements policies related to natural and economic resources to ensure their protection. 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.

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.

Visit our Open Applications page to view open/ongoing Official Plan Amendments (OPA) applications.

Questions concerning previously approved OPA Applications can be sent to planning@lanarkcounty.ca.

Lanark County undertakes studies to inform land use planning in the County. The outcomes of these studies will eventually inform updates to the County’s Official Plan.

Open and Ongoing Major Studies:

• None

Past Major Studies (Final Reports):

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

Please contact planning@lanarkcounty.ca if you have questions related to the studies.