In accordance with By-law 2024-055, as of July 1, 2024:
A summary of the development charges by-law can be found in the Township Development Charges Pamphlet.
View the District of Muskoka Development Charges Pamphlet. District Development Charges do not apply if the addition to a non-residential building is 50% or less of floor area.
In accordance with By-law 2019-49, as of January 1, 2021:
The Muskoka Web Map is an online interactive mapping application that features a new mapping interface and touch screen support for mobile devices. The application allows users to search for features and view high resolution aerial photography for the entire district.
First, confirm the zoning of the property using the Muskoka GeoHub Map below.
Once the zoning of a property has been confirmed, please consult with the Township's Zoning By-law. Zoning By-law 2014-14 applies to all properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes and regulates how land and buildings are used, the location of buildings, lot coverage, building heights and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zoning By-law?
Zoning By-laws regulate how land and buildings are used, the location of buildings, lot coverage, building heights and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development.
Visit Muskoka Web Map to determine your zoning designation or contact the Planning Department at the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Official Zoning Schedules are located at the Township of Muskoka Lakes office. Please contact the Planning Department for current information.
Zoning By-law 2014-14 is the new comprehensive zoning by-law applying to all properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
If a proposed use or structure on a property doesn't meet the requirements of our Zoning By-law, an application may be made for a Zoning By-law Amendment (or rezoning). The decision to approve or deny an application is made by Council. Prior to this decision, Planning Committee will hold a public meeting and make a recommendation to Council.
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is needed when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished. The Township of Muskoka Lakes also requires a building permit to be taken out when processing an application to connect to the District Water and Sewer. A permit to connect must be taken out first from the District of Muskoka. This permit must go with your application to the Township of Muskoka Lakes, along with the needed drawings.
The following is a list of common renovation projects that require a building permit:
I need to determine the zoning of a property.
I need to review zoning/development requirements (minimum frontage/area, setbacks, height, lot coverage, etc.) of a particular zone.
I don't meet the requirements of a particular zone and require a Minor Variance or Zoning By-law Amendment.
Please review application guides and application forms.
A Minor Variance can provide specific relief from provisions of our Zoning By-law (an example would be needing to build slightly closer to a property boundary than the setbacks permitted in the Zoning By-law). Minor Variance decisions are made by the Committee of Adjustment.
Zoning By-law 2014-14 is the new comprehensive zoning by-law applying to all properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
If a proposed use or structure on a property doesn't meet the requirements of our Zoning By-law, an application may be made for a Zoning By-law Amendment (or rezoning). The decision to approve or deny an application is made by Council. Prior to this decision, Planning Committee will hold a public meeting and make a recommendation to Council.
I wish to subdivide or alter the lot lines of my property.
Please confirm the zoning of your property and related zoning requirements.
Consent from the Township is needed to separate a piece of land to form a new lot. A Consent is not needed in certain situations, such as when the land is already divided by a railway or public road.
You can also apply for Consent to create a Right-of-Way or change existing property boundaries (e.g. lot addition). Consent Application decisions are made by the Committee of Adjustment, unless submitted concurrently with a necessary Zoning By-law Amendment.
I wish to determine whether or not a proposed development is subject to Site Plan Control, or have questions regarding the Site Plan Approval process.
Please review the Site Plan Control By-law, application guide and application form.
A Site Plan Agreement establishes both design and technical aspects of development over and above the requirements set out in the Zoning By-law. Site Plan Agreements can help to:
Some development in the Township is exempt from Site Plan Control. Please refer to Site Plan Control By-law 2006-100 for more information.
I require a copy of a previously approved Zoning By-law Amendment.
A Municipal Record Search is a document that provides details regarding issued building permits on file, the status of inspections, and any outstanding orders. It also offers information with respect to planning such as the zoning designation, permitted uses, and any planning approvals for the property. Typically, these requests are from solicitors performing a transfer of ownership or placing a mortgage.
If you would like to request a Municipal Records Search please submit a written request along with the fee to the Planning Department, Township of Muskoka Lakes, at either planning@muskokalakes.ca, or 1 Bailey Street PO Box 129 Port Carling ON P0B 1J0. In your request please provide the property tax roll number, property address, name of seller, name of purchaser, legal description of property, requisition date, name of law office, and email address where the Municipal Record Search can be returned once completed.
The Municipal Record Search Fee is $200.00 for a residential property and $300.00 for a commercial property. If you require the results within 48 hours and the municipality is able to accommodate the request, it is an additional $100.
