Planning Frequently Asked Questions

Review the frequently asked questions related to planning and development in the Municipality of Trent Lakes.

What is my zoning?

Please check out Peterborough’s Geographic Information System to view aerial imagery of your property. Click, “Yes, I Agree to the Terms” then Click “I want to” and either “Find a parcel by address” or “Find a parcel by roll number”. Choose Layers, then Zoning and ensure you choose Trent Lakes Zoning. You can determine the zoning designation of your property by viewing the Zoning Schedule Maps. Each map will have a legend in the top right corner to help you find the correct map.

Can I sever my property?

Consent applications are administered through the County of Peterborough.  Please refer to their severance page to review their information package and process for consent.

What can I build under my zoning?

Once you've found your property, you may view the Comprehensive Zoning By-law to find the permitted uses for that specific zone. 

Can I have a secondary suite on my property?

Under the current Official Plan, no secondary suites are permitted.  

Can I live in a trailer on my property?

Trailers, or park model trailers fall under prohibited habitation within the Municipality of Trent Lakes and are not a permitted use for habitation. 

What is the minimum dwelling size?

Check your zone category from our Comphensive Zoning By-law in cohesion with our Zoning Maps to identify if a minimum dwelling size applies.  For further information about dwelling sizes, consult the Ontario Building Code or check with your private insurance broker for insurable sizes.

Can I have a tiny home?

Only one dwelling is permitted per property.  Each dwelling shall meet the minimum code requirements of the Ontario Building Code for acceptable foundations and construction.  

Why do I have to pay development charges?

The principle behind development charges is that growth should pay for growth. Development charges ease the financial burden on existing taxpayers to fund new services as a result of growth. Without development charges, the costs for additional infrastructure would be at the expense of existing property owners in the form of higher property taxes and user fees. Development charges are used by most municipalities in Ontario. The Development Charges Act, 1997 provides the legislative authority for the collection of development Charges.

How do I apply for a variance to the Zoning By-law? 

Learn how to apply for a minor variance to the Zoning By-law. You'll need a minor variance if your building or planning proposal doesn't align with the zoning for the property. 

Can I run a business out of my ​home?

It depends on the specific zoning for your property. Find out how to start a business and see if your property allows for home businesses. 

Where can I view the fees related to planning?

View our Fees and Charges By-law under section E to find the planning fees.

Can I change the zoning for a property?

Zoning changes can be proposed by any private individual, corporation, or by the Municipality itself. The proposed changes need to align with the policies of the Municipality's Official Plan and the Province of Ontario. You can read more about the zoning by-law amendment process.

How can I find out my Official Plan property designation?

Please refer to the Official Plan to find out how your property is designated in the Official Plan. 

How do I get a zoning compliance letter for my property?

Please contact the Building and Planning department to get a Zoning Compliance Letter. View the Fees & Charges By-law to find out about the applicable fees. 

Can I divide a property and create a new lot?

A severance, also known as a consent, is initiated by the County of Peterborough. Learn how to apply for a Severances.

​Does the Municipality have a survey for my property?

Surveys are the property of the individuals or corporations that create and purchase them and are subject to copyright laws. The Municipality is not able to release any survey without the expressed written consent of the copyright owners.

How do I find a survey my property?

If no survey exists, a surveyor with an Ontario Land Surveyor designation will need to survey the property.

How do I find out the owner of a property?

Names and mailing information for property owners are available at the Municipal Office and prepared by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). You will be required to have the roll number associated with the property to find this information. Roll numbers can be found by using the Peterborough County GIS mapping system.

How wide are the roads and road allowance between concessions?

Municipal Roads and road allowances are typically 66 ft. wide.

What is the Ontario Land Tribunal?

When people can't resolve their differences on community planning issues, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is an legal tribunal that hears cases in relation to a range of municipal planning, financial and land matters. These include matters such as:

• Official plans
• Zoning by-laws
• Subdivision plans
• Consents and minor variances
• Land compensations
• Development charges
• Electoral ward boundaries
• Municipal finances
• Aggregate resources
• Other issues assigned by numerous Ontario statutes

The Ontario Land Tribunal has been previously recognized as the Ontario Municipal Board and most recently, the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal.