Planning Applications and Fees

The Town of Arnprior accepts and reviews planning and development applications. Learn more about required approvals for your project. View Planning Notices to see current applications and learn how to participate.

Before you apply

Before you submit an application, you need to book a pre-application meeting. Staff will answer questions about the application process and provide application requirements.

Submitting an application

You are responsible for a complete and accurate application which identifies necessary approvals. Staff are not permitted to complete application forms. If you need help, staff will direct you to appropriate resources.

Complete application

A complete application includes:

Application form;
Fee; and
Supporting studies or drawings.

Application fees

Planning application fees are paid when the application is submitted. There may be additional costs in the process (e.g. peer review, legal, survey).

Application review and decision

Staff review applications to ensure they are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, and conform to the County and Town Official Plan. Staff circulate applications to neighbouring property owners, agencies, the County, and other Town departments for comments. A notice may also be posted on the property and in the newspaper.

A report with a recommendation will be prepared. Staff will update you when comments are received and when your application will be heard. Depending on the application, a public meeting or hearing will be required.

There is a 20 day appeal period that follows most planning application decisions. Building permits cannot be issued until the appeal period has ended.

Agency circulation

Depending on the type and location of your application, comments or permits may be required from external agencies before your application can be processed. For instance, applications along Highway 17 require approval from the Ministry of Transportation. Common commenting agencies include:

Planning applications and guidelines

Learn how to plan and apply for your next development project in the Town of Arnprior. Missing an application? Contact the Planning Department.

Minor Variance

A minor variance is a minor variation from the requirements of the Zoning By-law. The Committee of Adjustment approves minor variances.
There are four tests a minor variance must meet:

Does the application conform to the general intent of the Official Plan?
Does the application conform to the general intent of the Zoning By-law?
Is the application desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question?
Is the application minor?

Complete the minor variance application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Consent – Severance, Lot Addition, Easement

A consent is an application to subdivide land, enter into a lease greater than 21 years, create an easement, or adjust a lot line. The Committee of Adjustment approves consents. The creation of two or more lots or extension of a road or services requires a plan of subdivision.

Complete the consent application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Zoning By-law Amendment

A zoning by-law amendment amends the requirements of the Zoning By-law. Rezonings may add or restrict uses or change regulations for a property. Council approves zoning by-law amendment applications.

Complete the zoning by-law amendment application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Site Plan Control

Site plan control is required for all commercial, industrial, and institutional development. Site plan is also required for multi-residential development. Site plan control looks at the detailed design and technical aspects of a site. Building permits won't be issued until a site plan agreement is entered into. Council enters into a site plan agreement with the property owner.

Complete the site plan application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Official Plan Amendment

An official plan amendment amends the policies of the Official Plan. Amendments may be required for larger projects or to re-designate lands in the Town. The County of Renfrew approves amendments to the Town of Arnprior Official Plan. Applications are submitted to the Town of Arnprior.

Complete the official plan amendment application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Plans of Subdivision and Condominium

A plan of subdivision or condominium divides land or property into multiple lots or units. The County of Renfrew approves plans of subdivision and condominiums. Submit your application to the County.

Lifting 0.3m Reserve

A 0.3m reserve is a strip of land 0.3m wide, running along the street frontage/road allowance or perimeter of a property that is deeded temporarily to the Town. This reserve as the effect of technically denying access to a property, or adjacent lands because the law requires that all land must have frontage on a public street to qualify for a building permit. The lifting of the reserves can result in the dedication of land as public highways, the conveyance of land back to the owner or in some cases, both.

Complete the lifting 0.3m reserve application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Encroachment

An encroachment is an item that is placed, erected, or built on the public right-of-way for private use (e.g. awnings, underground pipes). Permission from the Town is required for items that encroach. The Town may authorize the use of portions of the public highway for such encroachments by enacting an Encroachment By-law.

Complete the encroachment application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Lifting Holding Symbol

A holding (h) symbol is used on any parcel of land zoned for development where the principle of development has been established, in order to restrict development until certain criteria for development has been met to the satisfaction of Council. Certain criteria for development (ie. phasing, financial considerations, geotechnical studies, access, etc.) must be met to the satisfaction of Council prior to the removal of the holding provision.

Complete the lifting a holding symbol application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Part Lot Control

The part-lot control provisions of the Planning Act allow a municipality to pass by-laws to remove part-lot control from all or any part of a registered plan of subdivision. Such a by-law has the effect of allowing the conveyance of a portion of a lot.

Complete the part lot control exemption application and submit with the required fees and documents.

Deeming By-law

A deeming by-law removes lands (lots or blocks) from a registered plan of subdivision, providing the plan of subdivision has been registered for more than 8 years. A deeming by-law can remove all of the lots or blocks of land within a registered plan, or only some of the lots or blocks within a plan of subdivision. A deeming by-law may be required to merge lots within a plan of subdivision.

Complete the deeming by-law application and submit with the required fees and documents.