What is Site Plan Control?
Site Plan Control is the process used to review how development will be arranged on your property before work begins.
Will I need it?
Yes. All properties in the Trout Lake Influence Area are subject to Site Plan Control.
What does it do?
It helps ensure development protects Trout Lake by reviewing:
What will I need to provide?
Usually a site plan showing buildings, drainage, vegetation, septic systems, and other site features.
Will I need professional drawings?
Yes. Site Plan applications require a site plan prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) for properties that front onto Trout Lake. The remaining Trout Lake Influence Area will require a drawing to be completed digitally at a legible metric scale.
Is it permanent?
Yes. Site Plan Control Agreements are registered on title and apply to future property owners.
Not sure where to start?
Contact your municipality’s Planning Department before beginning any development project or speak with a private sector Planning Firm.
A Site Plan Control Agreement is an agreement between the property owner and the municipality that outlines how development on a property will occur.
The agreement is based on a site plan showing what the property will look like after development is complete.
Because Trout Lake is environmentally sensitive, Site Plan Control helps ensure projects are designed in a way that protects:
Once approved, the agreement is registered on title and applies to current and future owners.
Site planning helps avoid problems before construction begins.
It helps ensure:
Site Plan Approval is generally required for most development and redevelopment projects within the Trout Lake Influence Area. You may need Site Plan Approval if you are:
| Planning to... | Site Plan Approval may be required |
| Build a new home or cottage | Yes |
| Construct a garage, bunkie, or other accessory structure | Often |
| Add an addition to an existing building | Often |
| Install or replace a septic system | Often |
| Redevelop or significantly alter a property | Yes |
If you are unsure whether Site Plan Approval applies to your project, contact your municipality before beginning design or construction work. Site Plan Approval is generally required before a Building Permit can be issued within the Trout Lake Influence Area.
A Site Plan application typically includes drawings and information showing how your property will be developed. A site plan must be prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor for properties fronting on Trout Lake.
Depending on the project, the submission may also include:
In some situations, additional professional studies may be required, such as soils reports, environmental studies, or fisheries assessments.
Planning staff can help determine what information is required for your project.
Before starting a project:
✔ Contact your municipality early in the process
✔ Plan septic and drainage requirements early
✔ Consider how development fits on the property
✔ Be prepared to submit drawings and supporting information
For questions about Site Plan Control, contact:
A site plan is a drawing showing what a property will look like once development is complete.
A Site Plan Control Agreement is a legal agreement between the property owner and municipality requiring development to proceed according to the approved site plan.
The agreement is registered on title and applies to future property owners.
A Site Plan Control application may include:
Depending on site conditions, professional reports may also be required.