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Planning and Zoning

The Planning Department of Trent Hills is responsible for guiding the long-term growth of the Municipality, managing and updating policies like the Trent Hills Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law, and educating the public on planning matters. Planning Staff coordinate between residents, developers, the municipality and other professional fields to ensure that any development is in line with planning goals set out by the Province and the Municipality. The Planning Department receives and manages applications relating to land use and development, and reviews them based on applicable policies, studies, and best practices in order to make a professional recommendation to Council for their approval.


The Development Inquiry Form is the best way to reach the Planning Department with questions, concerns, or requests for information about your property.

The Trent Hills Official Plan sets out a vision and long-term goals to guide the growth and development of the Municipality. The Official Plan provides a framework that balances population and economic growth with the protection of the natural environment, ensuring the sustainability of our resources for future generations.

Starting in 2022, the Municipality of Trent Hills has begun the process of updating the Official Plan. 

You can find out more about the current Official Plan and the creation of the new Official Plan on the following page: Official Plan

Trent Hills Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 is the primary tool regulating land use within the municipality. It provides provisions for permitted use, where buildings can be located on a property, and other rules to make sure new development is compatible with existing land uses.

You can read more about Trent Hills Zoning By-laws on the following page: Zoning & Land Use

Planning Applications are required in order to change zoning and permitted uses on a property, to sever off and create new parcels of land, to create a shared easement between others, and to subdivide land for future development.

A list of Planning Applications can be found on the following page:  Planning Applications. Print copies are also available for pickup from the municipal office.

Land Acknowledgement

We recognize the traditional keepers of this land and, specifically our neighbours of the Alderville First Nation, with a formal territorial acknowledgement.

Welcome to the Gunshot Treaty Lands of 1788. It is on these lands and on the shores of the big lake, the Mississauga Anishinabeg met with the Crown to facilitate the opening of these lands for
settlement.

Let us be reminded of the responsibility we all have in making sure that we respect these lands and waters that give us life and sustain our livelihoods.

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