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Welcome to the Town of Gravenhurst Planning Department!
Our team is responsible for the review, development and implementation of land use policies and by-laws including the Town's Official Plan under the authority of the Planning Act. We accept, review and process development related applications such as zoning amendments, consents, minor variances, site plan agreements, deeming by-laws, unopened road allowance closings, shore road allowance closings and surplus lands applications.
Applying for a Planning Application
Planning applications are now available via Cloudpermit.
Online planning applications, available to users 24/7, provide a fast and efficient approach to development approvals.
Register: https://ca.cloudpermit.com/registration
How to Navigate the Cloudpermit Process
The links below can help navigate the Cloudpermit process:
There are fees associated with some of the services provided by the Planning Department. Services such as requests for variance and rezoning, among others, have fees associated with them. For a full listing of the fees, please see the Town of Gravenhurst Fees and Charges.
The Town of Gravenhurst Planning Department is responsible for the review and administration of applications for Planning approvals. We highly recommend consultation with Planning staff prior to making an application. As processing times vary, please ensure that you have allowed sufficient time for the review and approval for any specific application.
In order for an application to be complete, all fees and requirements as noted in the application form need to be submitted. Applications may be accepted by mail or by dropping the application off at our office. Please see the fee schedule and take the time to carefully read the requirements for the application you will be submitting.
Below are links to each of our various application forms. Please note that we do not accept online applications. Most applications will require original signatures from all registered owners.
To determine applicable designations and policies, reference should be made to the District's Muskoka Official Plan which contains a vision and provides policies to protect the natural environment, align growth and development with municipal infrastructure investment, drive a vibrant economy and promote complete, safe, accessible and inclusive communities throughout Muskoka.
The Town of Gravenhurst Official Plan was adopted by Council on December 20, 2016. The Plan allocates land use, directs municipal services and facilities to guide development and over a 20 year time frame. All development approvals within the Town must conform to the policies contained in the Official Plan. These policies are implemented through the Town's Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-04.
A Copy of the Official Plan is available here:
Zoning By-law 10-04 for the Town of Gravenhurst was approved by Council on April 20, 2010. The Zoning By-law implements land use policies of the Town of Gravenhurst Official Plan by regulating and controlling specific land uses on individual properties. The By-law pertains to all lands within the boundaries of the Municipality of the Town of Gravenhurst.
A Zoning By-law contains a number of zones and sets out the permitted uses of land, minimum lot dimensions, building and structure locations, permitted types of buildings and structures, as well as parking and landscape requirements. Zoning maps are available to assist in determining the zoning of a property (see links below) for a part of the by-law as well as specific lot provisions and amendments.
Through zoning, a municipality can guide and shape the pattern of development that occurs. The requirements in a Zoning By-law help to determine the physical appearance of a community.
For searches related to a specific property address, you may find it helpful to access zoning information through the District of Muskoka Web Map.
Staff regularly consolidate the By-law and report to Council on minor inconsistencies and updates that have come to light since the passage of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law 10-04 Council approved on April 20th, 2010.
The Proposed amendments may relate to the text of the By-law including points of clarification, interpretation and Mapping Schedules.
The following is a list of current amendments:
For current planning applications please visit the Planning Notices page.
Committee meeting dates and agendas are available in the Council Calendar:
Urban design is about making connections between people and places, movement and urban form, nature and the built fabric. Urban design draws together the many strands of place-making, environmental stewardship, social equity and economic viability into the creation of places with distinct beauty and identity.
We are currently creating our Urban Design Manual, the goal of Gravenhurst's Urban Design Manual is to provide a thoughtful and consistent approach to urban design in our community.
The Town of Gravenhurst also adopted Façade and Streetscape Design Guidelines to encourage a more cohesive and inviting look and feel in the Downtown core.
Please visit Gravenhurst's Community Improvement Plan page for more information on Downtown Revitalization Guidelines.
What is GIS?
GIS is a computer system that incorporates geographical features with tabular data in order to store, manipulate, analyze and display data on a map. Each feature contains spatial data to locate it on the earth's surface, as well as additional data in order to capture other important attributes about the feature. For example, the actual location of a bridge is the spatial data and the name, length and age of the bridge might be its attribute data.
Municipalities and local governments are defined by geographic boundaries. Municipal services are related to that geography, from roads and sewers, to parks and recreational facilities, from development permits to tax collection. Location is an important aspect of most municipal information.
Community Improvement Area Map
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) adjudicates matters related to land use planning, environmental and natural features and heritage protection, land valuation, land compensation, municipal finance, and related matters. Visit the website for more information.
About OLT
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is an adjudicative 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 and other issues assigned by numerous Ontario statutes.
Who can file an Appeal?
Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Resources
The Town of Gravenhurst is dedicated to protecting our environment and combatting the effects of climate change. To learn more click here:
https://www.gravenhurst.ca/living-here/environment-and-sustainability/
Contact Us
Planning Department
705-687-3412 ext 2908
planning@gravenhurst.ca
3-5 Pineridge Gate
Gravenhurst ON, P1P1Z3
