Planning, Zoning, Building and Development in Renfrew

The Town of Renfrew strives to make the development process easy for everyone including residents, businesses and stakeholders. Whether you are a prospective developer, a concerned citizen, or someone simply curious about how our town evolves, this page serves as a gateway to knowledge, transparency, and effective communication. Here, you will find a wealth of information designed to empower you with a clear understanding of our town's development procedures, regulations, and the collaborative efforts that shape Renfrew's future. The Town of Renfrew is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth that respects our heritage, enhances our quality of life, and ensures a bright future for generations to come. 

Explore the Development Process

Pre Consultation

Official Plan Amendment

Zoning By-Law Amendment

Minor Variance

Site Plan Control

Consent/Severance

Explore the Development Process

Pre-consultation

A pre-consultation between the applicant and the municipality, prior to the submission of land use planning applications being formally submitted, is required in accordance with the policies of the Planning Act. This consultation will help ensure a complete application is submitted and provides opportunities for early feedback and information sharing on the proposed concept.

For the current land use planning application fees, please review the Consolidated Fees & Changes By-Law.

Official Plan Amendment

Any development proposal in the Town of Renfrew must conform to the Town’s Official Plan. If the proposal does not meet the requirements set out in the Official Plan, a property owner may have to apply for an Official Plan Amendment. Any changes to our Town’s Official Plan must also conform to the Provincial Policy Statement.

Zoning By-law Amendment

Any development proposal in the Town of Renfrew must conform to the Town’s Zoning By-law. If the proposal does not meet the requirements set out in the Zoning By-law, a property owner may have to apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment. Any changes to our Zoning By-law must also conform to the municipal official plan.

Minor Variance

A minor variance is a small variation from the requirements of the zoning by-law. A minor variance may allow property owners to use their land in a way that does not comply exactly with the requirements of the Zoning By-law. It is often necessitated by circumstances peculiar to the property that prevent the owner from developing it in a way that conforms to the by-law's provisions.

Site Plan Control

Site Plan Control is a form of development control provided to municipalities by the Ontario Planning Act. In order to undertake any development that is subject to Site Plan Control, an application must be submitted to the town and may require the submission of engineering drawings and studies. Once the plans are approved, a site plan agreement is generally executed. This agreement contractually binds the owner to develop and maintain a site in accordance with the approved plans and the terms of the agreement.

Consent / Severance

A consent or severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This regulation ensures controlled land development in compliance with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law.

Plans of Subdivision / Plans of Condominiums

The County of Renfrew processes and approves plans of subdivision and plans of condominium. The Town of Renfrew, however, must approve of each plan of subdivision to the County, pass any necessary Zoning By-law amendment, and enter into a subdivision agreement. A subdivision agreement is an agreement between a developer and the Town, concerning the subdivision in which your home may be located. The agreement is registered against the title of the lot and contains conditions of the approval.

A plan of Condominium is a method of dividing property so that an individual holds title to a portion of a building, or a "unit", as well as a share of the rest of the property that is common to all the individual unit owners. A Condominium can apply to residential, commercial or industrial properties.

The Applications for a Plans of Subdivision / Condominium are done through the County of Renfrew. To get an application form please see the County of Renfrew.

County of Renfrew - Planning Department

Part-Lot Control Approval

Part-Lot Control is a provision that regulates the sale or transfer of a part of a lot within a registered plan of subdivision. Municipalities use part lot control to prevent the possible uncontrolled division of lots within a plan of subdivision after the plan has been registered. A property owner may apply for Part-Lot Control Exemption in order to legally divide his or her lot, or lots, within a registered plan of subdivision. The proposed lot division must not require new roads or municipal services.

Encroachment Agreement

An encroachment agreement is a legal agreement between a property owner or tenant and the Town which allows the proponent to maintain an encroachment on, over or under a Town owned road allowance or other Town owned property. An encroachment agreement is required to temporarily occupy the Town’s right of way for various activities. These permits ensure safety measures are in place to protect the public, and, to ensure the safety of pedestrian and vehicular movement.