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Looking to make changes to a property in Huntsville? Learn about the different planning applications and what property changes they govern. 

Community Planning Permit Applications
Interested in development on your property? Check out the Community Planning Permit By-law page.
Community Planning Permit By-law Amendment Applications
Learn more about what the Community Planning Permit By-law Amendment Application is and why it is necessary.

Consent (Severance)
Interested in establishing an easement, a lot addition, or a severance? Check out the Consent Application Process page.

Official Plan Amendments
Interested in making changes to your property that do not conform to the Official Plan? Check out the Official Plan Amendments page. 

Subdivision/Condominium

Subdividing occurs when a property is divided, typically into a number of new lots to be sold for development. This is a District led process so please visit the District of Muskoka Land Development and Applications page for more information.

Original Shore Road and Original Road Allowances

What is an Original Shore Road and Original Road Allowance?

Road allowances were created by Crown surveyors in the 18th and 19th century as land designated for access routes between and around lots. Shore road allowances are very similar but exist between the property and the shoreline. If your property abuts an allowance you will need to apply to have it closed before you can proceed with any development on the allowance land.

Owners of waterfront properties that have a shore road allowance and are looking to develop, will be required to purchase it as a condition of planning approval. If you have any questions please contact the Legal and Agreements Coordinator.

What is the process for an Original Shore Road and Original Road Allowance closure?


STEP 1: Gather Required Documentation & Application Submission

  • Fill out the Original Road and Shore Road Allowance Closure Application Form including the following items:

    • A detailed sketch or site plan, “to scale”, which clearly shows the following:
      • the location and measurements of all existing and/or proposed structures/encroachments on the benefitting property;
      • the location and measurements of all existing and/or proposed structures/encroachments on the Town’s property;
      • the distance from the structures/encroachments to the abutting lot lines and from the shore line (where applicable);
      • existing and proposed vegetation; 
      • driveways and paths.
    • Letter with reasons for applying for the road / shore road allowance closure;
    • Location Map showing the property in relation to surrounding area;
    • Copy of registered transfer or deed detailing ownership of benefitting property; and
    • Letter of authorization if an agent is acting on your behalf (where necessary).
  • A $1,152.00 application fee is required.

  • Have your Roll Number and the legal description of the property prior to beginning the application. This information can be found on your Property Tax bill or using the on the Town of Huntsville Map. 

  • Your neighbours will be contacted as part of the application process. You may want to reach out to them prior to applying to let them know and gauge support.

  • There may be additional approvals (i.e. building permit, etc.) and additional fees and charges(i.e. building permit fees) associated with any encroachment approved in conjunction with this application.
STEP 2: Application Review

  • A planner will review the application.

  • If abutting neighbours have given letters of approval, staff have been delegated the authority to approve the application. If abutting neighbours have not signed letters of approval, the application will go to the Development Services Committee for consideration. 
STEP 3: Decision

  • If you are applying for an Original Shore Road Allowance closure, you'll be required to complete a survey outlining the flooded and unflooded portions once your application has been approved.

  • Staff will forward your approval to the Town's solicitor who will complete the required steps to close and purchase the road allowance.
  • A by-law will go to Council for passage. The by-law will be registered on the title of your property and the road allowance will be transferred into your ownership once you've paid the purchase price.

Fees (2025)

Application Fee: $1,152.00
Note: Payment by credit card is required immediately following the submission of application

Additional Approximate Costs Associated with the Closure

  • Land Costs 2025 (more particularly described in Fees & Charges By-law)

    • OSRA (Muskoka River between Port Sydney Dam and Stephenson Road 1 East): $12 per square metre of unflooded area (flooding determined by survey)

    • OSRA (all other areas): $16 per square metre of unflooded areas (flooding determined by survey); or
    • All other highways: $10 per square metre or appraised value (appraisal at the sole cost of the applicant)
  • Legal deposit to cover Town legal fees and Notice advertising costs (unused portion will be returned after file closure): $2,653
  • Survey costs as arranged and paid for by the applicant

Payment can be made over the phone (credit card only; Visa and Mastercard) or in person (credit card, debit, or cheque). Fees are updated on an annual basis.

Licence of Occupation

What is a Licence of Occupation? 

A licence of occupation is required to permit an encroachment or the installation of a structure on Town-owned property. If you don't want to purchase the road allowance or if the road allowance cannot be sold by the Town, you can apply for a licence of occupation. This functions similarly to a rental or lease agreement with annual rent and utility fees required as well. Please review the Licence of Occupation Policy to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations prior to getting started.

What do you need to apply?

  • Fill out the License of Occupation Form.
  • The $695.00 application fee is required.

  • Have your Roll Number and the legal description of the property prior to beginning the application. This information can be found on your Property Tax bill or using the on the Town of Huntsville Map. 

  • $2 million dollar liability insurance naming the Town as an additional insured is required.

  • There may be additional approvals (i.e. building permit, etc.) and additional fees and charges(i.e. building permit fees) associated with any encroachment approved in conjunction with this application.

Documentation Requirements
  • Seasonal (summer) pictures of the developed lands, or lands to be developed, where applicable
  • A detailed sketch or site plan, "to scale", which clearly shows the following:
    • The location and measurements of all existing and/or proposed structures/encroachments on the benefitting property;
    • The location and measurements of all existing and/or proposed structures/encroachments on the Town's property;
    • The distance from the structures/encroachments to the abutting lot lines and from the shoreline (where applicable);
    • Existing and proposed vegetation;
    • Driveways and paths;
  • Copy of registered transfer or deed detailing ownership of benefitting property;
  • Letter with reasons for applying for the road/shore road allowance closure;
  • Location map showing the property in relation to the surrounding area; and
  • Letter of authorization if an agent is acting on your behalf (where necessary).

Fees (2025)

Application Fee: $695.00
Note: Payment by credit card is required immediately following the submission of application

Annual Fee to be paid upon executing the agreement: $1264.00

Note: The annual licence fee and proof of current liability insurance is due on or before January 1st of each year thereafter during the term of the Licence Agreement.

Payment can be made over the phone (credit card only; Visa and Mastercard) or in-person (credit card, debit, or cheque). Fees are updated on an annual basis.


Notes for Applicant

  • A Licence of Occupation Application will be considered expired if it has been inactive for a period of six months from the date of receipt of the complete application.
  • Completion of the proposed work is to be completed within one year from the date of the signed agreement.

Routine Disclosure Form

The Routine Disclosure Form is used to request records. Applicable records include:

  • Planning Application Form
  • Drawings/Surveys prepared for Planning Application
  • Comments from Staff/Fire Department/District of Muskoka/Provincial Agencies
  • Correspondence to/from Applicant and/or their representative
  • Studies Submitted for Application
  • Staff reports
  • Comments Received from Residents
  • Public Meeting Sign-In Sheets
  • Mailing Lists
  • Agreements Made under the Planning Act
  • Decisions
  • Zoning By-laws
  • Notices of Hearing
  • Notices of Passage

*Please note, not all records are available to be copied and released, but may be viewed in-person.

General Consent Form

The General Consent Form is for the legal owner of a property to allow a representative acting on behalf of the owner (real estate agent, lawyer, permit applicant) to access information relating to their file.

Green Energy Application

The Green Energy Application Form is used to apply to the Town of Huntsville for support of a renewable energy proposal.

Ready to apply?

Submit your planning application

Planning applications are now submitted through Cloudpermit. To learn more, visit our Cloudpermit Guide & FAQ.

A Public Information Session webinar on how to use Cloudpermit for planning was held on June 5th. Click here to watch the webinar.

Have a Question?

Review our Frequently Asked Questions page for the most common planning questions or contact us by emailing Planning or calling (705) 789-1751, option 3.