Planning

Huntsville is defined by the natural elements of the area. Its lakes, forests and wildlife play a prominent part of the Town’s identity. Huntsville recognizes its role in protecting its natural beauty and encouraging everyone that lives, works and plays in the Town to be a good environmental steward. To learn more, visit the Environment & Climate Change webpage.

Before you build on a waterfront lot you must enter into an agreement with the Town. You must provide a site plan drawing that outlines:

• the location and size of all existing or proposed buildings and structures, including dimensions and setbacks to lot lines
• landscaping
• pathways, parking areas and driveways
• the location of wells and septic systems
• natural features on site (such as wetlands, streams, etc.)
• the shoreline buffer area within 15 metres of the shoreline

Shore Road Allowances

Many of the original shore road allowances (OSRAs) along the lakes and rivers in Huntsville are owned by the Town.

If you have structures or plan to build on the OSRA abutting your property (such as docks and boathouses), you will be required to purchase it or enter into a license of occupation.

Shoreline buffer requirements

• Maintain in a natural state except for removal of dead and decaying vegetation
• Maintain across a minimum 75% of the lot, measured along the shoreline
• Maintain a minimum depth of 15 metres measured back from the shoreline
• Total width of all structures and amenity areas cannot exceed 15 metres or 25% of the lot frontage, whichever is less

See the re-vegetation of shoreline buffers policy for more information.

Why are shoreline buffers so important?

Shoreline buffers protect the health of waterbodies and contribute to the natural beauty of Huntsville.

The shallow water and the first 20 metres of the land around lakes and rivers forms a “ribbon of life”. Most lake life is born, raised and fed in this area. A healthy shoreline buffer supports fish habitat and reduces erosion and runoff into the water.

Why is fish habitat so important?

The Province provides the Town with the location of fish habitat. Type 1 fish habitat is very sensitive to the impact of development. Disturbing fish habitat can result in the loss of fish population.

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

A Public Information Session was led by a Cloudpermit representative on June 5th, 2024 via Zoom. The Public Information Session includes details on how to submit planning pre-consultations, and applications.

Watch the video to learn more about Cloudpermit for planning applications.