In 2025, an amendment to the Town’s Development Permit By-law was proposed to update the By-law, which was previously passed in 2015.
Notable updates in the new By-law include:
- Wider street fronting townhome frontages
- Wider side yard setbacks for all home types
- As-of-right permissions for Accessory Dwelling Units
- New provisions and definitions for “Planned Unit Developments”
- Minimum and maximum parking standards
- Residential uses integrated into Highway Commercial and Community Commercial Areas
The new By-law was passed on June 24th, 2025, but was subject to one (1) appeal by a third party and was heard by the Ontario Land Tribunal in August 2026. The Tribunal ordered nine (9) amendments to the adopted plan, which were supported by the Town.
Funding for this review was made possible thanks to a grant under the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). The goal of the fund is to cut red tape and remove barriers to encourage local initiatives to build more homes, faster.
“This new By-law will support the goals of the HAF by streamlining the review process for residential development,” says Niki Dwyer, Director of Development Services. “The delegation of authority for planning permits can reduce the review period for zoning, minor variances, and site plans from 120 days to less than 45 days. By removing requirements for public consultation, Council reporting, and appeal periods, staff can efficiently review proposals and issue immediate approvals based on developers meeting pre-established criteria in a timely manner.”
Having this new Development Permit By-law in effect is a major milestone towards implementing the policies in our Official Plan of how we want to see the Town grow,” says Toby Randell, Mayor of Carleton Place. “Ensuring we deliver housing options that support our growing community’s needs in alignment with Provincial requirements while also protecting the charm and character that makes our town special, is a priority of this Council.”
Development Permit By-law 53-2025 can be viewed on the Town’s website.