Start a Business

Is my property zoned for business?

When starting a business in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, you should first review the zoning of your property. This will ensure your business fits the permitted land uses. On this page you will find information on zoning and potential building permits you might require to start up a business in Trent Lakes.

When you’re looking to build your company or you want to buy property, you need to know what zone the property is in. If you choose a property that is not zoned for what you want to do, then there is a risk that you could have a property you can’t use. If a property isn't zoned for your business, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get an approval to work there. Speak with our Planning department staff to discuss your plans and means of resolution. Our staff are happy to work with our community for positive results.

Store front businesses

Please contact planning staff about store front businesses. This is to ensure that your store front business is compliant with land-use zoning for Trent Lakes. A pre-consultation form will be required to review your business proposal.

Do I need a building permit?

Under the Ontario Building Code (OBC), most renovation projects require a permit of some kind to be done. Permits are important because they help ensure that any construction being done is in compliance with the OBC, as well as municipal by-laws on urban/commercial planning and development.

If your business space requires an addition, repairs or renovations contact building staff to find out if your plans require a building permit. 

Home businesses

Most residentially zoned properties are able to have a home business. Home occupations include:

• An office for a professional or trades person
• An art or photographic studio
• A work room for a dressmaker, seamstress, hairstylist, art or music teacher or similar activity
• A private-home day care operation in a dwelling unit that does not require a licence under the Day Nurseries Act

See section 4.17 of our Comprehensive Zoning By-law for more information about home occupations.

Properties zoned as rural residential and rural are permitted to have a home occupation. Home industries include:

• A carpentry shop
• A metal or welding shop
• An electrical shop
• A plumbing shop
• Small engine repair
• A landscaping or landscape contracting business
• A nursery greenhouse
• A bus-truck parking and maintenance facility

See section 4.16 of our Comprehensive Zoning By-law for more information about home industries. 

Bed and breakfasts

A bed and breakfast establishment is defined as a:

• Single detached dwelling in with a maximum of three guest rooms that are available for rent to the public
• May offer meals 

A bed and breakfast does not include an eating establishment, hotel, motel or any other form of tourist establishment. See section 4.5 of our Comprehensive Zoning By-law for more information regarding bed and breakfast establishments.

Mobile vendors

The operation of a mobile canteen or a mobile vendor will not be a permitted within the Municipality of Trent Lakes.