Regarding Planning, Development and Land Use
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Any use of a building, structure, or addition to an existing structure must meet the provisions of the Zoning By-law. This includes, but is not limited to: commercial uses of buildings; where and how far from your lot line decks, balconies, and window bays are from the edge of your property; provisions for parking and driveways; and provisions for boathouses, gazebos, saunas, and swimming pools.
For more information about zoning, view the Planning page.
To know what your zone is, select “find an address” on the zoning map.
Alternatively, you can find out the zoning of a property by consulting the map of your area via the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Schedules, or by contacting Planning Services.
You can apply for a Zoning Amendment through the Municipality. Please note that a formal consultation meeting with Planning Services is required prior to filling out the Application for Official Plan Amendment/Zoning Amendment form. You can read more about this process on the Planning page.
Any changes to the use of your property may be possible through the Zoning By-law Amendment or Minor Variance processes. Please consult with Planning Services to determine if your property meets the requirements under these processes.
Please contact Planning Services at 705-753-2250 ext. 6926.
It depends on your property zonage. The raising of poultry (chickens) falls under ‘Agricultural Activities’ and may only be carried on in the zones which permit it, namely RU (Rural) and (A1 and A2) Agriculture zones.
To know what your zone is, select “find an address” on the zoning map.
Yes. Section 4.30 and Section 5.5.2 of the Zoning By-law outlines how many recreational vehicles may be stored on a single residential property, and where they may be parked.
For example, if your property is zoned as a Residential One (R1), Residential Two (R2), Residential Three (R3), or Residential Four (R4) lot, you may store a maximum of one boat, one travel or tent trailer, and one other non-travel/utility trailer outside on a lot, at least 1.5 metres away from any lot line. If the vehicles are parked in the front yard, they must be located in the driveway. You may not have more than one travel trailer per lot in these zones.
For more information, please see Section 4.30 (Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles) and Section 5.5.2 (Parking of Boats and Trailers) of the Zoning By-law.
Certain commercial activities and businesses may be run from home (Home Industries or Home Occupations), are subject to zoning regulations (see Sections 4.10 and 4.11 of the Zoning By-law). These include the types of businesses permitted in a residential dwelling, parking regulations, signage regulations, and regulations on occupation of the dwelling.
For more information, please see Section 4.10 (Home Industry) or Section 4.11 (Home Occupation) of the Zoning By-law, or contact Planning Services.
For information on starting a business, please view our resources listed on our Starting a Business page.
Section 4.2 of the Zoning By-law outlines all regulations for accessory structures – any structure on your property that is detached or attached to the building used for human habitation (except for a sleeping cabin). This includes, but is not limited to, sheds, gazebos, decks, boathouses, docks, saunas, storage containers, and swimming pools.
Please see Section 4.2 (Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures) of the Zoning By-law for more information.
A swimming pool is permitted in any Zone except for the Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) Zone or Hazard (HZ) Zone Overlay. For information on the regulations surrounding swimming pools, please see Section 4.2.12 (Swimming Pools) of the Zoning By-law.
Please note that fencing is required for all privately-owned swimming pools. For information on fences for swimming pools, please see By-law 2005/40 (Fences – Swimming Pools)
The subdivision and consent processes allows land to be divided, added on to or rights of way granted.
Please consult with Planning Services to determine the need and type of consent or subdivision involved.
Apartments in houses are permitted in all zones providing they meet the regulations in Section 4.1 of the Zoning By-law. Please note that compliance with Building and Fire Regulations are also applicable.
In any residential zone, the construction of a garage without a dwelling is not permitted. Stand alone garages are permitted in the rural and agricultural zones.
For more information, please see Section 4.2.4 of the Zoning By-law.
Generally, reconstruction of a building which is destroyed by natural disaster may be reconstructed in the same place. However, the voluntary demolition or removal of a non-compliant structure may be required to comply.
Please see Section 4.16.2 of the Zoning By-law.
Fences may be constructed up to or on a lot line, however it is strongly recommended that you obtain the services of an Ontario Land Surveyor prior to undertaking the construction of a fence.
The Municipality is not authorized to provide information or advice on property boundaries. You must obtain the services of an Ontario Land Surveyor.
Building permits may be issued for properties which are accessed by private roads, rights of way, or Crown Land. For specific requirements, please contact the Municipality and/or consult Section 4.23 of the Zoning By-law.
By-law 2014/66 includes a list of maintained roads within the Municipality of West Nipissing.