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Zoning is the term used to describe the size and permitted use of a property.
The authority governing a town, city or municipality establishes the zoning by-laws.
Questions regarding this subject are asked and answered on this page.
The questions are from visitors to this site.
To ask a question, click on the heading at the bottom of this page.
Questions and Answers
Visitor: David
Naples, Florida, United States
April 2010.
Question:
My questions specifically refer to New Brunswick.
I would like to know exactly how the Canadian government defines a "camp," as I see this term often.
Does a "camp" have (or can it have) electricity, water, and sewer on site?
What types of dwellings (permanent or otherwise) are permitted on a piece of land zoned rural (residential) but not within city limits?
What about the types of dwellings permitted on a "camp?"
Is a skilled owner allowed to install improvements (electricity, water, sewer) himself, provided that they are done to code?
Answer:
According to the Government of New Brunswick:
Quote:
A Camp lot lease authorizes the use of Crown Land for an individual or a private group for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a camp lot. Leases are issued for a term of 10 years.
A camp is a recreational dwelling that has been placed or constructed on a designated camp lot and is not used as a principal residence. It may be a permanently affixed structure or a mobile unit.
The construction and/or placement of any structure on a camp lot shall be in accordance with the Provincial Building Regulation and the version of the National Building Code specified in that Regulation.
End of Quote
A camp can have electricity, water, sewer, and/ or septic facilities on site.
Homes can be built on land that is zoned rural residential. Multiple homes, farm buildings and so on are permitted if the land is zoned for such facilities.
According to the codes in Canada, electrical, plumbing, and sewer or septic work requires a licensed professional. All work is to be inspected by a building official before it is closed in or the structure is completed.
Further information is available on the Government of New Brunswick website.
Province of New Brunswick – Province du Nouveau Brunswick
www.gnb.ca
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Visitor: Mary Jo
Thunder Bay, Ontario
September 2008.
Question:
I'm interested in information about property size in the City of Thunder Bay ON. I live in the country within city limits and want to know if I can sever my lot.
Answer:
The Thunder Bay website is excellent and provides this information.
Go to: www.thunderbay.ca (City of Thunder Bay)
On the left select: City Services
Then on the left select: Departments
On the right select: Planning (it is listed under Development Services)
Under the title ‘The Planning Section’s Core Services”, look down the list of points, until you see ‘Issuing Zoning Permits’.
Click on the ‘Zoning FAQ’s’ on this line.
Click on or scroll down to: ‘Can my lot be subdivided?’
Follow the steps listed under this heading.
If you still have questions contact the Planning Division at 807-625-2216.
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Visitor: Rick
Belleville, Ontario
May 2008.
Question:
A property is currently for sale in the Town of Brighton, County of Northumberland. The listing shows the lot size as being 85' x 510'. A legal description of the location is provided. How does a buyer know if he will be able to get building permit?
Answer:
A buyer will need to determine the official zoning of this property.
For zoning contact the Municipality of Brighton, Planning Development & Services Department.
The phone number is 613-475-1162. Or go to their site at www.brighton.ca. Select from the top headings ‘Municipality’ and then from the column on the left select ‘Planning & Development. There is further contact information for this Department. They can provide zoning information from the address and legal description. Once the zoning is determined, a buyer will know what can be built on the property and what is required to obtain a building permit.
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Visitor: Sheila
Hepworth, Ontario
January 2008.
Question:
If you are unhappy with the heads of the local planning department, what options are available to have another independent council have a say in your proposal as to the sale of property? This property involves our property being added to the neighbors and our property being downsized to a 6-acre lot.
Answer:
The planning department is responsible for the land use planning in your town. They follow the regulation for the properties in your area.
The properties in your area are zoned by type of use as well as size.
Submitting a ‘zoning by-law amendment application’ or ‘official plan amendment application’ may help resolve any issues you are facing. If you have already submitted an application, and have been turned down there must be a reason for this. Some municipalities have a ‘Committee of Adjustments’ and an appeal can be processed through them. Check with your municipality to see if there is a committee for your area.
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