Building a RV / workshop garage in Ont. Canada

[RF_Burns]

Hi all.
My wife and I have a conditional offer on a home with 2.5 acres. Our only condition is the Township will allow us to construct a RV garage/ workshop with room also for lawn tractor & equipment etc. We looking at about 1500sq ft which means we will need a variance as it is over 100 sq metres.

I'll be going in Monday to the Building dept so see if I get a warm & fuzzy feeling on whether such a building will get approval. I don't want to sink thousands of $$ into surveys, plans etc if there is no way they will approve it.

We have a nice house now on 0.7 acres, but with 1700 ft of weeping tile and no room for driveway access to the back yard its a no-go here.

Wish me luck!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Building departments are funny. I was just there the other day inquiring about a vacant lot. The guy says, "It's not buildable. It is 100 sq ft less than 1/2 acre." Of course what he meant was a variance was required and later he did say it would likely be granted.

 

[PCO6]

RF - I processed many Committee of Adjustment variance applications in my former capacity as a Planning Consultant. The first thing the Township will want to confirm is that you do not want a "land use" variance. If a non-commercial garage is permitted you will be OK. If the storage of recreational vehicles is not permitted you will likely have a problem.

Provided you can meet the setback and height provisions of the By-law, they will be most interested in the percentage increase of the floor area. You are looking for a increase of just over 40% which is considerable. Siting of the building will be very important. It's kind of obvious but the less impact on the neighbours the better.

What you want is a positive staff report that recommends the approval of your application to the Committee of Adjustment. Work with staff on how the building will look but don't let them dictate the architectural design, colours, materials, etc. That is not permitted under the Ontario Planning Act (unless you are in a heritage or conservation zone of some sort). Just tell them you want a building that is sympathetic to your house design and those in the neighbourhood.

Good luck!

 

[RF_Burns]

Thanks for your advice.
Its zoned Rural Residential, so there are lots of farms in the area. Lots of tress as well, I can't see the neighbours for the trees, or the road either.

Where I am looking to build it is 30ft from the lot line (exceeds the 1.5m. requirement) and about 170 ft from the road so OK there too.

 

[Glenn M.]

Welcome to the GJ from VA!
Hard for me to imagine having to jump through all the hoops for a garage (I live out in the "sticks").

 

[PCO6]

Thanks for your advice.
Its zoned Rural Residential, so there are lots of farms in the area. Lots of tress as well, I can't see the neighbours for the trees, or the road either.

Where I am looking to build it is 30ft from the lot line (exceeds the 1.5m. requirement) and about 170 ft from the road so OK there too.

That all sounds to be in your favour. Again, the percentage above what is permitted may sound high BUT as an overall percentage of your lot size 1,500 sq. ft. isn't all that bad. It seems like you have a good case.