Typical ByLaws Overview on Rural Properties

Just thought we'd cover some basic facts in case not everyone is familiar with official bylaws pertaining to rural-zoned land use in most of ontario, except in more remote "unorganized townships": (And please correct me if you have newer information) We would all love to just go ahead and do what works, but there is some more patience required before critical mass or sheer circumstance will reshape the system's regulations. If Zoned RURAL,: Only a single-family residence is allowed, except if there is successful severance of a property, which allows another residence to be built. Approved Septic system must be in place, even if only for greywater use, regardless of only compost-toilet use. Barn for animals allowed. Shed(s)..with storage/agricultural applications, Bunkies allowed with no cooking facilities. ( #units allowed unclear.) Seasonal agriculture workers building(s) or trailer allowed, but usually regulated. (RV trailers considered 2-3 season acceptable, but in most cases, officially only one trailer per residence is permitted. In remoter locations with no neighboring objections, it's a calculated risk to expand that limit. ) 100sq.ft.cabins or bunkies need no permit, but must comply with building code standards..max height 13', 5" (nowhere stated how many can be present) These are the appealing option for individuals who want or can only afford, that challenge. Tents, Teepees,Yurts...practically unlimited in most areas but may consider neighbor complaints.(hence the suggestion to obscure their view from any road.) Some exceptions may be the "tiny house" trailer models, and/or the type found at sustain.ca (at high price) . They actually can have official trailer or house accessory classification, and are 4-season. However, these models are very linear/modernistic in appearance, and may conflict with others' viewpoint of natural beauty. Their features however can be replicated in a more nature-blending way. Natural-building projects are an option to explore, but also targets for building/bylaw scrutiny. Experience and credibility can be gained onsite by utilising the principles as applied to out-buildings such as root cellars, animal shelters, chicken coops, hikers huts, storage sheds. Once refined, it's a gradual, more convincing mode to demonstrate on a larger scale....provided we are within an acceptable footprint. I mention these factors so there are no illusions about the official parameters of homesteading, and that we have to weigh the risks of pushing which boundaries in whatever local region we may land....... No township wants to risk the stigma of appearing to support subsistence living conditions, especially inadequate heating in winter, and sanitation as they see it....not to mention the tax revenue scale. To expand the options of resident numbers, it is strategically smart to explore the adjacent/surrounding areas for other land which might be for sale . The imaginary borders merely allow for greater occupancy options, and in some cases with existing buildings, a convenient staging, with hydro and water already present to greatly facilitate building the vacant space in a more natural, organic tempo. Beyond that, other adjoining ot local properties may provide the very appropriate spaces for other individualized intentional groups. Their collective strength is then greater with the commonality implicit in intentional community process. The potential advantages economically and culturally are immense, and can ultimately model the viable ,thriving , secure community which people seek. (Another issue which should be mentioned about living in rural, wooded ontario, is the presence , more or less , of moose,deer,brushwolves,coyotes, and bear. While their presence in their traditional home-space is thrilling to appreciate..... depending on density, they can bring complex human implications in gardening, waste regimen, and sometimes personal safety. Their own interbalance has become affected by human interference, and this sometimes affects their behaviour in humanly unpredictable ways. I mention this because some parents of young children might not have considered their family readiness for such environmental implications.)