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Wilbour
Member
# Posted: 2 Dec 2014 07:12
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Wilbour
Member
# Posted: 2 Dec 2014 07:33 - Edited by: Wilbour
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I know some will argue that we are beating a dead horse but in the Frontenac Islands the following is in the Building Bylaws:

2.1 Accessory Building or Structure
Shall mean a detached building or structure that is not used for human habitation and the use
of which is customarily incidental and subordinate to a principal use, building or structure
and located on the same lot therewith.

And:

3.1.1 Permitted Uses
Where this By-law provides that a lot may be used or building of structure may be erected or
used for a purpose, that purpose shall include any accessory building or structure or
accessory use, but shall not include the following:
a) Any occupation for gain or profit conducted within or accessory to a dwelling unit or
on such lot associated therewith, except as is specifically permitted in accordance
with this By-law; or
b) Any building use for human habitation except in accordance with this By-law, as is
specifically permitted.
Accessory buildings, structures and uses shall only be permitted once the principal use has been established.

It clearly states principal USE not principal building. Therefore one could argue that if your principal use is gardening, camping ect. and you have established such, you could build an accessory building to support that use.

Just don't habitate in it!

TranquilMan
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2018 16:50
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I have just spent a hour skimming through the questions and replies on this thread without seeing any clear cut interpretations. It would be great if readers who have good and bad experiences with permits chirp in.
I have just closed down our off-grid, water access cabin and will now spent the winter planning to build a small "accessory building" designed to enhance "the occasional recreational use" of our property and "primary cabin". From what I've read so far, these seem to be key phrases when talking or writing to officials. It seems the regulations around building permits depend on where you are located.
We are located in the unorganized territory of Lake of the Woods in NW Ontario, 40km south of Kenora and a few kilometres north of the Minnesota border. It is a remote island property in an unpopulated area accessible only by boat.
Our cabin is small and my wife paints and plays fiddle - two activities that often occupy all of the flat spaces in the cabin. Her personal footprint grows each year and so I have decided to build a small "accessory building" for her to play and paint in. We also plan to include a bed for visitors and so are calling it an Art / Bunkie. I wrote a letter to the Kenora District - Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Office with the question "Do I require a building permit?" In my letter I stated that it would be an out-building primarily for music and art having no plumbing, cooking or heating and only have a few solar powered lights. I did not mention a bed. I said it would be a simple building of approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 sq. m). I received a reply from a Lands and Waters Technical Specialist. The reply stated "the property is in the unincorporated area and not under a restricted area order and therefore does not require a building permit however all buildings must comply with the Ontario Building Code". They recommend a 3 metre setback from the high water elevation.
So my question for readers is regarding the reference to the building code. I take pride in my building skills and so my intention is just to carry on and not worry about it.
I love to hear any comments or of any experiences.
TranquilMan

bushbunkie
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2018 17:07 - Edited by: bushbunkie
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You already did what I would suggest...go right to the source in your area for the answers and interpretation.
You also have a reply that reflects what is expected... that I would definitely document and save. The bonus here is that you are in an unincorporated township and therein lies the key. Here in SW Ontario (Bruce Peninsula for me) there are no unincorporated townships nearby...which is why our codes are much stricter. Even though I have 2.5 acres of bush...my area is considered a Residential area - which is why my cabin needs to be built as if I was building a residential home. Best of luck...place sounds great!

bushbunkie
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2018 17:08 - Edited by: bushbunkie
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good luck!

TranquilMan
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2018 17:17
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Thanks bushbunkie. It will be a fun project. It is a very tranquil place and my hobby is making sawdust. I have the floor joists in place so the orientation is figured out. It will look out at the water with one wall facing east for morning sun and another to the south, both great views. Now the challenge is coming up with a nice design for a 10 by 16 footprint that won't look like a shed or garage.
TranquilMan

leonk
Member
# Posted: 17 Oct 2018 07:32
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I agree, looks like you are in the clear.
Enjoy your place, it sounds wonderful
There are lots of pics of cabins on the net for inspiration. Try cabin porn for example.

TranquilMan
Member
# Posted: 17 Oct 2018 14:45
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Thanks so much leonk. I searched for the cabin porn book you mentioned. Looks like an interesting book for ideas. I checked with our public library and they have a copy. Right now this this is were I'm at showing the SE view. The long wall will be looking east. We had a foot of snow last week and the boats out so have the winter to plan it out.
Thanks again for the tip.
Art_B_SE_view.JPG
Art_B_SE_view.JPG


leonk
Member
# Posted: 17 Oct 2018 15:47
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I assume you found the site, you can browse through, no need to wait for the book

https://cabinporn.com/

TranquilMan
Member
# Posted: 17 Oct 2018 16:02
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Yes, I did do some looking on the site. Lots of ideas in some of the details. Gotta get off this computer now and get some chores done. I've got the winter now to dream about this. One problem is that my wife won't know if she likes it until it's finished and then it's too late.
And so it goes.
Thanks

leonk
Member
# Posted: 17 Oct 2018 16:07
Reply 


Tell me about the wife...
Mine and your must be related lol

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