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Small Cabin Forum / Properties / Building a cabin in Quebec
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andrew_zytic
Member
# Posted: 14 Jun 2013 13:34
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Sorry JD,

Regarding your gazebo it is best to talk to the municipality.

andrew_zytic
Member
# Posted: 14 Jun 2013 13:41
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Hi Rakos,

Hope you had a satisfactory conclusion to your problem but I am going to bet they made you tear it down.

You can not trust contractors. What was true last week at the municipality is not necessarily true this week. You could have renovated/converted the shed IF you went to the municipality ahead of time and got it all in writing. But instead it was torn down without them knowing. All they know is that you have built a gazebo in a restricted area (less than 15m from water).

In my opinion your only solution is a temporary structure. You ARE allowed to have a 5m "window" bordering the water that you can clear. Get a portable gazebo/screened room and place it on the ground there. Take it down every winter. I imagine that should be fine but check with the municipality first though.

Quoting: Rakos
Thanks Avan. I do have a house, but the problem is they feel the gazebo is too close to my lake. And it was built by the contractor without a building permit (he said none was needed, it is not 'habitation'!).


andrew_zytic
Member
# Posted: 14 Jun 2013 14:15
Reply 


Here is some other information:

Best site in Canada for looking for realestate:
mls.ca

North of Ottawa you can find most municipalities tax roles online in nice map form at:
http://www.mrcdescollinesdeloutaouais.qc.ca/index.php/fr/services/evaluation-fonciere -et-des-technologies/matrices-graphiques/matrices-en-ligne

For getting bylaw information your best bet is google the municipal website. Odds are it will all be in French. So look for "Réglementation" = bylaws. Or "Urbanism" = development. Then try to find links or PDF's for information on the following: If you can't read French copy/paste into translate.google.com to get the gist.

"Construction" = construction or "bâtiment" = building to know what rules are regarding construction.
You may also need "Zonage" = zoning – to read about specifics to your area
Landslide risk can be in a document about "mouvement de masse"
Look up septic requirements "septique"
You will want "permis" = permit and/or "certificates" = certificates – to figure out what permits you need and how much they will cost.

The rules regarding septic and water front property is uniform across Quebec as it is a provincial law.

In general you can not have a septic system/build on a property smaller than 1 acre (4064 sq meters). Sometimes you can if you can respect the setbacks for septic, well and building but make sure of this before you buy and then build quickly before the laws change.

General rules.

Next to water you have to be 15m away and you can do NOTHING (not even cut trees/brush) within those 15m EXCEPT for one 5m window to give you access to the water.

In general you can not have any permanent structure on empty land.

In general you can not have any recreational vehicles on empty land (motor home, tent-trailer, ect). Some municipalities allow these for a restricted period of time (eg 180 days per year), but I have seen municipalities remove this option as they want tax dollars. If you already have a building on the land you can store a vehicle there.

For septic:
The field has to be 30m from your well, 15m from any water body, 5m from any building and 2m from your property line.

If you have building you can generally build 1 secondary residence on the same property but it is usually limited to 1 bedroom and below a certain size.

Boomer
Member
# Posted: 22 Jul 2013 22:16
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New to the site. Recently bought an old property in Val-des-Mont by the water. It has really old decks by and on the water. The one by the water's edge was rotting away and the old owner had started taking off the old decking on half of it so nails sticking out everywhere. I did not go get a permit thinking it should b ok since i am building in the same foot print. I just went ahead and rebuilt a new deck roughly the same foot print as the old. Think the municipality will tell me to remove it? It is right beside the water. There is also another deck/dock over the water about 10 ft. It needs new decking too but it will depend on how good the main supports are. I also have an old shed beside the water again falling apart at the base that I would like to rebuild. The wall frames are still good but nothing else. I assume rebuilding some of these should not be an issue with the municipality in same footprint? Anyone had issues like this ?

andrew_zytic
Member
# Posted: 22 Jul 2013 23:22
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My recomendation is to clear it with the municipality. If the dock, building exists in the plans and you simply repair, you are good. If it is not in the plans but you have evidence they were there before laws changed I believe you can get them grandfathered and repair away. If they find you rebuilt it so it looks new AND they have no record of the old they might think it is new and force you to tear it down.

I'm no expert and if you end up bringing attention to something they did not know about they could make you tear it down anyways. Start by going to the municipality and ask to see your file and look at you site plan and any permits. All structures and perminant docks should be listed.

j miller
Member
# Posted: 11 Aug 2013 16:28
Reply 


Hello,

Does any one know what company built the Nature Cabins (http://www.sepaq.com/hebergement/chalet/chalet-nature.dot) for Sepaq. These are the new ones at Parc National's. Are they prefab or are the designs available?

rlenton
Member
# Posted: 11 May 2014 04:48
Reply 


Greetings,

I"m looking for treed property in Quebec, but I'm having a hard time finding info on the various zones. Can anyone tell me what the main zones mean, i.e. white, green, etc.?

Cheers,

Roger

Susan
Member
# Posted: 17 May 2014 17:50
Reply 


I spoke with the Val-des-monts municipality last year with regards to our decking and out-building issues at our cottage. They informed me: you can "rebuild" your decking with the same footprint, as long as some of the original is left intact. That a shed can be built, not exceeding 107 sq. ft, without a permit. Any changes to the footprint of your decking requires a permit. We are hoping to build a screened in porch (107 sq ft max) this summer as the bugs are atrocious and we have 3 children 4 and under. I plan to call to confirm before we start. Last year I did find a significant amount of info on the municipal website.

SteveF
Member
# Posted: 28 May 2014 06:47
Reply 


I have just posted my experience with my cabin build in Quebec. Best advice is do "some" of your own research but then call the municipality as they can really cut down on the speculation!

If I had listened to a neighbour down the road I would have still been sitting with an empty plot of land. He told me repeatedly that I can't build - he could not have been more wrong.

http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_4565_0.html

SteveF
Member
# Posted: 28 May 2014 06:49
Reply 


check out leisurecabins.com

I just built a custom cabin.

robere
Member
# Posted: 7 Jun 2014 20:19
Reply 


Quoting: andrew_zytic
So you can see that if you want small cabins in Quebec you are better off trying to find an established building that is grandfathered.


Andrew I have such a place about two 12 by 16 and one 12 by 12 rooms build at different times cobbled together into a single building. The building is at least 40 years old so presumably grandfathered. Every year I wonder if it will still be standing (nominal 2 by 4 roof thusses on 26 inch centres). Do I need a permit to rebuild cabins, not necessary up to code but substantially stronger. I would like to dear down one at a time, replace footing and reconstruct. Val-des-monts community. Feel free to email me directly as well robere@sympatico.ca I am nervous about approaching the bylaw people.

steagathe
Member
# Posted: 14 Oct 2014 12:50
Reply 


I am trying to find a few answers online, but the ville de ste Agathe website is pretty archaic.
I have 15 areas. Can I clear land without a permit?

Rickant
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2015 11:12
Reply 


Looking at some property within municipality of caymant. I hear the regulations are strict. The lot is cleared for a build and has an outhouse. No hydro to the area. What is the experience with building in qc in yer,s of mortgage and insurance if you live in ontario? Do new builds require foundations or can they be done on pillars? I would be looking at a small cabin, likely around the minimum footprint plus the loft space so, 600 sq ft plus loft.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2015 11:47
Reply 


Quoting: morock
I wanted to follow the rules, there is all kinds of stuff going on at our lake that is questionable. I now will never go back to the municipality for anything.



That is exactly why people want to avoid building dept and permitting. Its a shame. I had a wonderful experience. Its a shame when they (govt) are not held accountable like a private business. They are there to serve you, not hassle you. I'm sorry to hear of all the trouble you had. I would be frustrated too.

Wilbour
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2015 12:04 - Edited by: Wilbour
Reply 


The mere fact it is in Quebec scares me. The people who live there are just like anyone else but the government is scary. Quebec is literally a country within a country. Many Canadian laws don't apply there and they have many unique laws that could be considered communist. Employees are forbidden to speak amongst each other in any language other than French in some hospitals for example.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2015 12:40
Reply 


Exercise caution Rick and communicate ONLY IN FRENCH with any Quebec Township or Government office. The Pure Laine gang will get ya if you don't and you'll find the rules for non-French are not accommodating in any way shape or form. I speak 5 languages & French is my first official language and I will not do any business in Quebec ever again... It's amazing what they say about you when they think you don't understand them....

creeky
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2015 13:27 - Edited by: creeky
Reply 


sadly you can run into bigots and bigotry anywhere.

nice to think there are few places left where you can exercise your right to be human, be creative and have fun.

like this place.

peace and happiness.

Wilbour
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2015 18:39
Reply 


Quoting: Steve_S
Exercise caution Rick and communicate ONLY IN FRENCH with any Quebec Township or Government office.


For our American friends this is indeed the truth.

I have many friends who live in Quebec and they all agree that the service they receive in English is far worse than what is provided to someone speaking French. We are not exaggerating!

Stinger
Member
# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 22:09
Reply 


Since this thread has a lot of val des monts references, i have a question. We are looking at purchasing a piece of waterfront land on one of the major lakes in VDM. Its size is 51' waterfront by 100 feet deep. I'm curious about septics and holding tanks in VDM. Will I be able to build a septic or holding tank on such a small lot? If not, is the land worth anything? thanks

English_Quebecer
Member
# Posted: 27 Dec 2015 13:33
Reply 


No. You can't do anything. That is 5100 sq ft. In general you need to have 1 acre to have a septic system.

You can read their regulations here:
http://val-des-monts.net/upload/val-des-monts/editor/asset/Septique%20-%20Ang.pdf

You can see your field would need to be 15m (50 feet) from the water line. Your house and a sealed well must be 5m (16 feet) from the septic field. So that is 66' which leaves 44' for your house BUT there are setback requirements and the like.

You might say, heck, I'll just park a motor home or a tent trailer for a week while we are there.

Watch out:
436-99 - Règlement de zonage.pdf <http://val-des-monts.net/upload/val-des-monts/editor/asset/436%2099%20R%C3%A8glement%20Zonage.pdf>
http://val-des-monts.net/upload/val-des-monts/editor/asset/436%2099%20R%C3%A8glement% 20Zonage.pdf
17.3 USAGE PROHIBÉ SUR LES TERRAINS VACANTS Il est interdit de stationner ou d'entreposer des roulottes, tentes-roulottes ou autre type de véhicules récréatifs, camions, autobus, voitures ou autres véhicules sur un terrain vacant.

In English that says:
17.3 USE PROHIBITED ON VACANT LAND It is prohibited to park or store trailers, tent trailers or other type of recreational vehicles, trucks, buses, cars and other vehicles on a vacant lot.

So really the only thing you could do on the land is go tenting.

I have asked for clarification because it seems stupid that you can't even park your car for a picnic and this was the response.

La règlementation d'urbanisme limite effectivement ce qui peut être fait sur les terrains vacants. Comme vous pouvez vous en douter, un règlement ne peux pas prévoir toutes les situations exceptionnelles qui peuvent survenir. L'objectif principal de cet article du règlement était de garantir aux citoyens qui se sont construits qu'ils ne se retrouveront pas en bordure d'une propriété sur laquelle un citoyen pourrais s'installer un véhicule récréatif ou qu'il décide d'utiliser sa propriété de façon occasionnelle et ce, sans que celle-ci ne soit pourvu de système de traitement des eaux usées. Lorsque le terrain vacant est adjacent à un cours d'eau, la règlementation permet d'y aménager un accès et un quai (avec permis). Par conséquent, il va de soit que l'utilisation occasionnelle du terrain est permis. Les officiers responsables de l'application de la règlementation peuvent être conciliants sur ce volet lorsqu'ils constatent une utilisation occasionnelle d'une propriété.

Roughly translated:
The planning regulations effectively limits what can be done on vacant lots. As you can imagine, a regulation can not foresee every exceptional situations that may occur. The main objective of this article of the regulation was to ensure that citizens who have built on their land will not find themselves next to a property on which a citizen could move an RV to use occasionally his property without a septic system. When the vacant lot is adjacent to a water course, the regulation allows you to develop access and have a dock (permit required). Therefore, it goes without saying that the occasional use of the land is allowed. The officers responsible for the application of the regulation can be conciliatory on this aspect when they see occasional use of a property.

So you might be able to occasionally put an RV or a tent-trailer but it depends on your neighbors not complaining and if they complain would require the bylaw officer to NOT follow the real letter of the law. I would certainly NEVER park a trailer on the lot when I am not there, I know people who have had to move their trailer when they did that even when there were no complaints.

It is a lovely area and I love my lot. I suggest that you write a letter to the municipality and explain why you will NOT be buying a recreational property in Val-des-Monts and why you will take your tourist dollars elsewhere. I am lobbying for a 90-180 day exception to their regulation (which is how many other municipalities do it) to allow for seasonal recreational use. Please write them to give me added ammunition.

You can find the contact info at:
http://val-des-monts.net/en/site.asp?page=formulaire&nIDFormulaire=435
The Director of tourism development and business relations may be the best person.

P.S. For those complaining about Quebec, realize that they are a distinct society. They were a conquered population but were granted special status under the constitution. When they live in other provinces they have to do the majority of their municipal business in English. When you are in Quebec expect to do most of your work in French. That sain municipalities in West Quebec (La Peche, Val-des-Monts, Val-des-Bois, ect) will be a little easier in English as there is a reasonable sized English population here.

English_Quebecer
Member
# Posted: 27 Dec 2015 14:18
Reply 


If you want to read a bit (in french or google translate) about trying to build a tiny house in Quebec you can read the blog of a builder.

http://www.tinyhouselumbec.com/

They have a post talking specifically about Val-des-Monts
http://www.tinyhouselumbec.com/val-des-monts-et-la-construction-de-micro-maison/

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tinyhou selumbec.com%2Fval-des-monts-et-la-construction-de-micro-maison%2F

beigne oui
Member
# Posted: 8 Oct 2017 18:51
Reply 


Hi - I know this is an old thread, but I'm wondering if anyone here has had to deal with the CPTAQ in Quebec?
I'd like to speak with someone about what can be built on agriculturally zoned land in quebec? Can we build a yurt?
Thanks!

razmichael
Member
# Posted: 9 Oct 2017 20:39
Reply 


Hi beigne oui. You might have more luck if you provide details on location in Quebec. I say this because, reading through this old thread, many people provide generalized advice on building in Quebec but based on experience in one specific area only. If I had read this before trying to build, I would have given up. I'm from Ontario, with a small Quebec 16x16 lakefront, insured, off grid cabin with an outhouse. All done with permits and, generally, speaking English to most I dealt with. The building permit cost $40 and took 10 minutes to obtain. Oh, and I spent the first few years with a pop-up trailer until I built. There are Quebec wide regulations regarding some things (especially dealing with waterfront restrictions) but after that it will depend on the municipality.

Foreveryoungmountain
Member
# Posted: 10 May 2018 23:51
Reply 


Important point! You ALWAYS have to research your local laws. In most cases they are flexible.....to a point.

I live in the laurentians and recently bought a fixer upper chalet on 10 acres. I built 2 raised polebarn buildings with no problems.

My neighbor just bought 8 acres and he told the town that he would like to start preparing the land to build in 5 years. He is living in his camler for the time being.


There are always loopholes and grey areas. My other neighbour simply has a a small camp and sleeps in a tent.

You can also list the building as off grid and the minimum size would be 576 square feet.

A surface well and compost toilet will pass inspection.

Then there's always the option of listing it as a hunting cabin.......300 square feet or less. Assuming of course that you have the acreage.

Brent
Member
# Posted: 13 May 2018 18:19
Reply 


andrew_zytic[/b[b]andrew_zytic

Brent
Member
# Posted: 13 May 2018 18:26
Reply 


andrew_zytic
Question: 1.5 acre waterfront lot, existing house and small garage converted to shed. I’d like to build a garage/apartment at the back of the lot. 1 bed but may need to install a Ecoflo system rather than connect to existing septic which will turn into sub pumps etc. I understand you are not the municipality but what my question is; am I better off just putting an ‘addition’ on existing house and avoid trying to deal with compost toilets and grey water solutions etc?

ShonaJack
Member
# Posted: 2 Jan 2019 17:02
Reply 


My partner and I are looking to buy an acreage in the Laurentians. Our goal is to build a few tiny homes on wheels. One to live in and two to rent as vacation rentals.

I never thought of looking at it as potential "Hunting cabin".

Your post is giving me hope as I see alot of negative info out there. Let me know if you have any other advice to give

A


Quoting: Foreveryoungmountain
Important point! You ALWAYS have to research your local laws. In most cases they are flexible.....to a point.

I live in the laurentians and recently bought a fixer upper chalet on 10 acres. I built 2 raised polebarn buildings with no problems.

My neighbor just bought 8 acres and he told the town that he would like to start preparing the land to build in 5 years. He is living in his camler for the time being.


There are always loopholes and grey areas. My other neighbour simply has a a small camp and sleeps in a tent.

You can also list the building as off grid and the minimum size would be 576 square feet.

A surface well and compost toilet will pass inspection.

Then there's always the option of listing it as a hunting cabin.......300 square feet or less. Assuming of course that you have the acreage.


qbodsyt
Member
# Posted: 28 Mar 2019 10:28
Reply 


Hello! I have been lurking and reading for some time. I don't want to interfere with the OP and their objective in opening this topic, but I'm curious if anyone ha experience in Quebec with building in a ZEC, a "territoire non organise" and if the same local permit processes apply or if you're only subject to the provincial regulations. If anyone has any experience it would be appreciated!

richaume
Member
# Posted: 24 Jun 2019 08:34
Reply 


Wanted:Camp de Chasse, fly-in north of Lac St Jean
contact:1-603-744-6900

Tenebrius
Member
# Posted: 20 Jun 2020 19:03
Reply 


So this is for Quebec, and i'm very dissapointed. Now is Ontario or the Maritimes less anal about small cabins? Thanks

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