Planning FAQs

All pond construction on properties in the Niagara Escarpment Plan area require a permit from the Niagara Escarpment Commission. All properties in the Town are governed by a Conservation Authority and these individual Conservation Authorities may also require permits for pond construction.

For your convenience, below are contact numbers for these agencies:

• Credit Valley Conservation Authority: 800.668.5557
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority: 705.424.1479
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority: 416.661.6600
• Niagara Escarpment Commission: 905.877.8538

We receive many calls regarding ponds. so please ensure that you either have a permit from the appropriate agency or written response indicating that a permit is not required.

All lots in the Town of Mono having an area of 1.21 hectares (3 acres) or less are permitted maximum accessory lot coverage of 140 m2 (1,500 sq ft), which includes all garages, attached or detached, and outbuildings. For lots greater than 3 acres, the lot coverage for all accessory buildings is 1% of the lot area to a maximum of 1500 m2 (16,146 ft²).

Maximum height shall not be greater than 12 metres (40 feet).

» For more information, please see Section 5(1) of Zoning Bylaw 78-1.

In Rural and Residential Zones in the Town of Mono, home occupations are permitted and must conform to the provisions set out below. If your property is located in the Niagara Escarpment Plan or Development Control area, home occupations are allowed; however, a permit is required from Niagara Escarpment and additional conditions may apply.

Not more than 25% of the dwelling shall be used for the home occupation and it shall neither change the residential character of the dwelling, nor create or become a public nuisance, due to excessive dust, fumes, noise, vibration, traffic or parking. There shall be no goods, wares, or merchandise, other than arts and crafts produced on the premises, offered or exposed for sale or rent on the premises.

No person, other than a member of the family, shall be employed in the home occupation or engaged in canvassing, delivering or as go-between in distributing merchandise to customers. Only private medical practice may include on employee who is not a member of the practitioner's family.

No external display or advertising, other than a lawful sign of a maximum 0.56 m2 (6 sq ft), is permitted to indicate that any part of the home is being used for a purpose other than residential.

» For more information, please see Section 5(9) of Zoning Bylaw 78-1.

A secondary dwelling unit is permitted on lots that have a minimum lot area of 10 hectares (25 acres). Second dwellings are not permitted in the Niagara Escarpment Plan and Development Control Areas.

A Secondary Dwelling Unit must be subordinate in size to the principal dwelling house; shall have a minimum gross floor area of 74 m²; shall have a maximum setback of 50 metres from the principal use; shall have a separate septic system; and shall utilize the existing driveway access. It is a strict policy in the Official Plan that secondary dwelling units shall not be severed from the property in the future.

» For more information, please see Section 5(1)(i) of Zoning Bylaw 78-1.

In the Rural and all Residential zones in the Town of Mono, one accessory apartment shall be permittedin a residence on a lot. If your property is located in the Niagara Escarpment Plan or Development Control area, apartments are not permitted.

The size of an accessory apartment shall be limited to a maximum of 30% of the gross floor area of a single detached dwelling house, excluding the basement and private garage. If an accessory apartment is located wholly in the basement, there is no maximum gross floor area.

Apartments are only permitted in the dwelling house, and are not permitted in any accessory garages or other building on the property.

» For more information, please see Section 5(1)(h) of Zoning Bylaw 78-1.

A maximum of 3 dogs are permitted on any property not licenced as a kennel. Licenced kennels are strictly controlled and are permitted on a property of at least 19.5 hectares (48 acres). Kennel licences must comply with Bylaw 2002-62, as amended. The Orangeville Branch of the OSPCA is responsible for reviewing and issuance of kennel licences in the Town.

A Municipal Approval must be obtained from the Town of Mono prior to applying for a building permit. A site plan indicating the size and location of your proposal should be submitted with your application. A building permit is required for any new construction greater than 10 m² (108 sq ft) in area.

For information on building standards or the Ontario Building Code, please contact the County of Dufferin Building Department at:

55 Zina Street
Orangeville, ON L9W 1E5
519.941.2362
» Map

Please contact them to determine if a building permit is required.

Properties zoned Rural and that are greater than 1.62 hectares (4 acres) are permitted to keep animals. Property size will determine the number and type of animals permitted.

Rural properties between 0.41 hectares (1 acre) and 1.62 hectares (4 acres) are permitted to have not more than 20 fowl or mature rabbits (plus litters).

Any barns proposed to house five (5) or more animal units must receive a Nutrient Management Certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

»For more information, please see Section 20(4) of Zoning Bylaw 78-1 to determine the number and type of animals permitted on your property, and requirements for building barns on smaller lots.