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: 905.670.1615
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority: 705.424.1479
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority: 416.661.6688
• Niagara Escarpment Commission: 519.371.1001

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.

The maximum lot coverage for all accessory buildings and structures in Residential zones is 140 m².

In Rural Zones the maximum gross floor area permitted for all accessory buildings or structures located on a lot are as follows, provided that the maximum lot coverage (15%) is not exceeded:

1. On a lot 0.8 ha (2 ac) in size or less the maximum gross floor area for an accessory building or structure is 225 m² (2,422 ft² );
2. On a lot 2 ha (5 ac) in size or less but larger than 0.8 ha (2 ac) in size the maximum gross floor area for an accessory building or structure is 370 m² (3,983 ft² ); and
3. On a lot larger than 2 ha (5 ac) in size the maximum gross floor area for an accessory building or structure is 600 m² (6,459 ft² ). Structures with maximum gross floor area exceeding 370 m² (3,983 ft² ) but less than 600 m² (6,459 ft² ) are subject to site plan control under the Planning Act.

» 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 one 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.

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.

» 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. Once all requirements of Bylaw 2002-62, as amended, have been met, Olympus K9 is responsible for the reviewing, issuing, and renewing of kennel licences in the Town.

The Building Code Act requires that a Building Permit be obtained for the construction of:

• Any structure occupying an area greater than 10 m² (108 ft²) consisting of a wall, roof and floor or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures, and service systems.
• A structure occupying an area of 10 m² or less that contains plumbing.
• Plumbing not located in a structure.
• A sewage disposal system.
• Structures designated in the building code.

To confirm that a Building Permit is or is not required for your specific project, please contact Dufferin County Building Services Division before starting any construction project.

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.

A breakdown of the process can be found on our Development Permit Process page.