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Category: Building & Planning Information

Bed and Breakfast Establishment

The following are excerpts from Zoning Bylaw 050-2014, as amended, and Sign Bylaw 84-89, as amended as they pertain to regulations around Bed and Breakfast establishments in the City of Brockville.

Zoning Part 1.0: Interpretation, Administration, and Enforcement, Subsection 1.10 Certificate of Occupancy

No person shall change the use of any lot covered by this bylaw, or of any building or structure on any such lot or of any part of such lot, building or structure without having applied for and received a Certificate of Occupancy under the Planning Act, issued by the Corporation or its appointed agent. Issuance of such Certificate of Occupancy by the Corporation will imply that the proposed use is in compliance with this bylaw. Applications for Certificate of Occupancy shall be made on the prescribed forms and shall be known as Certificate of Zoning Compliance.

Zoning Part 2.0: Definitions, Subsection 28

Bed and Breakfast Establishment, means a single detached dwelling in which no more than four guest rooms are made available by the resident of the said dwelling for the temporary accommodation of travellers.

This does not include a hotel, motel, boarding, rooming or lodging house, or restaurant, as defined herein.

Zoning Part 3.0: General Provisions, Subsection 3.34(a) Parking Requirements for Residential Uses

Bed and Breakfast: A minimum of 1.0 space for the dwelling unit, plus 1.0 space per guest room.

Zoning Part 5.0: Residential Zones, Subsection 5.1 Uses Permitted in the Residential Zones

A Bed and Breakfast Establishment is permitted in a single detached dwelling located in the following zones:

  • R1
  • R2
  • R2A
  • R3
  • R3A
  • R4
  • R4A

Sign Bylaw Part 6.0: Signs in Residential Zones, Subsection 6.3 Bed and Breakfast Accommodations

One non-illuminated, non-luminous sign of a maximum area of 0.75 square metres (8 square feet) in the case of a two sided sign, or 0.375 square metres (4 square feet) in the case of a one sided sign, shall be permitted at the location of any Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.

Any sign which is intended to identify bed and breakfast accommodations shall be compatible with the residential area in which it is located.

The said sign may be attached to, or suspended from, the building in which the Bed and Breakfast Accommodation is located. In addition, the said sign may be erected on the lot upon which the Bed and Breakfast Accommodation is located as a standard or pylon sign to a maximum height of 2.2 metres (7 feet).

Nothing herein shall be construed so as to permit a sign to be located upon or overhang a City road allowance.

For more information, please contact the Planning Department.

Please note that short term accommodations (less than 30 days) must collect and remit the Municipal Accommodation Tax. Please click here for additional information on the Municipal Accommodation Tax. 

Real Estate Signs

The following contains excerpts from Sign Bylaw 84-89, as amended, pertaining to Real Estate Signs in the City of Brockville.

Section 2.0: Definitions, Subsection 2.33

“Real Estate Sign” means a notification advising that a property is to be sold, rented or leased, and which may also indicate to whom a person should inquire with regard thereto.

Explanatory Note: “A Real Estate Sign” is subject to provisions as set out in City of Brockville Bylaw 84-89, as amended. A summary is provided below.

Section 4.0: Permit Exemptions, Subsection 4.1

No permit under this By-law shall be required for:

  • 1 (g) real estate signs;

Explanatory Note: Although a sign permit is not required for a Real Estate Sign, all Real Estate Signs must comply with applicable sign provisions.

Part 5.0: General Regulations Applicable to All Signs in All Zones, Subsection 5.16 Real Estate Signs

5.16 (a): No real estate sign shall be affixed to any trees located on public property, utility poles or municipal standards or be erected or placed on municipal or public property, save and except signs erected by or for the Corporation. Any sign contravening the provisions of this Section may be removed without notice by the City of Brockville.

5.16 (b): Except as otherwise provided herein, there shall be a limit of two (2) double faced real estate signs per property.

Explanatory Note: Should a Real Estate Sign be proposed for placement on public property as noted in 5.16 (a) above, permission must be obtained from the City Clerk prior to erecting the sign(s).

Section 8.0: Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones, Subsection 9

Signs in Commercial Zones, excluding the Downtown Core Area, and Industrial Zones are permitted subject to the following conditions:

Real Estate Signs

Where a parcel of land is 0.5 hectares (1.25 acres) or larger in area, one (1) real estate sign of a maximum area of 4.5 sq. metres (48 sq. ft.) may be erected on the said parcel.

Explanatory Note: All provisions under Section 5 must be reviewed for applicability to Real Estate Signs.

For more information about signage requirements within the City of Brockville, please contact the Planning Department.

Boarding, Rooming, or Lodging House

Below you will find excerpts from Zoning Bylaw 050-2014, as amended, pertaining to regulations for Boarding, Rooming, or Lodging Houses in the City of Brockville.

Zoning Part 1.0: Interpretation, Administration and Enforcement

Subsection 1.10 Certificate of Occupancy

No person shall change the use of any lot covered by this bylaw, or of any building or structure on any such lot or of any part of such lot, building or structure without having applied for and received a Certificate of Occupancy under the Planning Act, issued by the Corporation or its appointed agent. Issuance of such Certificate of Occupancy by the Corporation will imply that the proposed use is in compliance with this bylaw. Applications for Certificate of Occupancy shall be made on the prescribed forms and shall be known as Certificate of Zoning Compliance.

Zoning Part 2.0: Definitions, Subsection 85.1

“Boarding, Rooming or Lodging House” means a dwelling, used or maintained for the accommodation of the public, in which the owner or head lessee supplies lodgings, with or without meals, for three or more persons, but does not include any other use otherwise defined or classified herein.

Zoning Part 3.0: General Provisions, Subsection 3.33(a) Parking Requirements for Residential Uses

Boarding, Rooming or Lodging House: A minimum of 1.0 space for the dwelling unit, plus 0.5 spaces per bedroom.

Zoning Part 5.0: Residential Zones, Subsection 5.1 Uses Permitted in the Residential Zones, and Part 6.0: Subsection 6.1: Uses Permitted in the Commercial and Mixed Use Zones

A Boarding, Rooming, or Lodging House is permitted in the following zones:

  • Residential: R4, R5
  • Mixed Use: MD, MW

For more information, please contact the Planning Department.

Driveway Creation or Widening

Before creating or widening a driveway, a formal request outlining the proposed plan is required prior to proceeding with work. Additionally, all Planning Regulations must be met.

Requirements:

  1. Letter outlining the proposed work to be completed:
    • Who you are having cut the curb (if applicable)
    • Surface material (asphalt, etc.)
    • Note if anything is in the way (i.e. fire hydrant, street, tree, etc.)
  2. Photo of Property
    • Show where the curb will need to be cut (if applicable)
  3. Property Survey (if available)
  4. Site Plan Showing:
    • Existing and proposed driveway
    • Lot dimensions
    • All structures with measurements and setbacks to property lines

Excerpt from Zoning Bylaw 050-2014

Parking Area Surface:

In the case of a dwelling containing not more than three dwelling units, such parking area and driveway shall, before being used, be constructed of one or more of the following materials:

  • crushed stone,
  • asphalt brick,
  • concrete,
  • or a permeated hard surface with gaps intended to permit infiltration of storm water, for a combined depth of not less than 0.15 metres.

In all other cases, each parking area, driveway, and driveway access connecting a parking area with a street shall, prior to occupancy, be paved with an asphaltic, brick, or concrete surface; and, in all zones established by this bylaw, except an Employment Zone or Rural Zone, shall be bounded with curbs.

Submission

Please address and submit the proposal to Colin Herrewynen, Planner

For more information, please contact the Planning Department.

Change of Use Building Permits

If you are planning to change the way you use all or part of an existing building, you may need a Change of Use Building Permit, even if you are not planning any construction.

10(1) of the Building Code Act states:

“Even though no construction is proposed, no person shall change the use of a building or part of building or permit the use to be changed if the change would result in an increase in hazard, as determined in accordance with the building code, unless a permit has been issued by the chief building official.”

Why is a Change of Use Building Permit required?

When the use of a building is changed, it may represent an increase in hazard to the occupants of the building. In a new building constructed and inspected in accordance with current building codes, the occupants of the building and the building itself are protected from the anticipated levels of hazard by compensating construction. Consequently, when the use of an existing building is changed and the hazard level is increased as determined by Part 10 of Division B of the Ontario Building Code, measures may have to be taken to mitigate those additional hazards by upgrading of one or more of the following areas:

  • structural systems
  • demising walls & fire separations
  • exits & door hardware
  • provision of washroom facilities and plumbing fixtures
  • HVAC system (ventilation)
  • exit signs and emergency lighting
  • fire alarm system may be required

Please contact our Building Department to learn more. 

Adding a second suite or unit to an existing house

A secondary unit is a self contained dwelling unit within an existing house that contains a private kitchen, bathroom facilities, and sleeping area. Secondary Units are a good way to generate income from your property, make a separate space for a family member, and increase the local rental supply.

Before you plan too far ahead, be sure to stop by and talk with Planning staff in the City of Brockville. They can advise you on important considerations such as set backs from property lines, parking considerations, zoning conditions, and other things you will want to verify before you start your project. There are also important fire separation and safety requirements outlined by the Ontario Building Code and our Building department can answer questions and set you on the path to success.

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has produced a reference guide on ‘Adding a Second Unit in an Existing House’ to help you understand all of the key requirements that you will need to meet in order to add a legal second unit.

Second Suite Dwelling in Existing Dwellings

Excerpts from Zoning Bylaw 050-2104, as amended, and Bill 23:

Part 1.0: Applicable Policy

On October 25, 2022, the Ontario government tabled Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 which received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022. This Bill included changes to the Planning Act to include the following for existing single detached, semi detached, and townhouse dwellings with full municipal water and sewage services:

  • A maximum of 2 residential units are permitted in the main residential building when there is a maximum of 1 residential unit in a detached accessory building (Garden Suite).
    • 1 legal parking space is required to be provided and maintained in connection with each residential unit.

or

  • A maximum of 3 residential units in the main residential building when there are no residential units in a detached accessory building.
    • 1 legal parking space is required to be provided and maintained in connection with each residential unit.

Part 2.0: Garden Suites, Subsection 3.41 (excerpts)

Due to the changes through Bill 23, in addition to the requirements listed above, below are the specific requirements that would pertain to Garden Suites that are applicable in the Zoning Bylaw:

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Bylaw, where garden suite is permitted by this Bylaw, it shall be in accordance with the following provisions:

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Bylaw, the maximum height of any garden suite shall be 4.0 metres.
  2. A Garden Suite structure shall conform to the Accessory Building requirements outlined in Section 3.3 which include the following:
    • Minimum Required Setback to Property Line and main building: 1.2 metres
    • Maximum Lot Coverage Permitted of accessory buildings: 15%
    • No accessory structure is permitted in any yard other than an interior side or rear yard.

Part 3.0: General Provisions, Subsection 3.34(b)

Parking Space, Area and Driveway Requirements: a legal parking space shall be 2.75 metres by 5.5 metres.

Secondary Suite Funding Programs in Leeds and Grenville

As an initiative to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low income households in Leeds and Grenville, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has introduced two Secondary Suite Programs for Brockville and Leeds and Grenville.

The two types of Secondary Suite Programs are:

  1. The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative Secondary Suite Program, which targets the creation of a rental unit for low income households, at a person’s sole and principal residence.
  1. Leeds and Grenville Landlord Secondary Suite Program is accessible to small landlords, and targets the creation of rental units in a property for low income households, that is not the landlord’s sole and principle residence, and the applicant can own another property.

The fact sheets outline the programs, and we encourage you to share the attached Applications with interested persons. More information can be found at https://www.leedsgrenville.com/en/services/secondary-suites-programs.aspx.

United Counties of Leeds Grenville

25 Central Ave W Suite 200

Brockville ON, K6V 4N6

613-342-3840 ext 2328

Home Occupations (home based businesses)

Excerpts can be found below from the City of Brockville Zoning Bylaw 050-2014, as amended, to assist you with establishing a home occupation (more commonly referred to as a home based business).

Part 1.0: Interpretation, Administration, and Enforcement, Subsection 1.10 Certificate of Occupancy

No person shall change the use of any lot covered by this Bylaw, or of any building or structure on any such lot or of any part of such lot, building or structure without having applied for and received a Certificate of Occupancy under the Planning Act, issued by the Corporation or its appointed agent. Issuance of such Certificate of Occupancy by the Corporation will imply that the proposed use is in compliance with this Bylaw. Applications for Certificate of Occupancy shall be made on the prescribed forms and shall be known as Certificate of Zoning Compliance.

Part 2.0: Definitions, Subsection 125

“Home Occupation” means a business or professional activity conducted as a secondary use to the residential use within any dwelling unit which is the primary residence of the person or persons conducting the business or professional activity.

Explanatory Note: The definition explains what constitutes a Home Occupation, that is, the business must be secondary to the primary residential use and be carried on in a person’s primary residence by those person(s) living in that residence.

Part 3.0: General Provisions, Subsection 3.21

a) General

A home occupation is permitted in any residential dwelling unit in any zones except the Rural (RU) Zone, where a home occupation shall not be permitted.

b) Provisions

Where a home occupation is permitted by this Bylaw, a home occupation shall not:

  1. Occupy more than 25.0 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit or 28.0 square metres, whichever is lesser. Where more than one (1) home occupation operates from a dwelling unit, no more than 25.0 percent of the gross floor area shall be occupied for such purposes.
    • Explanatory Note: The maximum floor area which may be used in a home occupation is limited to the lesser of 25.0 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling or 28.0 square metres.
  2. Permit non-resident employees to be engaged in a home occupation;
    • Explanatory Note: Persons working for the home occupation must live in the home.
  3. Alter the exterior of the dwelling unit by virtue of the operation of a home occupation;
    • Explanatory Note: The home occupation is expected to be unobtrusive and not change the character of the dwelling or neighbourhood.
  4. Include the open storage of goods, materials or equipment or display of goods visible from outside the dwelling unit;
    • Explanatory Note: Any and all storage and finished goods must be kept interior to a building.
  5. Use an accessory building for the home occupation, except for the storage of goods, materials or equipment required for the home occupation, provided that, should a garage area be used for said storage, the required parking for the dwelling unit shall be maintained;
    • Explanatory Note: An accessory building such as a garage or storage building cannot be used by the home occupation except for storage. Use of the garage for storage does not relieve the owner from providing the required parking for the dwelling unit.
  6. Become offensive or obnoxious or create a nuisance to adjoining properties by reason of increased vehicular traffic or parking, or delivery of goods, materials or equipment, or electrical interference, or emission of odour, dust, smoke, noise, gas, fumes, light, vibration, radiation, or refuse;
    • Explanatory Note: The home occupation is expected to be unobtrusive and not change the character of the dwelling or neighbourhood.
  7. Include the sale of any goods on the site other than those goods constituting the finished product of the home occupation;
    • Explanatory Note: Home occupations can sell only those goods and services produced or provided on site. The retail sale of goods not produced on site is prohibited.
  8. Include more than two (2) clients, students or customers of the home occupation to be on the premises at any one time;
    • Explanatory Note: No more than two persons (clients, students or customers) are to be at the home occupation at one time. The purpose is to ensure that parking and other concerns do not result by the existence of the home occupation. This limit on clients does not extend to a private home day care.
  9. Use advertising media which draws attention to the fact that a dwelling unit is used for a home occupation;
    • Explanatory Note: This does not prohibit advertising a telephone number, a post office box, or an email address on business cards and other forms of advertising. The use of a street address in advertising is not permitted.
  10. Operate without first obtaining a Certificate of Zoning Compliance under Subsection 1.10; and
    • Explanatory Note: All changes in use require a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. There is no charge for obtaining said Certificate.
  11. Provide or require additional parking spaces for a home occupation.
    • Explanatory Note: No additional parking is required for a home occupation.

c) Exception

A private home day care or babysitting service may be established as a home occupation, and shall not be restricted by subclauses 3.21 b) 1) and 7).

d) Prohibited Uses

Without limiting the generality or applicability of the provisions for home occupations under clause 3.21 a), the following uses shall not be considered home occupations:

  • kennel;
  • veterinary clinic or office;
  • automobile repairs or automotive trade use;
  • painting of vehicles, trailers or boats;
  • medical clinic or office;
  • multiple chair hairdresser or barber;
  • welding shop;
  • service and repair shop for large appliances or commercial and industrial equipment; and
  • arcade.

For more information, and to register your Home Occupation, please contact the Planning Department.

Residential Lot Grading Requirements

The information contained herein serves to confirm lot grading submission requirements, lot grading design criteria and approval processes as outlined in the City of Brockville’s Drainage Bylaw 033-2004 (Bylaw to Amend Bylaw 113-91) Being a Bylaw to Regulate Drainage in the City of Brockville.

Lot Grading Submission Requirements:

Note: All submissions pertaining to lot grading are to be submitted to the Building Department.

  1. Lot Grading and Drainage Plans accompanying all “Phase 1” applications and Occupancy Inspection Phase requests are to be prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer, and certified.
  2. Where the property to be developed has an approved Master Lot Grading and Drainage Plan, the Phase 1 and Occupancy Inspection Phase lot grading and drainage plans will be required to correspond with the elevations, grades and design criteria illustrated on the approved Master Lot Grading and Drainage Plan.
  3. Where the property to be developed does not have an approved Master Lot Grading and Drainage Plan, due to it being an “in-fill” lot in an area which was developed prior to requirements for a Master Lot Grading and Drainage Plan, there will be a requirement to have the site surveyed by an Ontario Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer to establish original ground elevations. The Phase 1 grading plan submission will then be required to comply with the following design criteria of this document. The Occupancy Inspection Phase grading plan submission will be required to meet the same requirements.

Lot Grading Design Criteria:

Phase 1 grading plan

All elevations and measurements to be in metric.

  • Geodetic bench mark information (location and elevation), and North Arrow, street name, lot number and civic address
  • The existing and proposed elevations of all lot corners
  • Proposed elevations of all breakpoints
  • Proposed elevations at all building corners
  • Proposed elevations at property line adjacent to all building corners
  • Proposed minimum top of building foundation, and proposed finish floor elevation of garage (if applicable)
  • Location of proposed driveway, decks, porches, patios, retaining walls and privacy fences
  • Current site conditions of abutting properties (vacant, developed, under construction)
  • Location of property line, front, side and rear setback measurements, and lot dimensions
  • Location, direction, and grade of all proposed swales
  • Proposed swale elevations at beginning of swales and outlet end of swales
  • Location and top of grate elevation of rear yard catch basins (if applicable)
  • Location and dimensions of any drainage easements to be maintained by the City of Brockville
  • Illustration of typical swale section showing proposed width, minimum depth (minimum depth 200 mm) and proposed side slope (minimum 4:1, maximum 3:1)
  • Illustration of typical grade elevation detail
  • The minimum swale depth shall be 200 mm with a longitudinal grade of 1%
  • Swales shall be located on or inside all property boundaries to prevent surface runoff from free flowing between properties
  • The minimum surface gradient shall be 2%
  • Driveway grades shall be 2% minimum and 10% maximum
  • There shall be a 3 metre apron at a minimum grade of 2% away from the dwelling where grades are flowing toward the dwelling

Occupancy Inspection Phase grading plan

  • same as above including measured elevations at all proposed elevation locations

Note: The City of Brockville maintains a 0.1m elevation tolerance between proposed elevations and measured elevations. The 0.1 m is intended to allow for final grading (topsoil and sodding and/or seeding). The Occupancy Inspection Phase grading plan may be submitted at a rough grade stage, however, the measured elevations should, in this case be 0.1 m lower than proposed to allow for landscaping materials (topsoil and sod or seed)

Approval Processes:

  1. Phase 1:
    • A Phase 1 grading plan will be approved if it complies with the design criteria described above.
  2. Occupancy Inspection Phase:
    • An Occupancy Inspection Phase grading plan will be approved if it complies with the design criteria described in this document.
  3. Letter of Undertaking:
    • The applicant has the option of deferring the grading to a later date in order to facilitate a final inspection from the Planning Department, Building Services Division. The “Letter of Undertaking” is intended for applicants who have not finished final grading prior to inclement weather, before and shortly after the winter season.
    • The applicant may apply for the Letter of Undertaking with the Building Department. The Letter of Undertaking must be signed and dated by the applicant, indicate a completion date, and include a minimum deposit. The application will be reviewed and must be approved prior to a final inspection. The applicant must then have the grading completed prior to the completion date indicated on the approved Letter of Undertaking and submit a final grading plan. Upon approval of the plan, the deposit will be released to the applicant.

Should you have any questions with respect to the information provided, please contact the Supervisor of Engineering.

Swimming pools and hot tubs

If you are planning to install a swimming pool, hot tub or any other artificial body of water that may be used for swimming or bathing, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Building Department according to the Swimming Pool Bylaw #35-83.

General Information

Along with your fully completed application (above), you will need to submit the following:

  • Plot plan or survey locating the pool and all pool equipment in relation to all buildings, fences, structures and lot lines.
  • A lot grading plan shall be submitted for an in-ground pool. This will be reviewed by our Engineering and Infrastructure Department. The lot grading plan must be prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer.

Additionally, your installation plans should take the following into account:

  • Every private swimming pool shall be secured against entry of the public other than tenants or their guests.
  • No barbed wire or device for projecting an electric current shall form part of a fence or gate.
  • Where a privately owned swimming pool is used at night or if the pool is situated where adequate natural illumination is not available, a lighting system shall be provided. Such lighting shall be directed away from adjacent residential properties.

Fencing

Every residential swimming pool shall be secured with the required fencing. The exception is where a pool is erected above grade to a minimum of 4 feet above the ground provided that:

  • The grade of the ground adjacent to the outside wall of the pool is at least 4 feet below the top of the pool walls.
  • No accessory building or pool equipment that could be used to assist in gaining access to the pool is located within 4 feet from the pool wall.
  • Any ladder or gate or other means of access to the pool is designed to be locked and is maintained in a locked position in a like manner as is required for gates.
  • The wall of the pool and any deck or other associated construction will provide the security equivalent to a fence required by the Swimming Pool Bylaw.

Certain construction requirements need to be met depending on the type of fence you plan on erecting. Please speak with someone in the Building Department for these requirements.

Zoning Requirements

Excerpt from Zoning Bylaw 050-2014:

  • Distance from Lot Line: No person shall locate any part of a swimming pool closer than 5 feet to any rear or interior side lot line, nor closer than 15 feet to any exterior side lot line. This includes any supports or buttresses.
  • Treatment Equipment: No water circulating equipment or treatment equipment shall be located closer than 10′ to any rear or interior side lot line, nor closer than 15 feet to any exterior side lot line except where such equipment is located within a main or accessory building.
  • Accessory Building to Private Swimming Pool: Any structure used in conjunction with a private swimming pool shall only be permitted in the interior side or rear yard and shall be located in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1 b) of the Zoning Bylaw. Buildings larger than 15 square metres (161 square feet) will require a building permit.
  • Lot Coverage: A swimming pool shall not be considered part of the lot coverage.

Decks

If you are planning to construct a deck with your pool, the Building Department will include the deck with the permit issued for the swimming pool provided the following items are met:

  • Deck size and location in relation to all buildings, fences, structures and lot lines is shown on the plot plan or survey.
  • Complete construction drawings are submitted at time of application or within 30 days of when the permit is issued for the swimming pool.

Fees

Every person who erects or constructs a private swimming pool or fence around a swimming pool shall pay the required permit fee at time of application for permit. Please contact Building Services for current fees.

Sign permit application

Installing any type of sign requires a permit. Please review our Sign Bylaw for additional information.

Fascia or Pylon type signs

Required information includes:

Temporary, Portable, Panel, or Banner Sign

Required information includes:

A-board or Sandwich Board Sign

Required information includes:

Once a permit has been issued for an A-board or Sandwich board sign that permit is good for the life of the sign.

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