Review of Perth County Surplus Farm Dwelling Policies

Proposed Changes to Surplus Farm Dwelling Policies Approved by County Council

The surplus farm dwelling policies have been implemented for four years and are being reviewed and updated following consideration of operational experience implementing the policy, public consultation, and a review of like policy in jurisdictions with similar demographics and landscape. Official Plan Amendment 189 was prepared to revise the policy permitting surplus farm dwelling consent when the dwelling is made surplus as a result of farm operation consolidation. This Official Plan Amendment affects all the lands in the County of Perth.

Official Plan Amendment was approved by the County of Perth Council on July 8th, 2021. The Offical Plan Amendment will change the current severance policies in the County Official Plan relating to surplus farm dwellings. The policy addresses the following:

1. Removal of the criteria that a surplus farm dwelling be surplus to a farm located within Perth County;
2. Removal of the prescribed list of permitted accessory uses (driveway, detached garage, swimming pool, home occupation, and bed and breakfast establishment) such that "accessory" can be evaluated more full for the residential use and consider the following:
   1. The unique characteristics of each subject property;
   2. The rural nature and landscape features of the subject property; and
   3. Existing building stock and proximity to the dwelling.

Perth County has established a page on its website to gather public input in regards to the proposed Official Plan Amendments for Surplus Farm Dwellings. Please visit this page on www.perthcounty.ca for further details and to provide any feedback you may have.

NOTICE OF A REMOTE PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING A PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the County of Perth will hold a Public Meeting on October 1, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. to consider an Amendment to the County of Perth Official Plan.

This meeting will be held remotely using Zoom and will also be livestreamed on

https://www.youtube.com/PerthCountydotca

The proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application has been initiated by the County of Perth for the purpose of considering changes to the severance policies in the County Official Plan relating to surplus farm dwellings (SFD). The policy changes that are being considered by County Council propose the following:

1. Removal of the criteria that a SFD be surplus to a farm located within Perth County;
2. Removal of prescribed list of permitted accessory uses (driveway, detached garage, swimming pool, home occupation and bed and breakfast establishment) such that “accessory” can be evaluated more fully for the residential use and consider the following:
3. The unique characteristics of each subject property;
4. The rural nature and landscape features of the subject property; and
5. Existing building stock and proximity to the dwelling.
6. Addition of provisions for small scale businesses that are deemed to be ‘accessory’ and operated by the occupants of the SFD only, whether or not the business is wholly conducted with the dwelling; and
7. Additional provisions relating to livestock barns that they be removed unless they are no longer capable or used for the housing of livestock as determined by the Chief Building Official and are deemed an accessory use/structure.
8. Provisions for keeping of animals that is limited by the size of the animal housing.

The proposed Official Plan Amendment will apply to all lands that are designated “Agriculture” in the County Official Plan, which designation applies to the majority of the lands in the County.

ANY PERSON may join the Remote Public Meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed Official Plan Amendment.

As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, remote meetings under the Planning Act are being held in response to direction from the Province of Ontario and Local Health Officials, prohibiting organized public events and gatherings of people.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For more information about this matter, including information about how to participate in the public meeting and appeal rights, visit Perth County’s website (www.perthcounty.ca) under the News Room tab or contact the Planning Division using the information below. Documents can be provided in an accessible format upon request.

Sally McMullen, Manager of Planning Services Email: smcmullen@perthcounty.ca

County Court House, 1 Huron St. Stratford, ON N5A 5S4 Telephone: (519) 271-0531 (ext. 412)

Notice Period: September 11, 2020 – October 1, 2020