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lcstoronto
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2010 12:15am
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Hello. Great site! I wish to build a cabin, but in an area with no "zoning" bylaws. I read on this site a user has built a cabin in Loring, Ontario, about 3 hours north of Toronto, where he did not need to build less then 100sq ft. because of bylaws.
Does anyone know what is the closest area to Toronto, that I could build a larger cabin without having to conform to any local bylaws?
I wish to build a 400 sq ft cabin, with a small solar setup, where I can go up to once or twice a month with some buddies. I don't want to go thru any red tape, pay taxes, or be on the grid, etc... but obviously would like it to be over 100sq ft, about 400 seems good.
Thanks for your help.
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hattie
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2010 01:10pm
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I doubt there is anyplace in Canada that doesn't have land use bylaws. Some people may build a place and not get questioned just because they are so remote the inspector doesn't find them, but my bet is there are still laws they "should" be conforming to. And you want some place where you don't have to pay taxes? Good luck with that one. *S* Remember the old expression, "the only two sure things in life are death and taxes". You can run, but it's pretty hard to hide from the tax man.
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Hermid
Member
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2010 04:39pm
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a I plan on building a 200 sq ft cabin near Perry sound, and done a lot of research into it.
You have to go way up north into the unincorporated Districts, so you would be looking at areas around Timmins which is 10-12 hours from Toronto. You can build cabins in those areas with out permits and the taxes are around 100 a year for 40 acre plots. The rules very from district to district as well
Best thing to do if your going to be sneaky is to build it in a area thats listed as general use land, that are extreamly remote.
The MNR does not allow people to build cabins on crown land anymore unless your native. However if your a prospector your allowed to build a cabin on your mining claim(after obtaining a exploration permit and land use permit from the MNR) You have to claim a minimum of 16 Hectors and do 400 dollars of prospecting per year on it(Stuff like Gas for getting there, Food and cloths can count towards that $400) and you can maintain it indefinitely, its good if your a amateur prospector or if your interested in geology.
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dabones
Member
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2010 09:28pm
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yes, I looked up North for land before we bought ours in NY.. there are large lots for cheap prices up near Timmins, and most are in Unincorporated townships.. but there's not much south of there, anything south of Algonquin will be retarded with rules I would imagine..
That info about the prospecting claims sounds very interesting, how hard is it to get these permits? what kind of proof do you need that you are prospecting the area?
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Hermid
Member
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2010 11:12pm
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South of Algonquin is cottage country east if west has lots of remote areas.
To get a prospecting permit you need to send a application into the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines(a pdf file is available online) it costs 25 Dollars and you need to attach a copy of your photo ID with the application(Need to be Canadian Citizen too).
To make a stake you need to claim minimum 16 hectors and set up posts, then you can get a exploration permit and from that I take you need explain what kind of exploration you will be doing, how you will minimize environmental impact(If you not drilling or blasting should be no issue with that) and to make sure you have agreements with any native reserves or private lands that the claim mite overlap.
All the Information is on the how to stake claims is on here: http://www.mndmf.gov.on.ca/
When getting a Land Use Permit the MNR has the finial say on what you build, you need to send them floor plans and explanation on why you need it. And getting the permits also depends on the district and location as well.
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farfromhome
Member
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# Posted: 30 Dec 2010 02:13pm
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I am also in Ontario and have done a bit of research on the subject especially of land that is less than 3 1/2 hours. I have to sell my current cabin and land (136 acres) due to a divorce. In my search of options for a new piece of property and cabin I found that you will still have to comply with the zoning restrictions within 3 1/2 hours from Toronto. This means anything larger than 100 sq feet you will need a permit and usually the minimum size is 676 sq. ft. Building an 8 X 12 cabin is still not permitted as it is considered an accessory building and you must have a primary residence there first.
All is not lost though. If you look carefully through mls.ca for recreational and rural residential properties you will find some cabins for sale. You have to look carefully through zoning bylaws to find out about grandfathering and change of use for a property.
I will have to sell my current cabin beforehand, but I am still not giving up on my dream of having a nice private cabin.
If you are interested, please send a message and I will send you the MLS listings I have looked at for research.
Good luck.
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perkunas
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2010 02:06pm
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There are Ontario building codes still apply no mater where you are.
If you build larger then 10x10 you need a permit, if it has electrical or plumbing in it permit. Also if you live in it, it becomes a principal residence permit. Most areas have laws on how small your principal residence can be
the larger the house more taxes from them.Some areas wont allow wells or septic systems they want you on city water. Government is not here to help you. During the great depression most people avoided starving to death by homesteading, today its illegal.
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Hermid
Member
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# Posted: 2 Jan 2011 12:24am
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It also depends if its incorporated or unincorporated townships, Perry Sound is the closest area to Toronto that has unincorporated townships. The person who built there cabin in loring Ontario(Which is in a unincorporated part of Perry Sound District) said they did not need any kind of permits. The laws Change if your Native tho.
it also depends on the usage.
In my case I am building a Cabin for Prospecting on crown land, so its only being used as a place to sleep and do paper work and check samples and store equipment.
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spee
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# Posted: 17 Jan 2011 03:07pm
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2 options : build a tiny place in the forest and hope you dont get caught.... or get a trailer and put it on the land and use it until you get caught .... or just camp all the time.
As long as its just a weekend /vacation getaway you should be fine.
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leonk
Member
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# Posted: 18 Jun 2012 10:50am
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Quoting: Hermid In my case I am building a Cabin for Prospecting on crown land
Hermid, I couldn't find more recent references to your project.
Would you provide an update? How is it going? Did you manage to build?
Thanks
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 19 Jun 2012 05:44pm
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We built on our 220 acres in Ontario Canada. It's remote down our private 1 1/2 mile long driveway, no neighbors for 2 miles in a unincorporated township. We had to get a building permit for each building and have the permit reviewed and accepted. So in answer to your question if I needed permits on the remote piece of property you will too. If you do it without permits you will always be looking over your shoulder and you will not be looked at kindly by your local inspectors when you get caught.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 19 Jun 2012 05:49pm
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I also forgot to add that you will not be paying taxes on your cabin. When they catch up with you on that you will have a huge tax bill maybe so big you will have to sell your dream cabin.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 5 Sep 2012 08:28pm
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Permit is the way to go. I actually phoned our building inspector before building anything and he was very helpful. The 100 sq foot thing is a myth in my area. Because to build that size, you need to already have a principal residence.
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