Surplus Farm Dwelling
A surplus farm dwelling is an existing habitable farm dwelling that is rendered surplus as a result of farm consolidation (the acquisition of additional farm parcels to be operated as one farm operation). For example, if a farmer purchases a property that has a dwelling and 35 acres of farmland, the farmer can sever the house with some land for the dwelling and retain the farmland for agricultural uses.
Eligibility Requirements |
The requirements for a surplus farm dwelling come from three different levels of government. The Province of Ontario provides direction in the Provincial Policy Statement, the Regional Municipality of Niagara provides direction in the Regional Official Plan and the Township of Wainfleet provides direction in the Township of Wainfleet Official Plan. Requirements:
A bona fide farmer is someone who:
To discuss whether or not you meet the requirements for a surplus farm dwelling, please contact the Planner. |
Application Process |
A surplus farm dwelling requires two applications – a consent (severance) application and a zoning bylaw amendment application. The consent application is considered by the Committee of Adjustment and if approved, gives you permission to sever the lot with the surplus dwelling from the agricultural parcel. As a condition of approval for the severance, you are required to rezone the agricultural parcel to prohibit any future dwellings through a zoning bylaw amendment application. Zoning bylaw amendments are considered by Council. |
Application Forms |