Accessory Structure Community Standards
On Monday, June 22nd, Sarnia City Council approved changes to the Zoning By-law and Lot Maintenance By-law regarding the Open Storage of Recreational Vehicles, Trailers and Boats. The appeal period has concluded, no appeals were received.
On June 21, 2021, Sarnia City Council directed staff to consult with the public and prepare amendments the City of Sarnia’s Zoning By-law which regulates the maximum accessory structure lot coverage permitted in various zones throughout the City.
In considering changes to the existing standards staff conducted a review of applications heard by the Committee of Adjustment as well as regulations and approaches used within various municipalities.
It is proposed that the following amendments be made to the current accessory structure lot coverage regulations.
| Accessory Structure Regulations - Residential Zones | |
| Existing Regulation | |
| 3.1.2(f)(i) | In any Residential Zone the maximum combined lot coverage for all accessory buildings shall be 10% of the lot or 65.0 square metres, whichever is less, except portable classrooms accessory to schools. |
| Proposed Regulation | |
| 3.1.2(f)(i) | In any Residential Zone the maximum combined lot coverage for all accessory buildings shall be 10% of the lot. |
| Accessory Structure Regulations - All Other Zones | |
| Existing Regulation | |
| 3.1.3(d) | The total lot coverage of all accessory buildings or structures on a lot in all zones (other than Industrial Zones) shall not exceed 10% of the lot area except that, for a residential lot in all RR1 Zones or RU1 Zones the maximum lot coverage for all accessory buildings shall be 5% of the lot or 100.0 square metres, whichever is less. |
| Proposed Regulation | |
| 3.1.3(d) | The total lot coverage of all accessory buildings or structures on a lot in all zones (other than Industrial Zones) shall not exceed 10% of the lot area except that, for a residential lot in all RR1 Zones or RU1 Zones the maximum lot coverage for all accessory buildings shall be 5% of the lot. |
The effect of the proposed changes will allow accessory structures to be scaled to the size of their lot using a percentage of the lot as a threshold.
How to Get Involved
Public Meeting
Sarnia City Council will consider proposed amendments to the community standards for accessory structures at its regular meeting on September 13, 2021. If you would like to speak to the proposed changes during the virtual public meeting please email clerks@sarnia.ca.
Provide Comment
Provide comment on the proposed amendments through the form below, by email to planning@sarnia.ca or by placing a copy in the City Hall dropbox located by the Christina Street entrance. All comments received will be provided to Council.
To ensure your comments are included in the City Council Agenda, comments must be received by 12:00 noon, Monday, September 6, 2021.
Personal Information Collection Notice
The City of Sarnia collects personal information from the public feedback made to the City of Sarnia and/or its Committees under the legal authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Public feedback to proposals is considered to be public record pursuant to the Act. Please be aware that if you are submitting correspondence to the City of Sarnia relating to a proposal, your name, contact information and communications will become part of the public record that will be available to the general public. Questions about this collection should be addressed to the City Clerk, 2nd floor, City Hall, 255 Christina Street North, Sarnia, ON N7T 7N2. Tel. 519-519-0330. Email: clerks @sarnia.ca.
