Common Questions

I am buying a home in the Town of Grand Valley. What documents might I need from the Town?

Working with your lawyer and/or real estate agent, you may want to purchase a Tax Certificate to verify the property taxes on the property you are purchasing. Call our office at 519-928-5652 to request the certificate.

You might also need to investigate such things as building permits, fence permits or dog licensing, depending on your situation. Visit our Applications, Certificates, Licenses and Permits page for details.

I am selling my home. What documents might I need from the Town?

Working with your lawyer and/or real estate agent, you may want to purchase a Tax Certificate to verify the property taxes on the property you are selling. Call our office at 519-928-5652 to request the certificate.

I want to build a house. How much will it cost?

In addition to the construction costs, you will be responsible for fees for approvals and permits. The following list is a general list for most home builders, and other charges could apply depending on your situation.

• Municipal Approval - $100.00
• Entrance Permit - $100.00 plus $1500.00 deposit for rural properties, or additional fees if on a County or Provincial road
• Zoning Application and Planning Approvals - $100.00 or more, if the application is needed
• Water Connection - $50.00 (urban only)
• Water Inspection after connection - $100.00 (urban only)
• Development Charges - see Development Charges brochure
• Grading Permit - may be required
• Grand River Conservation Authority Permit - for more information, visit the GRCA web site
• County of Dufferin Building Permit - will be required after municipal approval is given. Visit the County's web site for details.

Call our office at 519-928-5652 for more details.

Can I rebuild if my building is demolished or if I demolish it?

Certain parts of Grand Valley include areas that have Environmental Protection (EP) Zoning, or are in a GRCA-regulated area. The Town's zoning provisions may allow reconstruction and minimal expansion (as provided for in section 3.10 and other requirements of the Zoning By-law), but a permit is still required from the GRCA. Pre-consultation with the GRCA is strongly recommended.

Note that permits are required for demolition and that there are time restrictions for reconstruction. The Zoning By-law must be read in its entirety, as certain provisions may apply. Please contact the Town's Planner to confirm the requirements and process for obtaining necessary permits.

Can I have a basement apartment?

The majority of lands in the Town and Agricultural area are zoned to permit accessory apartments. However, many lots are not able to meet the minimum required lot area of 0.2 hectares. An option exists to apply for a minor variance (minor zoning amendment) and seek relief from the minimum lot area, and this can be considered by Council based on the merits of the application and any buffering necessary to facilitate the increased density.

In addition, all basement apartments must have building permits and be constructed to fire code. Please refer to the Zoning By-law for details on accessory apartments, and remember that the by-law should be read in its entirety. Please contact the Town's Planner to confirm the requirements and process for obtaining a basement apartment.

Can I build a fence?

Can I have a trailer home while I build my house?

Trailers are only permitted during construction where the owner has entered into an agreement with the Town.  If you want to ask for consideration for your property, please request a delegation to Council by calling the municipal office at 519-928-5652 or by sending an email request to the Town at mail@townofgrandvalley.ca.

I have to put up a mailbox at the end of my driveway. What do I need to know before putting it up?

Canada Post and the Town of Grand Valley have requirements for the height and location of the mailbox, as well as the materials that can be used to support the mailbox. Please review the Town's policy by clicking on this link - Rural Mailboxes - and review Canada Post's guidelines on their website through this link - Canada Post Guidelines.

I have a conditional offer in on a lot, and want to know if I can build. What should I do?

When you are considering purchasing a property, there is a lot of background work that you can do yourself. You can check the on-line Zoning Schedule to see what your property is zoned and cross-reference for permitted uses and setbacks in the comprehensive zoning by-law. You can consult the Grand River Conservation Authority or review their online resources to see if it is regulated and whether your proposal would be permitted. For properties outside of the Village, we recommend that you undertake a drive-by or aerial review and see if there are any livestock barns, for which special setbacks may apply. You can also go to the registry office or have your lawyer check to see if there are any agreements, easements or restrictions registered on title. The Town also will provide the information through a Property Information Report (fee required), usually requested by your lawyer. 

Can I build a garage or put up a shed?

Most owners of residential properties can have a garage or shed constructed. Garages and sheds are considered "accessory structures" to a residential use building. Provided that the proposed garage or shed meets the requirements of the Zoning By-law, such shed or garage is permitted with a building permit.

The general provisions for accessory buildings can be found in this document - Zoning By-law 2009-10 Section 3: General Provisions, Accessory Buildings

Can I run a business from my home or garage? 

The Town planning documents separate businesses into categories, including home occupations and home industries. Home Occupations are occupations or professional uses that occur within the dwelling, where Home Industries occur in accessory buildings on a residential property and are generally of an industrial nature. Industries are permitted only in the Agricultural and Rural Residential zones. Home occupations are permitted in all residential zones except for Multiple Residential (RM) zones.
Some businesses do not fall into home industries nor home occupations, and are therefore not permitted. A Change in Use (Municipal Approval) is required for the introduction of a home industry or home occupation. Contact the Town's Planner to ensure to have the required documentation in place prior to running a business.

For more information, please see our Home Industry document.

Can I have a horse or hobby farm?

Most properties that are zoned Agriculture (A) can have a horse or hobby operation, provided that they meet the other provisions of the Zoning By-law and applicable law. Many severed dwellings (with and without sheds) in the Agricultural zone are rezoned to the Rural Residential (RR) zone. The Rural Residential zone permits existing agricultural operations. Therefore, if the lands had a livestock presence prior to 2009 or prior to the severance, they can continue to have a horse or hobby operation. It is important to document the previous existence to ensure your continued enjoyment of the horse or hobby operation.

The introduction of a new operation, however, is not permitted. Where there is not a legal agricultural operation currently existing, owners can make a minor variance or minor zoning amendment application to request permission from the Town to have a horse or hobby operation. Please contact the Town's Planner to confirm the requirements and process.

Can I have information on Town pesticide guidelines? 

What is Minimum Distance Separation (MDS)?

If I am building a barn, do I need a nutrient management plan?

How can I help keep our drinking water safe?

Can I sever my house off my farm property, or a lot for my family or for my retirement?

Generally, severances are not encouraged within the Agricultural area of the Town. The intent is to direct all new residential growth to the Urban Settlement Area (the Village of Grand Valley). Limited opportunities exist to sever off an existing dwelling that is rendered surplus as a result of farm consolidation, and only where a farmer purchases a farm abutting or adjoining the existing farm operation. Please contact the Town Planner for details.