Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles

Want to learn more about Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles? Explore the resources below for more information.

F.A.Qs

Find all the Frequently Asked Questions here: Short-Term Rentals, Trailers, Hunt Camps, Shipping Containers F.A.Qs

People are increasingly choosing to live in makeshift accommodations including sheds, hunt camps, and trailers. What will be done about this?    

The Township of Bonfield recognizes that inflationary pressures, and the cost of living, are affecting everyone; and does not seek to introduce any unnecessary burdens on the taxpayers it serves.

At the same time, the Township has a responsibility to protect local area residents and the environment from the unauthorized use of property, buildings, and structures, which are not permitted to be used for human occupation.

The development of unauthorized ‘encampments’, in often unsafe and unsanitary conditions, on parcels of vacant land, plus other un-maintained properties throughout the Township, poses a significant health & safety risk to the occupants, neighbouring property owners, and the Township as-a-whole.

Residents voted for change at the last election, and the Township is determined to ensure fairness among all residents in ways that are responsive to the current situation.   

Will a livestock trailer be a permitted use?

Yes, a livestock trailer, or any other form of trailer that is designed to include space specifically allocated for human habitation would be permitted on a property associated with an existing residence; or, subject to a license, located on vacant land.  

 Where a residence already exists, is it OK to have a trailer on your property? 

Yes, the proposed by-law states a Trailer can be positioned on a lot, where a permitted primary dwelling already exists; and that such a trailer can be used between May 1 and December 15 in any given year, and ‘stored’ on the property outside these periods, during the winter months.  

 What happens if I have a trailer on my vacant land, but it is not zoned 'Rural'?

Trailers will only be permitted to be used on a property that is zoned ‘Rural’, subject to the property owner obtaining a license.

Trailers can only be stored in the rear yard or side yard of other residential zones; notably, the Residential First (R1) and Residential Second (R2) Density Zones (the ‘Hamlets’), and the Residential Limited Services (RLS) Zone (the ‘Waterfront’).

For planning purposes, the ‘front yard’ in the RLS zone is the waterfront side of the property. Trailers will not be permitted to be used on vacant land in either the R1, R2, or RLS Zones.

 Can I have a deck in association with my trailer on a vacant property? 

Subject to obtaining a license, the owners of vacant land will be permitted to have a trailer, for seasonal use only, between May 1 and December 15 in any given year.

In association with that trailer, property owners are also permitted to construct up to One (1) deck under 108 Sq. Ft. and One (1) shed for the storage purposes only up to 108 Sq. Ft.

 Can I have a storage shed in association with my trailer on a vacant property? 

Subject to obtaining a license, the owners of vacant land will be permitted to have a trailer, for seasonal use only, between May 1 and December 15 in any given year.

In association with that trailer, property owners are also permitted to construct up to One (1) deck under 108 Sq. Ft. and One (1) shed for the storage purposes only up to 108 Sq. Ft.

 What are the options for managing human waste?

Section 3.14 of the By-law accepts 3 options to dispose of human waste as follows:

  1. Using an approved Class IV Sewage System;
  2. Using the trailer’s manufactured onboard sewage tank, and providing an agreement from a sanitary disposal company to properly dispose of the effluent; and/or
  3. Using an outhouse and connection to a grey water system complying with the building code.

 What fees apply to Trailer licenses?

The fees for a trailer in an approved zone are as follows:

  1. $600.00 per year.
  2. $10.00 for 14 days once per year.
  3. $0.00 if you hold a building permit (conditions apply); Or
  4. $0.00 on a property that currently has a dwelling on it.

Have additional questions? Please call the Township at 705-776-2641 or contact any member of Council to provide feedback.

 

Additional Resources:

Please see pages 3 - 13 in the Townhall presentations, for details on Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles.

Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles

Why is the Township proposing this Bylaw?

The current zoning bylaws do not permit trailers on any vacant land. There are trailers on vacant land and enforcement of the rules has been inconsistent. Council was asked to better enforce these rules. Upon reviewing the rules, Council identified an opportunity for change, and that trailers should be permitted in certain areas of the Township. If they are permitted, Council also has a responsibility to protect the environment and consider impacts to the neighbourhood, so issuing a license ensures owners share in this responsibility.

How might the new Trailer Bylaw affect me?

  • Trailers include any manufactured trailer designed with sleeping and/or cooking and eating equipment. This includes RVs, Airstreams, livestock trailers with accommodations, tent trailers, camping trailers etc.
  • If you have a house on your property, you can either store or use a trailer, for up to 120 days, without a license. If your trailer is in a camping establishment then no license is required.
  • If you live in a rural zone and have a vacant parcel, you can use a trailer from May 1 to December 15 of each year under a license. You can store the trailer on the property through the winter on the property as well. Trailers will not be permitted on vacant land within the hamlets or on the waterfront (RLS Zone).
  • Licenses will be annual with a fee of $600.00. This will cover one site visit to approve the application. What is important to note here is that vacant land taxes are typically 1/3 of the taxes of a property with a dwelling. Part of the license fee will ensure that all residents contribute to municipal services fairly.

A license will also provide the following opportunities:

  • Special Occasion license which allows for up to three trailers to join you on t the property for 14 days in the season.
  • The construction of a deck under 108 sqft
  • One shed for the purpose of storage up to 108 sqft
  • 16 landfill bag tags for the season

Wait, I need my trailer on-site while I build a house?

Using a trailer on your property while you clear your land or start constructing your new house is a great way to save time going back and forth.

If you are clearing your land, you still need a trailer license. If it is in the same year you are going to build and get a permit, once the building permit is issued, and you have started construction, you can apply for the a refund of that year’s trailer license.

If you have a current building permit and are actively working on your house construction, you do not need a trailer license. You are still responsible for managing the waste. 

What do I need to obtain a license?

The license application will be annual. Your property will need to have an approved entrance, and 911 (civic) number so emergency services can get to the site. You will also need to supply the following to the Township:

  • Details on how you are responsibly managing the septic and grey water systems on the property
  • A site plan showing your property and the location of all relevant structures (proposed) on the property
  • Pictures of the trailer