Plans to remove a controversial exemption from minimum distance separation (MDS) regulations in the township’s comprehensive zoning bylaw have been deferred once again.
The section in question in the bylaw, which was passed in 2010, provides an exemption from MDS 1 requirements for new non-farm uses of property on existing lots in agricultural zones that are less than four hectares (9.9 acres).
The change released for development a number of “checkerboard” lots in the township that had been considered dormant.
A bylaw amendment presented to council on April 8 would mean 32 lots in the Moorefield area require a rezoning before they can be developed, and eight larger lots elsewhere in the township would be allowed to develop provided they can meet certain requirements, including compliance with MDS .
However, councilor Mike Downey asked Mark Van Patter, Wellington County manager of planning and environment, why the amendment didn’t deal with checkerboard lots on Mapleton Concession 11 and Wellington Road 12.
“All those lots have been released for development in the past,” replied Van Patter.
“Really? Because they certainly don’t meet MDS,” said Downey.
Van Patter explained some of the lots in question were rezoned to R6 (country residential) in a previous bylaw and as such were no longer restricted by MDS.
“Those lots were released with two farms beside them and one right across the road?” asked Downey. “If they are included in this bylaw then I’m not in favour of it.”
CAO Patty Sinnamon said the changes Van Patter referred to pre-date the most recent bylaw changes.
“That goes back to the 2000 bylaw if not prior,” she said.
“They were rezoned and could have gotten a building permit 10 years ago,” said Van Patter.
At Van Patter’s suggestion, the amendment was deferred to the April 22 meeting to give him time to provide documentation on the lots under discussion.
