Huron-Kinloss Draft Trailer By-law Consultation

At the July 4th, 2022 Council meeting, Staff was directed to gather feedback from the public about the draft trailer by-law. The draft trailer by-law was created using the existing regulations in the comprehensive zoning by-law and some additions were made based on complaints received to our By-Law Enforcement Officer (derelict trailers and large gatherings of camper trailers).

Why are we proposing a trailer by-law?

A stand-alone trailer by-law will assist in regulating trailers in the Township and is a tool for our By-Law Enforcement Officer to issue a ticket instead of going through the lengthy and costly court process.

The current regulations in the comprehensive zoning by-law state:

5.1.8 Parking of Recreational Vehicles in Residential Zones The storage or parking of a recreational trailer, boat, snowmobile, accessory trailer, or similar recreational vehicles, shall be permitted in a Residential Zone or on a lot used for residential purposes, provided that:

1. The length of such recreational trailer, boat or snowmobile or accessory trailer does not exceed 9 m;

2. Such recreational trailer, boat or snowmobile or accessory trailer may be located in the rear yard or interior side yard provided it is located no closer than 1 m to the lot line;

3. The owner or occupant of any lot or building shall not store or park more than three of the vehicles listed above;

4. Notwithstanding Section 5.1.8.3, the limitations imposed therein shall not restrict the number of vehicles that are fully enclosed within a garage or dwelling unit provided that such vehicles are owned by the occupant of such lot;

5. The zone or lot shall currently contain at least one residential dwelling;

6. Notwithstanding any of the above provisions, driveway parking for the purposes of loading recreational vehicles will be permitted.

The draft trailer by-law includes the following regulations:

The following regulations apply to the Parking of Trailers on Lots within a Residential Zone in the Township:

a) Only three (3) Trailers may be Parked outside of a building on a Lot at any one time.

b) Only one (1) of the following Trailers shall be permitted on a Lot at any one time;

i) a Camper trailer/RV;

ii) a Trailer used for the transportation of Recreational Vehicles such as, but not limited to, snowmobiles, watercrafts, and off-road vehicles; or,

iii) a Utility Trailer.

c) A Trailer shall not be Parked in the Front Yard of a Lot, unless it is on a driveway for the purpose of actively loading Recreational Vehicles on that Trailer.

d) A Trailer shall be Parked in the Rear Yard or Interior Side Yard of a Lot provided it is located no closer than 1 metre to the Lot Line.

e) No Trailer shall be Parked on a Lot owned by the Township without the signed written consent of the Township on Township letterhead.

f) A Trailer must be owned by the owner or Long-term lessee of the Lot on which it is Parked.

g) A Trailer Parked on a Lot shall not be serviced by water unless that Trailer’s Water Storage Tank is actively being filled.

h) A Trailer Parked on a Lot shall not be connected to or use a Sewage System.

i) No Derelict Trailer shall be Parked on a Lot;

j) No Trailer shall be Parked on a Lot and used for Occupancy.