You should call 9-1-1 during any emergency where people or property are at risk.

To report a non-emergency incident call 1-888-310-1122

Sign up on Dufferin County's website to receive emails regarding watches, warnings and notices in the event of an emergency.

To prepare your household for an emergency consult the Emergency Preparedness Guide provided by Public Safety Canada.

Dufferin County Road Closures:
Find out about Dufferin County road closures through any of the following methods:

TWITTER: Follow Dufferin Roads @DufferinRoads

TEXT: Send a text to 40404 with the message "Follow @DufferinRoads"

EMAIL: Sign up for email notifications on Dufferin County's website

PHONE: call 519-941-2816  press 1, then 2

Any person can choose to exercise their rights against their neighbour to enforce our by-law through the justice (court) system.  The Township may choose to enforce its by-law through various means, including By-law enforcement visits, letters, orders and court if the matter meets the Township’s threshold.

Generally, importing of fill is not permitted.  By-law 4-2015, as amended, regulates the importing and exporting of fill within Mulmur Township, and may allow importation where it is appropriate and has been approved in accordance with a submission under the By-law.

Projects that are not exempt and that require a Road Agreement:

• NEC approved projects
• NVCA approved projects
• Building permits, septic permits
• Drainage works
• Agricultural projects (normal farm practises must apply)
• Projects less than 300m2 that are otherwise exempt

Projects that require a full application and permit

• Projects wishing to import or remove more than 300m3
• Fees
• Performance security ($1/m3)
• Road deposit ($60-$100/road metre)
• Insurance
• Signed agreement

The following site alteration activities are exempt:

• Works for roads and bridges, utilities and services, flood and erosion control and storm water management facilities; parkland development, walkways, trails, paths, fences, retaining walls, steps and lighting, initiated by:
  • Provincial of Federal Ministry or Department
  • County of Dufferin
  • Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority,
  • Township or any local board of the Township
• Site plan, a plan of subdivision, a consent or a development permit
• Driveway/entrance works with an approved entrance permit and where the aggregate material is being imported from a licensed pit for the purposes of constructing a driveway.

Contact the NVCA to ensure you are not within a regulated area and seek guidance with best practises.
Review the Townships Fill By-law.
Section 4.1 of By-law 4-2015, Exemptions precludes the requirement for a permit
Exemptions:
e) on lands where no soil is being added or removed from the subject lands, but rather is being moved on the site, and the amount of soil being moved on site does not exceed 300m3.

THEREFORE: if you are removing the soil from the pond to an offsite location or the pond is large enough that there will be approximately 20 loads of fill removed (20’x50’x12’ pond), a permit is required.

The Township Property Standards by-law 7-06 applies to all lands within the Township.   It contains provisions related to

• Property Maintenance (section 4)
  • keeping yards free of rubbish and debris (section 4.01)
  • drainage and sewage (section 4.02)
  • general repair of fences and accessory structures (4.04)
  • garbage (4.05)
  • general repair of signs (4.06)
  • screening of storage/scrap areas (4.07)
• Building standards (section 5)
  • Vermin (5.01)
  • building standards (5.02)
  • safe access (5.03)

The Township enforces the by-law based on legitimate, signed complaints being received.  Complaints for lands within the Niagara Escarpment will be forwarded to the NEC Enforcement Officer.

By-law 11-02 provides for the keeping, controlling and licensing of dogs.

• All dogs (weekender or permanent) require a dog tag annually (section 2)

Other provisions you should be aware of:
4c) The running at large of dogs in the Municipality is prohibited.
4d(i) No Owner shall allow his/her dog to become a nuisance by excessive barking or howling.  Any person aggrieved by such a nuisance may appear before a Justice of the Peace and swear out information charging such Owner with a breach of this Section.

The by-law includes licensing for kennels and minimum standards of care.

The Township charges dog owners without dog tags for canine control services in relation to an unlicensed dog and in accordance with section 18 of the By-law, and recouping of administrative costs in accordance with section 17.

• Each day is an offence
• First offence is $25 (plus canine control costs of approximately $150-$200/call and admin fee)
• Second offence is $50 (plus costs)
• Third office is $100 (plus costs)

Fence by-law 14-2006 allows the construction of fences

• Maximum 1.83m (6’) in height
• Can not obstruct visibility above 2’ on a corner lot
• Must not extend onto municipal ROW
• Does not require neighbour contribution.
• No permit is required unless it is in conjunction with a pool.

Fence By-law 14-2006 requires that all pools (3’ in depth or more) have a minimum 1.5m (4.92’) fence/enclosure with proper latching.  Alternatively, where a pool is 1.35m (4.43’) above grade and is equipped with a lockable/removable ladder a fence is not required.
A municipal approval and building permit is required where there is a house or there could be a house built in the future within 200m of the pool.

By-law 22-2018 regulates special events, seasonal sales, motor vehicle racing and rallies.

• Racing is not permitted in the Township on private or public lands.
• A Special Event is an organized event capable of hosting greater than 50 people per day, that is not a race or rally, and may include sporting and leisure events, wedding hosting, fundraisers, permanent garage sales, flea markets, events requiring a special occasion permit, concerts, festivals and community gatherings.  A special event may or may not charge an admission fee and may be for profit or not-for profit.
• A rally is a contest in which two or more persons attempt to operate their motor vehicles on public and/or private land or on a highway so as to: complete a designated route in accordance with a set of instructions, or; complete a designated route in accordance with a set of instructions and in a specified period of time, or earn points or obtain awards or rewards based on how the motor vehicle is operated
• A rally does not include a driving or sightseeing tour of the countryside, or a tour of fine homes, or a restaurant tour or birdwatching tour, or an artists or crafts tour or any other such similar, organized event on or involving a highway.
• Seasonal Sales means any building, structure that has not been approved through a municipal approval and building permit or a vehicle, trailer, tent or cart that is intended to provide for the sale of food, beverages or goods to the public on a seasonal basis.
• The following events are exempt from requiring a permit:
  • a) events organized by the Township;
  • b) events held at locations which are properly zoned and designated for the event;
  • c) events which are covered under a separate agreement with the Township, such as a
  • facility rental agreement;
  • d) weddings hosted by a family member; family celebrations and family reunions; and
  • e) organized walks and runs.
• Applications are required 60 days prior to events and must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $250. The By-law sets out what is required to accompany the application.   Notification to the neighbours is required.
• Section 8.2 sets out a fine in the amount of $2500 for failure to obtain a permit.

By-law 10-02 prohibits “noises likely to disturb the inhabitants”.  The Township may grant written permits to allow for noises, generally associated with events or amplified noise, “having regard to the frequency… proposed sound… zoning … and the proposed methods of control over the kind and level of noise”.

If more than 300 people will be invited, the Township may require a public hearing prior to granting or refusing a permit.  The Township reserves the right to request notification of neighbours prior to issuing the permit.

Application is on our website and must include the date, time, type and level of noise, number of guests, event, and must be received at least 30 days prior to the planned event.

If a neighbour is disturbed by noise, even if an exception has been granted, neighbours are directed to call the OPP.

How much does it cost to build a house in Mulmur in 2018? (TARIFF OF FEES, DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BY-LAW)

• Municipal approval $125 (double if you start without permission)
• Entrance Permit $100 plus $300 deposit (County or MTO fees may apply on roads under their jurisdiction)
• Zoning Info Report $100 (optional)
• NVCA Permit (contact the NVCA – minimum $250)
• NEC Permit (no charge but studies may be required)
• Water connection fee (Mansfield only)
• Mulmur Development Charge – $9974.30
• County Development Charge - $3313
• School Board Development Charge - $832
• Grading Permit (may be required) – fee $500, deposit $2000
• Dufferin County Building Permit – $0.84 per square foot
• Septic Permit - $390

Development charges are collected under the authority of the Development Charges Act, 1997 and by-law 27-2014.
Development charges are fees collected from developers at the time of a building permit to help pay for the cost of infrastructure (capital costs) required to provide municipal services to new development, such as roads, infrastructure, community centres and fire and police facilities.
If you are demolishing a house and rebuilding it, there is no development charge applicable, provided permits are issued within 2 years. (See fine print in development charge by-law)

Please note that there is a Township Development Charge collected at the time of the Municipal Approval, as well as County and School Board Development Charges collected by the County of Dufferin at the time of Building permit issuance.

Mulmur Township does not issue burn permits, but you are expected to be familiar with and follow the Fire Burning By-law 18-2014.  If a total fire ban is in effect, there is NO outdoor burning.

If you burn in contravention to the by-law or during a burning ban or create a fire requiring fire response services, you may be responsible for the full costs of first responders. Note that a fire response can easily cost over $1000

By-law 19-15 regulates the removal and injury of trees.
The by-law limits clearcutting of areas larger than 0.5ha and provides a process for purposeful proposals to remove trees.

2.1  No person shall injure, destroy or harvest any tree or undertake clearcutting on any parcel of land of an area larger than ½ hectare, prior to receiving approval from the Council.

2.2  Any person wanting to injure, destroy or harvest trees or undertake clearcutting of an area larger than ½ hectare on any parcel, for which an exception is not provided under section 3.0 of this By-law, shall provide to the Municipality a proposal prepared by a certified arborist or forester including the following information:

i) a complete inventory of all of the trees to be removed including the health, species, size and location of each tree, and whether any of the species are rare, threatened or endangered; and,

iii) a justification for the removal of the trees.

Generally, the by-law does not apply to activities as part of an approved site plan, subdivision, aggregate license, normal farm practises (to a maximum of 2ha of minor squaring up), MNR activities, small properties (Less than 2ha), trees within 30m of a dwelling, personal, firewood use and harvesting of marketed tree.

By-law 19-18 regulates coops and the requirements for hen husbandry.

Where lands have a minimum lot area of 0.4 hectares, having a minimum lot frontage of 15m, and are developed with a single detached dwelling, a maximum of 4 hens shall be permitted, subject to the following:

1. The coop and management shall be in accordance with any Backyard Hen By-law, as amended or replaced.
2. No rooster shall be permitted.
3. MDS shall not apply.
4. The coop shall comply with section 3.2 (Accessory Structures), and in addition, shall maintain a minimum setback of 3m to any lot line.
5. The coop and any run (associated outdoor fenced area) shall only be permitted in the rear yard.

The Township’s Exotic Animal By-law 20-18 outlines which animals are allowed to be kept within the Township of Mulmur. There is a list of Prohibited Animals and further all venomous and poisonous animals, arachnids and reptiles as well as any animal (exotic, indigenous, domestic) which may post a threat and/or danger to the public are strictly prohibited as well.   Snakes are not allowed.

How do I know if my neighbour is developing something or running an illegal business? (ZONING BY-LAW/NEC PLAN)

If your neighbour is running a business or using their land in a way that you do not think is a permitted use in accordance with the Zoning By-law, please check the zoning by-law, which is available on our website, or contact the Township to further discuss.  The Township enforces the zoning by-law upon discovery and based on prioritizing the highest threat uses.  If the land is in the Niagara Escarpment, please contact the NEC directly.

Section 3.3 of the Zoning By-law sets out the provisions for second dwellings.

Second dwellings are permitted in the Countryside on 8ha lots. Lots between 2 ha and 8 ha can have a second dwelling with restrictions.  Smaller lots may be permitted basement apartments.

The by-law provides the following for second dwelling that are permitted. Where an additional single dwelling is permitted, such dwelling shall only be permitted where there is a site plan agreement between the owner and Township, and where such agreement includes buffering, servicing, separation distances and access.
Some buildings will be classified as a second dwelling even if that is not the intent at the time of construction:
A guest cabin, second storey loft in any building or structure, or pool house having a floor area greater than 20 m2, or accessory structure other than a garage or workshop, shall be considered an additional single dwelling, regardless of whether bedroom, kitchen facilities or bathrooms have been installed, and regardless of whether it is attached to a non-residential use or within an accessory structure.

Amnesty period for legalizing second dwellings end December 31, 2018.  Get your application in before the end of the year so that the Township staff can work with you towards legalization. Section 1.4 of By-law 28-18 states that:
Any person convicted of a violation of this By-law is liable on first conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000, and on a subsequent conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000, for each day or part thereof upon which the contravention has continued after the day on which the person was first convicted in accordance with The Planning Act.

The Zoning By-law sets out, in section 3.3.7 and 3.3.8 the rules related to temporary and permanent trailer occupancy.
3.3.7 Habitation in Camping Trailers and Recreational Vehicles
Except as may be permitted by this by-law, the use of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, motor home, mobile home, truck camper, camper trailer or similar transportable unit such as a converted school or transit bus, for any residential purpose, whether permanently or on a temporary, intermittent or occasional basis, is prohibited.
3.3.8 Temporary Trailer Habitation during Dwelling Construction
The placement of one motor home, travel trailer or camper for the purpose of providing temporary accommodation for an owner and the immediate family of an owner of a lot upon which a principal dwelling unit is being constructed may be permitted while the dwelling is being constructed, subject to:
i) water and sewage services being provided in accordance with the requirements of the Dufferin County Building Department;
ii) the unit being approved, and suitable for human habitation, and equipped with smoke detector(s);
iii) the unit being removed on or before nine months following the date of issuance of the building permit for the principal dwelling by the Dufferin County Building Department.

No – garages and sheds are accessory to a residential use and are only permitted when there is a house constructed on the parcel. Special exceptions may apply to agricultural sheds.  Section 3.2 of the zoning by-law provides provisions related to accessory structures, such as garages and sheds.
3.2.1.1 Accessory Buildings and Structures on Vacant Lands
Accessory structures shall not be permitted on vacant land, including land used for a forestry or livestock use.  No building or structure of less than 10 sq m in size and no temporary or seasonal buildings and structures that are designed to be dismantled and re-erected, such as fabric or plastic covered, metal or wood framed structures, shall be constructed on a lot unless it is accessory to a legal non-conforming, or to a permitted principal building or structure already in existence on the lot. Such structures shall be subject to the requirements of Section 3.2.

Home industries are generally permitted on larger properties, being greater than 2ha and zoned Countryside area.  Home occupations are generally permitted on any property where there is a dwelling.

Section 5, Definitions defines home industries and home occupations as follows:
HOME INDUSTRY
Any occupation conducted entirely within a building or part of a building accessory to a single detached dwelling house that includes light manufacturing, processing or assembly, small scale warehouse or a workshop. A Home Industry shall permit the storage of a contractor’s vehicles, equipment and materials within a fully enclosed accessory structure.  A Home Industry shall not include a contractor’s yard.

HOME OCCUPATION
An occupation or profession related to the provision of services, carried on primarily by the occupant of a dwelling within his/her dwelling as an accessory use in connection with which there is no display, no stock in trade nor commodity sold upon the premises, which is not produced on the premises.

Severances may be considered on land that is designated Rural in the Official Plan and that is not part of the Agricultural Land Base as mapped by OMAFRA, and may be revised as part of a Municipal Comprehensive Review.

The Township policy will allow consideration of up to three severances from an original 100 acre (40ha) parcel within the Rural designation.

Lot creation is generally not permitted within the NEC nor within the Agricultural designation.  Boundary adjustments may be considered where no new building lot is created.

Pre-consultation with NVCA is required where lands are partially regulated by the conservation authority.  Review of the Official Plans and provincial resources, including natural heritage feature mapping is required.

Pre-consultation with the Township is strongly encouraged, as there are many factors that must be considered before a severance can be supported.  Safe access, environmental protection, separation and impact on agriculture are only a few of the considerations.

A horse is permitted where an agricultural use is permitted in the zoning by-law.  Generally, a horse is permitted in the Countryside (A) zone, on parcels with a minimum of 2ha.

• All livestock facilities (other than a hen coop for a maximum of 4 hens) shall comply with (Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) See the OMAFRA website for more information.
• Nutrient Management Plans / Strategies are required for livestock buildings and manure storage facilities with greater than 5 Nutrient Units.  Contract OMAFRA for complete regulations.

Property Information Report: The Township of Mulmur has developed a Zoning & Property Information Report (PIR), that is available to answer the most common inquiries are answered in a quick, efficient and accurate way.   A PIR is an invaluable resource anyone selling or purchasing a home.   A PIR is generally available within the week.  The ZIR can assist in marketing and providing additional information, including what uses a lot may be used for in accordance with the zoning by-law.  It also provides confirmation of any site-specific permissions granted for a property.

Tax Certificate: 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.

Water Certificate: Water certificates are available to all properties services by the Mansfield Water System.

The Township does accepts credit card, debit credit card, cash, cheque and payments made through online banking.

Your interim tax bill is sent out in January of each year and is always 50% of your taxes from the previous year.  Payments are split into two – one due in February, the other in May.    Your final tax bill is sent out in July and is calculated by taking the tax rate and multiplying it by your assessment.  Your interim amount is then deducted from that.  Those payments are also split into two – one due in August, the other in October.  Penalty is 1.25% and added at the beginning of the month.

If there is any polluting of the environment, such as dumping or contaminating the environment, call Spill Action Center 1 866 MOE TIPS (1 866 663 8477)

The Township does not have a by-law authorizing ATV use of the Township roads, and hence ATVs are not permitted on Township Roads

Call the OPP at 1 888 310 1122 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency) for the following:

• illegal (criminal, dangerous, threatening, safety)
•  highway traffic concerns (racing, stunt driving, speeding, ATV use on Township roads)
• Trail use or misuse concerns related to natural areas or parking associated with parks
  • Bruce Trail Conservatory
  • MNR of MNR parks (Boyne Park, Pine River Fisheries)
  • County of Dufferin for County forests

The Township Office has replacement green bins, recycle bins and kitchen compost bins.  There is no charge for replacing a damaged one.  The Township also sells extra garbage back stickers for those weeks when you have more than 1 clear bag.  Any other questions about garbage, please contact Dufferin County.

The Township of Mulmur is not responsible for damages caused by vandals or from flying snow and ice from the wing of the snow plow.
On occasion due to poor visibility or oncoming traffic the Township plows may hit a Mail Box.  If this occurs and can be verified that the plow did hit the Mail Box, the Township of Mulmur will repair the Damages to the Mail Box / post or replace it with a standard Metal Mail Box. A temporary Mail Box would be installed until such time proper repair could be made.
“The boxholder is responsible for ensuring that snow and garbage, as well as parked vehicles and other obstructions do not block access to the mail box. The contractor is not required to leave the vehicle to deliver to the Rural Mail Box. (Canada Post Rural Mail Delivery Policy)
The boxholder must also ensure that the box and post are in good repair. Your mail box must be cleared of all items regularly to allow easy service by the contractor.”  (Canada Post Rural Mail Delivery Policy)
Location of the Mail Box
“Canada Post identifies the exact location for your Rural Mail Box. The face of the Mail Box should be installed closer to the road than the rounding of the shoulder. The bottom of the box should be 105 cm (42 inches) above the roadway.” (Canada Post Rural Mail Delivery Policy)
Visit www.canadapost.ca for more information.

The Township does not have a Firearms By-law.  If you think your neighbour is hunting out of season, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).  If you believe at anytime that you may be in danger or your neighbour is being careless with his/her firearm, contact the OPP.

The Township does not have a by-law that will force a landowner to crop farmland.  There may be opportunities to have a nearby farmer to work the land.  Talk to your neighbour and see if there may be an opportunity to have a local farmer assist.

The Township offers many services and permits.  Our Schedule of Fees is on our website.  There is a nominal fee for photocopies, but commissioning services are free.

Mulmur has agreement with three area municipalities for the use of the library.  Township of Clearview (3 branches) Township of New Tecumseth (3 branches) and Town of Shelburne (1 branch).  Check out our website for addresses.  Library services are free at each of these libraries. However, if you have a membership at these libraries and are not using the services, please cancel your membership as your taxes are being used to pay for these services.

We are always more than happy to hear from you and try to help you find an answer, even if we don’t have it.   If you don’t have time to call, you can email:  info@mulmur.ca with your question.

Our most popular by-laws can be found on our website at: www.mulmur.ca as well as a whole lot of other information!  We encourage you to browse.

Check out our Discover page on our website or our Community Events calendar.