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Municipality of the District
of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy
11/25/2013, amended to 09/23/2019
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 1
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 2
CONTENTS
PART 1
GENERAL .................................................................................................................... 4
HISTORY ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
MUNICIPAL PROFILE ...................................................................................................................................... 4
AUTHORITY AND SCOPE ................................................................................................................................. 5
INTERPRETATION ........................................................................................................................................... 6
PART 2
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................. 7
MUNICIPAL VISION STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 7
FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................................................... 7
REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND ISSUES ........................................................................................... 7
PART 3
PROVINCIAL STATEMENTS OF INTEREST ............................................................................ 9
PART 4
COASTAL WETLANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...................... 10
COASTAL WETLANDS POLICIES (CW) ................................................................................................................ 12
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP POLICIES (ES) .................................................................................................. 12
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION POLICIES (CC) ................................................................................................. 12
PART 5
RURAL CENTRES ......................................................................................................... 14
RURAL CENTRE - BARRINGTON-BARRINGTON PASSAGE ..................................................................................... 14
RESIDENTIAL GENERAL (RG) ................................................................................................................... 14
COMMERCIAL GENERAL (CG) ................................................................................................................. 15
GROUP COMMERCIAL (GC) .................................................................................................................... 17
BUSINESS PARK (BP)............................................................................................................................. 18
RECREATION (REC) .............................................................................................................................. 19
RURAL CENTRE- WOODS HARBOUR ............................................................................................................... 21
MIXED USE (MU) ................................................................................................................................ 21
RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTED (RR) ................................................................................................................ 22
PART 6
RURAL DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................. 23
RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RD) ................................................................................................................... 23
RESIDENTIAL ISLAND (RI) ....................................................................................................................... 24
PART 7 HOME OCCUPATIONS .................................................................................................... 25
PART 8
INDUSTRIAL................................................................................................................ 26
INDUSTRIAL MARINE (IM) ...................................................................................................................... 28
PART 9
SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND LOT ACCESS.......................................................................... 30
PART 10
GOVERNMENT SERVICES ............................................................................................... 33
WASTEWATER, WATER RESOURCES, SOLID WASTE .............................................................................................. 33
ROADS ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
PART 11
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................. 35
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 3
AGRICULTURE ............................................................................................................................................. 35
PART 12
RENEWABLE ENERGY .................................................................................................... 36
WIND TURBINE GENERATORS ........................................................................................................................ 36
PART 13
IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................................ 40
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE .................................................................................................................. 40
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS ............................................................................................................................... 40
VARIANCES ................................................................................................................................................ 41
PUBLIC HEARING ......................................................................................................................................... 41
MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY AMENDMENTS .............................................................................................. 41
LAND USE BY-LAW AMENDMENTS.................................................................................................................. 41
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 42
CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND LAND USE BY-LAW AMENDMENTS ................................................ 42
SITE-PLAN APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... 43
COST OF ADVERTISING ................................................................................................................................. 44
CAPITAL PROGRAM...................................................................................................................................... 44
ACRONYMS
DOCUMENTS
ICSP - Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
LUB - Land Use Bylaw
MCCAP - Municipal Climate Change Adaptation Plan
MPS - Municipal Planning Strategy
MGA - Municipal Government Act
POLICIES
BP - Business Park
CC - Climate Change
CG - Commercial General
CW - Coastal Wetland
ECON - Economic
ES - Environmental Stewardship
GC - Group Commercial
GS - Government Services
HO - Home Occupation
I - Industrial
IM - Industrial Marine
IMP - Implementation
MU - Mixed Use
RD - Rural Development
REC - Recreation
RG - Residential General
RI - Residential Island
RR - Residential Restricted
SUB - Subdivision
WTG - Wind Turbine Generator
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 4
PART 1
GENERAL
HISTORY
The area now comprising the Municipality of the District of Barrington has had a long
and varied history. Aboriginal presence in south western Nova Scotia dates back more
than seven thousand years. The earliest known European colonists were the French
who arrived in sailing ships shortly after 1604. They established a settlement and fort
in 1627 near present day Port La Tour. Charles de La Tour, a prominent figure in the
early days of European settlement married a Mi'kmaq woman, and their Métis
descendants inherited interests in the Cape Sable area. For 150 years these French
adventurers carried on trade with the native Mi'kmaq and engaged in fishing. The
expulsion of the Acadians that began in 1755 occurred somewhat later in south
western Nova Scotia and took place during the years 1756-1758. Shortly thereafter, in
1761, the first English speaking settlers came to the area from Cape Cod and
Nantucket in response to Governor Lawrence's proclamation that was issued twice in
the New England states enticing English speaking settlers to take up vacated Acadian
lands. Over time a number of coastal communities were established where the land
favoured development and afforded protection from the elements of a marine climate.
In these formative years, fishing, lumbering and subsistence agriculture was the
mainstay of the area.
During most of the nineteenth century both Barrington Municipality and south western
Nova Scotia prospered from the shipbuilding industry and the export trade. Major
shipyards were located in Barrington and Clyde River. The advent of steam and a
changing investment climate brought an end to the age of sail. Regular rail service
linking the municipality with Yarmouth and Halifax commenced in 1907. Once again
changing times and the arrival of the automobile witnessed the gradual decline of rail
service as the public road network was gradually improved. The construction of a
causeway linking Cape Sable Island with the mainland was completed in 1949.
Unfortunately in 1982 Canadian National terminated rail service on its south shore line
between Yarmouth and Liverpool.
Today there are many reminders of the past that have helped shape the present day
municipality. The Old Meeting House and the Barrington Woolen Mill are two well-
known historical buildings that survive today and remind us of Barrington's long
history. An impressive stock of intact heritage homes still exist in Barrington
Municipality and many of these homes are recognized as registered heritage
properties.
MUNICIPAL PROFILE
The Municipality of the District of Barrington is located in Shelburne County and
bounded on the west by the rural municipality of the District of Argyle and on the east
by the Clyde River which also serves as the municipal boundary with the rural
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 5
Municipality of the District of Shelburne. Municipal district boundaries also surround
the Town of Clark's Harbour on Cape Sable Island. The largest portion of Barrington's
population, of approximately seven thousand people, is located in a variety of coastal
communities stretching along the southwest coast of Shelburne County from
Thomasville to Charlesville. The focus of economic activity has always been the fishery
as well as commercial and industrial enterprises associated with fishing. Barrington,
Barrington Passage and Woods Harbour are the largest communities located within
the municipality.
Cape Sable Island is a large island of approximately 3824 hectares and contains a
substantial portion of residential development within the Municipality of Barrington.
Cape Sable located at the southern tip of Cape Sable Island is the most southerly
point of land in Nova Scotia. Cape Sable Island contains extensive coastal wetlands,
inland swamps and bogs. The Island is known internationally to bird watchers.
A large portion of the interior of the municipality is crown land owned by the Province
of Nova Scotia and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Barrington Municipality is also located within the UNESCO designated Southwest Nova
Biosphere Reserve. This unique designation encompasses five counties representing a
major portion of south western Nova Scotia. The UNESCO designation recognizes the
unique and pristine natural ecosystems located in this region.
AUTHORITY AND SCOPE
This Municipal Planning Strategy supersedes the Municipal Planning Strategy approved
by the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations on December 11, 1996.
It is the product of a review process begun in 2009 under the Municipal Government
Act and incorporates the principles and policies of the Integrated Community
Sustainability Plan approved by Council on February 22, 2010.
The Municipal Planning Strategy provides the policy framework for land use and
development control as well as a long range vision for the future to encourage that
the communities within Barrington Municipality will prosper and thrive for generations
to come. This planning document recognizes the integrated and interdependent
relationship between the economy, the environment and the social and cultural
dimensions of our communities.
The Municipal Government Act provides Council with the power to make statements of
policy with respect to a broad range of activities including future development, land
use,
municipal
services,
transportation,
recreation,
municipal
development,
coordination of public programmes and any other matter related to the physical, social
or economic development of the municipality.
This Municipal Planning Strategy for the Municipality of Barrington is the policy
framework by which Barrington Municipal Council will guide and control development,
land use and other matters of interest to Council within the terms of the Municipal
Government Act.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 6
The Land Use By-law and the Subdivision By-law are companion documents to this
Municipal Planning Strategy and are the means by which Council will carry out the
intent of the Municipal Planning Strategy as set out in the Municipal Government Act
for land use and development purposes.
INTERPRETATION
For the purposes of this Municipal Planning Strategy, the planning area of the
Municipality of Barrington is defined as the entire Municipality of Barrington as
incorporated in 1879.
This Municipal Planning Strategy is a policy statement of Council and Council shall
uphold the policies contained within the Municipal Planning Strategy. No new
development can be permitted which is contrary to the policies of the Municipal
Planning Strategy.
The Generalized Future Land Use Maps and Existing Land Use Maps appended to this
Municipal Planning Strategy form part of the Municipal Planning Strategy.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 7
PART 2
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
MUNICIPAL VISION STATEMENT
To sustain viable and vibrant communities supported by a strong local economy, a
versatile cultural and heritage scene, strong social networks and a healthy natural
environment. Clean air, pure water and uncontaminated soil are crucial to the well-
being of our economy and the health and quality of life of our citizens.
FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES
The goals, objectives and policies in this Municipal Planning Strategy are influenced
and guided by the four foundation (sustainability) principles endorsed by PAC and
Council in October 2009. The following foundation principles have been adopted by
Council as the building blocks on which the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) is
based:
Economy: We will take action to enhance and support our local and regional
economy and intend that future economic development is balanced with social,
environmental and cultural concerns.
Natural Environment: We will strive to protect ecological diversity and prevent
damage to our natural assets including our coastal areas, beaches, rivers, lakes,
forests, streams and wetlands.
Resources: We will reduce pollution and waste and minimize our consumption of
non-renewable resources.
People & Communities: We will work together to maintain and improve the quality
of life for all our residents.
REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND ISSUES
Many issues and challenges concerning the long term viability and vitality of our
communities are not restrained by municipal boundaries. In order for communities to
become more sustainable, municipalities must work collaboratively with one another
to address regional issues. As part of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
(ICSP) the following issues were identified as being common to all municipalities
throughout south western Nova Scotia and best addressed from a regional
perspective:
R1 - Water Quality Protection
R2 - Transportation
R3 - Climate Change Adaptation
R4 - Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 8
R5 - Solid Waste Management
R6 - Renewable Energy Development
R7 - Education for Sustainability
R8 - Regional Health Care Services
R9 - Regional Economic Development
The ISCP outlines the Municipality's strategic direction and goals with respect to the
above Regional Objectives.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 9
PART 3
PROVINCIAL STATEMENTS OF INTEREST
As per MGA section 198, Barrington's Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) must be
reasonably consistent with the following Statements of Provincial Interest:
1. To Protect the Quality of water within municipal water supply
watersheds.
Barrington does not have a municipal water supply watershed.
2. To protect public safety and property and to reduce the requirement for
flood control works and flood damage restoration in floodplains.
Barrington does not contain any Flood Risk Areas that are designated under the
Canada-Nova Scotia Flood Damage Reduction Program. However, the Municipality's
Municipal Climate Change Adaptation Plan (MCCAP) has identified flood risk and sea
level rise impact areas susceptible to water damage, erosion and loss of land. The
MCCAP prioritizes possible adaptation actions designed to protect the Municipality and
its residents from environmental hazards and an uncertain climactic future.
3. To protect agricultural land and to maintain viable and sustainable food
resource base.
The Municipality of Barrington has limited agricultural lands. Fisheries-based industries
provide much of the Municipality's economic and food resource base.
4. To make efficient use of community infrastructure, particularly municipal
water and waste water facilities.
The central sewer systems situated in the communities of Barrington-Barrington
Passage and Woods Harbour enable development in these areas where limitations of
lot size availability and on-site sewage constraints would otherwise severely limit
development. Development, and higher density development is encouraged in the
sewer serviced areas. Strategy policies include designation of the areas where central
sewer services are located as Rural Centres, and designating zones in these areas
where multi-unit residential and commercial uses are permitted. Policy to undertake
environmental studies to determine the need for expansion of existing sewers, or the
development of new sewer system infrastructure is also included in this Strategy.
5. To provide a range of housing opportunities that meets the needs of all
Nova Scotians.
All forms of residential housing, including multi-unit dwellings and manufactured
housing, are considered in this Strategy and listed in the Land Use Bylaw.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 10
PART 4
COASTAL WETLANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Previous planning documents and studies have recognized that certain landscape
features pose specific constraints for development. Coastal salt marshes and beaches
were clearly identified as not being suited for development purposes. Salt marshes are
susceptible to flooding and are an extremely productive ecosystem as they support
rich and diverse forms of life and act as the nursery for various fish species important
to fish stocks and the fishing industry. Beaches and coastal wetlands exhibit unstable
slopes and soil conditions created by wind and wave erosion and tidal flooding.
Development on floodplains and wetlands can destroy important natural habitat and
dramatically effect natural cycles and processes. Site specific constraints to
development should be recognized and respected on flood plains and wetlands.
Development should be restricted in these environmentally sensitive areas in order to
protect the environmental fabric of the landscape and reduce the risk to human
settlement from extreme weather, coastal erosion, flooding and storm surge.
A strong stewardship program is essential for the conservation of wetlands,
watercourses and sensitive natural environments. Stewardship can be viewed as the
wise and ethical management of natural resources by the stakeholders who share a
common interest in the sustainable management of the natural resources that occur in
the environment.
Barrington Municipality is one of sixteen municipalities contained within the five
counties (Annapolis, Digby, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth) that comprise the
UNESCO designated South West Nova Biosphere Reserve. This designation recognizes
the unique natural resources and assets located within the biosphere reserve area and
supports the concept of conserving and protecting biodiversity while working towards
the sustainable management of natural resources and long term sustainable
development. The Southwest Nova Biosphere reserve is one of fifteen biosphere
reserves in Canada. Its core protected areas are Kejmkujik National Park & National
Historic Site as well as The Tobeatic Wilderness Area.
Wetlands, watercourses and undisturbed natural areas are ecologically, economically
and socially important. They provide wildlife habitat and in turn play a vital role in the
ecological and biological processes that are essential to life itself. Exposure to nature
and wildlife enhances our lives and is important in developing an understanding of our
role in the web of life and our place in nature. Natural watercourses such as lakes,
rivers, streams and wetlands are important to biodiversity and the health of natural
communities, both plant and animal.
Barrington Municipality is home to several types of Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora that are
regarded as species at risk because they are either threatened or endangered. The
thread-leaved sundew is a carnivorous plant found only in five bogs at the southwest
tip of Nova Scotia and nowhere else in Canada. The tubercled spike-rush occurs on
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 11
the shoreline of five lakes in southwest Nova Scotia and is a threatened plant species
typically found on lakeshores and peat rich areas that receive full sunlight.
The piping plover, the red knot and the roseate tern are all migratory birds that are
found in coastal areas and are recognized both provincially and nationally as
endangered bird species. Land based activities can threaten the survival of these plant
and bird species. Cottage development and its associated activities, including
shoreline alteration (dock building, mowing, raking, infilling, off highway vehicle use)
land clearing and road building can pose a threat to the survival of these species as
can nutrient, sediment and pesticide runoff from cottages, forestry activities and
agricultural operations.
Watercourse buffers help protect watercourses from adjacent development. Retaining
watercourse buffers is important to water quality, plant and animal communities and
the protection of property from the natural hazards of flooding. In addition to
mitigating flood hazard, riparian buffers also reduce the impacts of sedimentation,
erosion and nutrient loading on watercourses. They help to regulate the temperature
of adjacent watercourses, provide important plant and animal habitat and add
aesthetic value to the municipality. Both surface and ground water supplies are
important natural resources that require protection in the long term as well as
environmentally responsible management by those who benefit from the resource.
Although Barrington Municipality doesn't currently provide a central water supply
system to residents, problems both with water quality and quantity have been
identified in the past. The Barrington Lake watershed, located north of the community
of Barrington, was identified in a 2005 CBCL Ltd. report, as a potential surface water
supply source for central water distribution. Two potential groundwater supply sources
were also identified and it was the reports recommendation that land use activities be
restricted in proximity to these future, potential water supply sources.
The foundation principles recently adopted by Council as part of the Integrated
Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) identify the need to reduce our encroachment
upon nature. This requires the protection of ecological diversity and respect for
natural landscape features as well as protection of environmentally sensitive areas,
such as coastal and inland wetlands, beaches, lakes and watercourses.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 12
COASTAL WETLANDS POLICIES (CW)
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
CW-1
To identify and designate on the Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 of
the Municipal Planning Strategy coastal salt marshes and beaches as
Coastal Wetlands (CW) where development shall be limited to passive
and active recreational uses.
CW-2
To establish a Coastal Wetlands (CW) zone in the Land Use By-law for all
lands within the Coastal Wetlands designation.
CW-3
To permit in the areas zoned Coastal wetlands (CW) a variety of passive
and active recreational activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP POLICIES (ES)
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
ES-1
To manage municipally owned land in an ecologically sustainable
manner.
ES-2
To work with other agencies, institutions, organizations and levels of
government to encourage the protection of environmentally sensitive and
ecologically significant areas.
ES-3
To establish a watercourse, wetland and oceanfront buffer, where the
erection of structures, removal of vegetation and the altering of land
levels will be controlled.
ES-4
To consider establishing an Environmentally Sensitive (ES) Zone around
Barrington Lake to restrict land use activities that could threaten water
quality should the Municipality develop a public drinking water supply
project.
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION POLICIES (CC)
Climate change adaptation is also of key concern to the Municipality. The majority of
the world's scientists agree that the consumption and burning of fossil fuels has
contributed to greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and resulted in increased
temperatures on both land and water throughout the globe. As coastal communities
long dependent on natural resources we must prepare ourselves for the changes that
extreme weather events such as hurricanes, storm surges and floods can present for
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 13
our communities. Emergency measures plans are developed by municipalities as a
way of encouraging a timely, co-ordinated and efficient response to emergency
situations is facilitated by various organizations and agencies.
Extreme weather can offer a variety of challenges and understanding the implications
of sea-level rise, flooding and storm frequency should assist human populations with
long term land use planning decisions. Information provided by conducting a
vulnerability assessment of existing infrastructure would help to provide a baseline
inventory and critical information about the potential problems and risks for our
communities from extreme weather events.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
CC-1
To work co-operatively with EMO organizations and various levels of
government to broaden public understanding about climate change
issues.
CC-2
To undertake a vulnerability assessment of existing municipal
infrastructure in relation to sea level rise, storm surge and flood risk.
CC-3
To consider climate change impacts in relation to water resources on a
watershed by watershed basis.
CC-4
To provide leadership and advocacy for the stewardship role of Municipal
government in relation to the protection of environmental resources.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 14
PART 5
RURAL CENTRES
Much of the land development activity in Barrington Municipality is concentrated in
two rural centres: the Barrington-Barrington Passage area and the Lower and Central
Woods Harbour area. These communities have the greatest concentration of
residential, commercial and industrial development contained within a relatively
confined geographic area. These two rural centres exhibit a more compact and small
town/village development pattern with a mixture of land uses located along both sides
of the public highway in well-established communities with a long and varied history.
These communities will continue to be the focus of social and economic activity and
are at present the only two areas of the municipality served by a municipal central
waste water (sewer) system. Encouraging mixed use developments, containing
residential and commercial components within these rural centres could benefit the
municipality's aging population and make efficient use of land capable of connecting
to a central sewer system. Council will encourage the development of these rural
centres in a manner that is compatible with the existing character of the community
and responsive to the needs of its residents.
RURAL CENTRE - BARRINGTON-BARRINGTON PASSAGE
The Barrington-Barrington Passage corridor is located along the shores of Barrington
Bay. The larger communities of Barrington and Barrington Passage anchor the north
and south ends of the corridor while encompassing a variety of smaller and distinct
communities such as Sherose Island and Brass Hill. It is generally an area running
parallel with Highway 3 from the shoreline approximately .5 km deep extending from
Fresh Brook in the south to just east of the Old Post Road on the north, encompassing
an area of approximately eight square kilometres.
RESIDENTIAL GENERAL (RG)
Most of the residential development in the Barrington-Barrington Passage rural centre
is distributed along the Highway #3 corridor east of the abandoned Canadian National
Railway right-of-way. Although the predominant land use is residential in nature, a
mixture of land uses ranging from recreational and institutional to commercial and
industrial also exist in close proximity to many residential uses. Sherose Island with
the exception of municipal recreation property and a marine industrial use is primarily
developed with residential uses.
Past planning documents have recognized this predominantly residential area of the
Barrington rural centre and designated this area as Residential General (RG) on Map 1
Generalized Future Land Use of the Municipal Planning Strategy. Within this
designation, two zone categories will be established. The bulk of the area will be
zoned as Residential General (RG) on the Zoning Map (Schedule A) of the Land Use
By-law to permit a wide range of residential, recreational and institutional uses as well
as listing in Schedule 'J' of the By-law existing industrial uses and to consider, by way
of development agreement, expansions to and changes in use of these industrial uses.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 15
It is the intent of Council to permit, by agreement, Commercial uses in the RG zone,
so long as the predominate residential aesthetic of the surrounding area is
maintained.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
RG-1
To designate as Residential General (RG) the built up residential sector
and reserve vacant land in the Barrington-Barrington Passage Corridor as
shown on Generalized Future Land Use Map.
RG-2
To establish a Residential General (RG) Zone in the Land Use By-law, as
shown on Schedule A of the Land Use By-law for lands located within the
Residential General designation.
RG-3
To regulate RG uses in the LUB.
RG-4
To permit the operation of existing commercial uses in the RG zone and
to permit new commercial uses in an existing building.
RG-5
To consider expansions, lot consolidations and the construction of new
commercial buildings by development agreement subject to the following
criteria:
a) That adequate screening is provided to screen storage and work
yards so as not to be visible from abutting uses;
b) That the architectural form of the building is in general compliance
with the residential surroundings;
c) That the use generally conforms to all relevant criteria of Policy IMP-
17 inclusive.
COMMERCIAL GENERAL (CG)
The Barrington-Barrington Passage Corridor is the focal point of commercial and
business activity in the municipality. This activity is most highly concentrated in the
Barrington Passage area. Over the last ten years (2000-2010) this commercial area
has experienced considerable growth and change. Barrington Passage now serves as
a regional trade and commerce centre for Shelburne County and communities in
nearby Yarmouth County located in proximity to Barrington Passage. Within this
commercial district two distinct commercial areas have evolved, these areas of
commercial activity are separated by a mixed use area where long standing residential
uses are interspersed with commercial and institutional uses.
A long established mixed use, compact and commercial core has developed in the
vicinity of Snow's Road and Station Road. Sidewalks in this core area offer an
alternative to car travel and provide residents with a wide range of goods and services
that are accessible by foot. Due to the fact that this area contains a mixture of land
uses many of which are residential in nature new lounges, taverns and cabarets
seeking to locate in the commercial general zone are not permitted as-of-right but
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 16
may be considered by development agreement subject to specific criteria designed to
protect existing residential and institutional uses and provide separation from adjacent
residential or institutional uses.
The intensive development of a highway commercial area in the vicinity of the
intersection of the Cape Sable Island causeway with Highway #3 on the mainland has
resulted in traffic congestion that necessitated the installation of new entrance and
exit lanes and a set of traffic lights. This highway commercial area contains a mixture
of both old and new commercial developments. Council recognizes the need for
special requirements related to accessing a commercial development and will include
policy in the Municipal Planning Strategy and requirements in the Land Use By-law for
greater control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in relation to commercial
development.
In order to foster and accommodate commercial development in Barrington Passage
Council will designate as Commercial General the lands located between Fresh Brook
and the northern property line of the Community Health Centre located at 3322
Highway 3 Barrington Passage. Within this designation Council will zone most of the
land, except for those properties located within the Group Commercial (GC) zone and
the Business Park (BP) Zone as Commercial General (CG) and will establish the
Commercial General (CG) zone in the Land Use By-law to primarily accommodate a
wide range of commercial uses as well as a mixture of residential, institutional,
recreational, utility and existing industrial uses listed in Schedule J.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
CG-1
Except for the areas designated Coastal Wetlands and Business Park to
designate as Commercial General the area between Fresh Brook and the
eastern property line of the Barrington Passage Fire Department as
shown on Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 to primarily accommodate
commercial uses and developments and secondarily to accommodate
residential, institutional, and utility uses along with existing industrial
uses listed in Schedule J.
CG-2
To establish a Commercial General (CG) zone in the Land Use By-law, as
shown on Schedule A of the Land Use By-law to correspond to the areas
designated Commercial General, excluding the area zoned Group
Commercial (GC).
CG-3
To regulate CG uses in the LUB.
CG-4
To consider only by development agreement in areas zoned Commercial
General (CG) proposals for:
➢ New lounges, taverns and cabarets in accordance with Policy IMP-
17.
CG-5
To permit the expansion of existing commercial uses and the
establishment of new commercial uses in areas immediately adjacent to
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 17
the Commercial General (CG) designation only by amendment to the
Land Use by-law in accordance with Policy IMP-9.
CG-6
To establish special access provisions in the Land Use By-law for
commercial developments in the Commercial General (CG) zone.
GROUP COMMERCIAL (GC)
Close to the causeway in Barrington Passage a number of small, contiguous lots have
been developed commercially with buildings that share common walls. Most of these
lots have limited access and parking. The lots are almost entirely covered with existing
buildings and many of the lots do not have frontage on a public road. This commercial
area was developed many years ago before many of the land use controls that
maintain minimum lot standards such as lot area, lot frontage and building setbacks
were a requirement. Development potential for this commercial district, with the
present lot configuration is quite limited in terms of change and expansion to the
structures that house these existing businesses. In recognition of this situation Council
wishes to create a new Group Commercial (GC) zone within the Commercial General
designation to encourage the orderly development of this area and to address issues
of parking and loading and safe access to the development from the existing entrance
to the busy causeway. New access points for undeveloped lots will be restricted and
this new zone will also address issues of shared loading and parking areas from a
group commercial perspective. The uses permitted in this commercial zone will be
similar to the uses permitted in the General Commercial zone excluding industrial
uses. Any re-development of these properties in terms of lot consolidations and the
construction of new buildings will be controlled through the development agreement
process.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
GC-1
To designate as Group Commercial (GC) the areas shown on Generalized
Future Land Use Map 1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy.
GC-2
To establish a Group Commercial (GC) zone in the Land Use By-law for
the area shown on Schedule A. This zone is established to recognize the
unique circumstances of this commercial area that contains numerous
small lots with limited access and amenity space.
GC-3
To permit a broad range of commercial and residential uses (similar to
the commercial uses permitted in the Commercial General zone) in
existing or new buildings, with the exception of industrial uses.
GC-4
To permit commercial and residential uses in existing structures but to
limit the ability to replace or enlarge structures or develop new structures
on lots within this zone except by development agreement in accordance
with Policy IMP-13 thru IMP-17 inclusive.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 18
BUSINESS PARK (BP)
Council has long recognized the potential for business opportunities which could be
realized by the development of a Business Park in the Municipality. Council has
researched this issue and commissioned consultants to investigate the suitability of
sites for business/industrial park sites within the municipality. The conclusions of the
studies were recommendations for short term development of a business park site in
the Barrington Passage area and a long term development of an industrial park site in
the Ridge Road area off Highway 103.
Council decided to proceed in the short term with the development of a Business Park
on Municipal owned property in the area of Sterling Road in Barrington Passage. The
site met the criteria recommended in the consultant study and can be serviced by an
extension of the central sewer system in Barrington. Council intends to proceed in the
long term with development of an industrial park site in the Ridge Road area off
Highway 103 when conditions warrant.
During the 2010 construction season a new municipal public road was constructed off
of Sterling Road to provide access to Barrington's new business park. A variety of
Business Park uses shall be permitted as-of-right in the Business Park Zone while
other uses will only be permitted by development agreement.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
BP-1
To designate municipal lands in the vicinity of Sterling Road in Barrington
Passage as Business Park as shown on Generalized Future Land Use Map
1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy to accommodate a range of
commercial and light industrial uses.
BP-2
To establish a Business Park (BP) Zone in the Land Use By-Law to
correspond with the area designated Business Park (BP) in the Municipal
Planning Strategy.
BP-3
To regulate BP uses in the LUB.
BP-4
To consider only by development agreement in areas zoned Business
Park (BP) potentially obnoxious uses including certain light industrial
uses, food processing operations including cannabis production and
processing, laboratories, heavy equipment repair operations, recycling
depots and service industries subject to the following criteria:
a)
That the use will not, by way of emissions of odour, dust, smoke,
noise or vibration, or by excessive traffic generation; disrupt or
detrimentally affect abutting or nearby land uses nor be a use
characterized by producing wastes that can contaminate soils or
watercourses;
b)
That
the
use
excluding
storage
facilities
and
wholesale
warehousing and distribution facilities is contained and conducted
within a wholly enclosed building;
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 19
c)
That adequate screening is provided to screen storage and work
yards so as not to be visible from abutting uses;
d)
That all provisions of the By-Law respecting minimum yards,
parking, loading and unloading requirements are satisfied;
e)
That the use generally conforms with all relevant criteria of Policy
IMP-17 inclusive.
BP-5
That any development agreement entered into shall contain such terms
and conditions to intend compliance with the policies of this strategy and
the agreement shall also include some or all of the following where
applicable:
a)
A site plan based on a survey indicating the specific use and size of
all the buildings and structures
b)
Indication of type and method required for adequate buffering
from adjacent properties.
c)
The location, size and number of parking and loading spaces,
access points, and driveways
d)
All other matters enabled under the Municipal Government Act.
BP-6
To require a site plan showing the location, dimensions and height of
buildings or structures on the lot, watercourses, parking and loading
areas, access, the location and type of screening which shall form part of
the development agreement.
RECREATION (REC)
Culture and recreation are important to the social fabric of the community. In today's
economy cultural and recreational activities generate economic value. Benefits include
physical and social wellbeing, cognitive, developmental and behaviour benefits,
environmental benefits, job creation, and youth retention. Council recognizes the
strong interaction between the culture of a community and its economic life. Through
its cultural policies, Council is attempting to strengthen Barrington's cultural
foundation for the benefit of the whole municipality both now and in the future.
Council has long supported programs that provide financial assistance to local groups
and organizations in promoting recreation and culture. The municipality's recreation
complex on Sherose Island is a significant public asset and is strongly supported by
public funds and community participation. In recognition of the importance of this
facility and other municipally owned park and recreation facilities to Barrington
Municipality, Council will designate these municipally owned properties as Recreation
(REC) on the Generalized Future Land Use Map of the Municipal Planning Strategy. A
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 20
new zone in the Land Use By-law will be created to correspond to the area designated
Recreation and this new zone will be reflected on the Zoning Map of the Land Use By-
law. This designation and zone are created to recognize the current use of these
properties for recreational purposes and to protect the public nature of these existing
facilities for recreational use in the future.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
REC-1
To designate as Recreation those lands owned by the Municipality of
Barrington and used for park or recreational purposes as shown on
Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy.
REC-2
To establish a Recreation zone in the Land Use By-law, as shown on the
Schedule A of the Land Use By-law to correspond to the area designated
Recreation.
REC-3
To regulate REC uses in the LUB.
REC-4
To permit the development and use of land in all zones for park,
recreation and open space uses.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 21
RURAL CENTRE- WOODS HARBOUR
The five square kilometre area that encompasses the Woods Harbour Rural Centre lies
approximately fourteen kilometres northwest of Barrington Passage along Highway 3.
The distinct communities of Lower and Central Woods Harbour are located within this
rural centre.
Historically this area has developed with a mixture of land uses in a predominantly,
linear fashion along both sides of Highway #3 with a focus along the waterfront. Land
uses located along the waterfront, harbour area on the west side of Highway 3 have
been associated with the fishery or associated marine resource industries. This area
still supports viable fish plants, lobster pounds, boat shops and marine related
industrial and commercial activity. Over time the scale and nature of some of these
marine related activities has changed but they are still the dominate land use in this
industrial marine waterfront area. The east side of Highway #3 and the areas above
and below the marine industrial waterfront area have been developed with a mixture
of uses interspersed amongst the predominantly residential character of the
community.
This rural centre is fairly self-sufficient in nature since most basic services and
amenities can be found throughout the community. A post office, fire hall and several
churches make up the main institutional land uses in the area. Most commercial
activity, outside the marine industrial areas is small scale and local in nature and often
conducted as a home occupation. This mixture of commercial land use provides the
basic amenities such as retail outlets, eating establishments and business services for
this rural centre. A substantial portion of this area is serviced with central sewer and a
wastewater treatment plant located at the southern end of the community adjacent to
the Shag Harbour community boundary.
MIXED USE (MU)
In keeping with the historical development of this rural centre Council recognizes that
there is still a desire within the community to accommodate a broad range of land
uses in the built up area west of the abandoned Canadian National Railway right-of-
way and the shoreline of Woods Harbour. Some land uses with the potential to create
adverse conditions that are not compatible with the residential fabric of the
community will be prohibited or restricted. This area will be designated as Mixed Use
on the Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy and
zoned as Mixed Use on Schedule A of the Land Use By-law.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
MU-1
To designate as Mixed Use (MU) the built-up mixed development area
between the abandoned Canadian National Railway right-of-way and the
shoreline of Woods Harbour (except those lands designated as Industrial
Marine (IM) and Coastal Wetlands (CW) as shown on the Generalized
Future Land Use Map 1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy to
accommodate a mixture of land uses.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 22
MU-2
To establish a Mixed Use (MU) zone in the Land Use By-law, as shown on
Schedule A of the Land Use By-law, to include all lands within the Mixed
Use designation.
MU-3 To regulate MU uses in the LUB.
MU-4
To consider only by development agreement, in areas zoned Mixed Use
(MU) proposals for: new heavy industrial uses, except fish reduction
plants and fish composting operations, in accordance with Policy I-5.
RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTED (RR)
With the built up area west of the abandoned rail line to the shoreline of Woods
Harbour there is a need to set aside lands for residential purposes including some
institutional and recreation uses. Lands east of the abandoned rail line are ideal for
these purposes. Therefore Council will designate as Residential Restricted all lands in
the Woods Harbour Rural Centre east of the abandoned rail line to accommodate any
residential, institutional or recreational use. Council will zone these lands as
Residential Restricted (RR) on Schedule A of the By-law and establish the residential
Restricted (RR) Zone in the By-law to permit any residential, institutional or
recreational uses.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
RR-1
To designate as Residential Restricted on Generalized Future Land Use
Map 1 all lands east of the abandoned rail line in the Woods Harbour
Rural Centre to permit any residential, institutional or recreational use.
RR-2
To zone as Residential Restricted (RR) on Schedule A all lands within the
Residential Restricted designation.
RR-3
To establish the Residential Restricted (RR) Zone to permit residential,
institutional or recreational use.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 23
PART 6
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The majority of land in the Municipality of the District of Barrington is located outside
of the rural centres of Woods Harbour and Barrington, Barrington Passage. Here
development is scattered in predominantly rural coastal communities on both the
mainland and Cape Sable Island. This development pattern on the mainland creates a
coastal corridor predominantly along the established public highway system that
follows the coastline. Within this area the prevailing land use character is low density
residential and mixed use in nature. A variety of land uses including residential,
institutional, recreational, commercial, industrial, forestry, agriculture and utility uses
can be found throughout the Rural Development designation. This designation is
designed to accommodate a wide variety of land uses that are common in rural
coastal communities in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Past planning documents placed very few restrictions on the types of land uses
permitted within this designation and only established special setback requirements
and development standards for shopping centres, drinking establishments, industrial
uses, fish reduction plants, scrap yards and salvage yards, fox, mink and piggery
operations. This MPS will restrict certain land uses and no longer permit some types of
land uses except by development agreement. This process requires a public review
before approval can be granted. Land uses with the greatest potential for creating
conflict with existing less intensive uses will be controlled in this manner.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RD)
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
RD-1
To designate as Rural Development the rural areas of the Municipality
located outside the Rural Centres as shown on the Generalized Future
land Use Map 1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy. This designation does
not include areas designated Coastal Wetlands, Business Park, Industrial
Marine or Residential Island.
RD-2
To establish a Rural Development (RD) zone in the Land Use By-law, as
shown on Schedule A of the Land Use By-law to correspond to the area
designated Rural Development.
RD-3
To permit in the Rural Development (RD) Zone a wide range of land uses
including residential, institutional, recreational, commercial (Lounges,
taverns and cabarets subject to Development Agreement), industrial,
agricultural, forestry and utility uses.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 24
RD-4
To consider only by development agreement, in areas zoned Rural
Development (RD) proposals for fish reduction and fish composting
operations, intensive livestock operations, motor vehicle race tracks, wind
farms, cannabis production and processing facilities, expansion of
existing fur farms and new fur farms in accordance with Policies ECON-1
and ECON-2.
RESIDENTIAL ISLAND (RI)
Like much of Shelburne County Cape Sable Island is characterized by areas of swamps
and coastal wetlands. It was only in 1949 that the existing causeway was built
creating a land connection from the community of Barrington Passage to the various
communities located on Cape Sable Island. Cape Sable Island is located between
Barrington Bay and Barrington Passage and Cape Sable is the southernmost point of
land in Nova Scotia that stretches into the Atlantic ocean. The communities of North
East Point, Clam Point, Stoney Island, South Side and The Hawk are located on the
Barrington Bay side of the island while the communities of West Head, Newellton and
Centreville are found on the eastern side of Barrington Passage and the western side
of Cape Sable Island. All of these communities have developed historically in relation
to the fishery and a variety of land use activity ranging from marine related industrial
uses such as fish plants and lobster pounds to institutional uses such as fire halls and
churches exist on the island often in proximity to residential uses that now constitute
approximately 1000 households. A number of residential, suburban type subdivisions
have been developed in the last twenty years. These areas do not contain a mixture
of other land uses often evident in older residentially developed areas. These
suburban type residential areas where single unit dwellings constitute the
predominant land use will be designated and zoned as Residential Island (RI) in
recognition of the existing residential nature of the area. This designation and zone
prohibits and restricts many of the land uses permitted in the adjacent Rural
Development designation and zone.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
RI-1
To designate as Residential Island (RI) several subdivisions on Cape
Sable Island as shown on Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 of the
Municipal Planning Strategy.
RI-2
To establish a Residential Island (RI) zone in the Land Use By-law, as
shown on Schedule A to correspond to the areas designated Residential
Island on the Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 of the Municipal
Planning Strategy.
RI-3
To regulate RI uses in the LUB.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 25
PART 7
HOME OCCUPATIONS
In addition to the commercial and industrial activity in the commercial core areas of
the rural centres and the industrial marine areas in the Municipality, many individuals
are involved in small scale business activities on their own residential properties.
Business activities include commercial uses, manufacturing, repair shops, business
and professional offices, arts and crafts fabrication, hairdressing and aesthetic salons,
guest homes and day care facilities. Council recognizes the importance of supporting
all scales of commercial activity and supports economic growth and diversity in the
local economy. Council intends to permit home occupations within dwellings and
within accessory structures in all zones which permit residential uses. To maintain
continuity in residential areas Council will establish requirements in the Land Use By-
law to regulate the floor area within dwelling units devoted to home occupations, the
size of accessory structures devoted to home occupation uses, parking requirements
and open storage requirements. Some home occupations may include outdoor storage
of goods and materials which may generate conflict with abutting residential uses. To
address any potential issues of outdoor storage it is Council's intention to include
restrictions on outdoor storage for home occupations in the By-law limiting the
storage area and requiring screening from abutting residential or institutional uses.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
HO-1
To permit home occupation uses in all zones which permit residential
uses.
HO-2
To regulate the floor area permitted to be used for home occupations in
residences and accessory buildings.
HO-3
To regulate the requirement for parking for home occupation uses.
HO-4
To regulate the area permitted to be used on home occupation properties
for open storage, and to require screening of storage areas from abutting
residential and institutional uses.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 26
PART 8
INDUSTRIAL
The focus of economic activity in the municipality is linked directly with the fishery,
and related industrial activity is prominent in many communities. Industrial
development must be carefully located so as not to intrude into existing predominately
residential communities. Historical development patterns have resulted in some
industrial operations being located in relative proximity to residential areas. Industrial
uses have the potential to create unwanted traffic, noise, dust, odours and similar
conditions that often result in conflict with existing residential and institutional uses.
Large lot sizes, special separation distances and screening requirements establish
greater control of industrial uses and offer greater protection to existing residential
and institutional uses in proximity to new or expanding industrial uses. Not all areas
are suitable for all types of industrial activity and Council will establish policies to
regulate certain types of industrial development and the locations where they will be
permitted. Certain types of industrial uses will only be permitted subject to a contract
known as a development agreement that must satisfy specific criteria outlined in
various policies of this Municipal Planning Strategy.
Fish reduction plants, scarp yards and salvage yards, land fill operations, composting
operations, wind farms, intensive livestock operations and fur farming will only be
permitted in the Rural Development Zone by development agreement subject to
meeting specific conditions and satisfying a variety of policy requirements.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
I-1
To list existing heavy industrial uses in the Rural Development (RD)
Zone, and all industrial uses in the Mixed Use (MU), General (CG) and
Residential General (RG) zones in Schedule J of the By-law and to require
development agreements subject to special requirements in the By-law
for their expansion beyond existing boundary lines or change of use.
I-2
To permit fish reduction plants, fish composting operations, fish plants,
boat shops, scrap yards, salvage yards, wind farms, intensive livestock
operations, and fur farming in the Rural Development (RD) Zone subject
to special requirements in the By-law and to require development
agreements for their use.
I-3
To establish By-law requirements for large lot sizes, special separation
distances and screening requirements for industrial uses.
I-4
To permit new light industrial uses in the Rural Development (RD) and
Mixed Use (MU) zones subject to setback and screening requirements in
the By-law.
I-5
To permit new heavy industrial uses except fish reduction plants and fish
composing operations, fish plants, boat shops, scrap yards and salvage
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 27
yards in the Mixed Use (MU) Zone and to require development
agreements for their use.
I-6
To permit new industrial uses except fish reduction plants, fish
composing operations, fish plants, boat shops, scrap yards and salvage
yards in the Commercial General (CG) and Residential General (RG)
zones and to require development agreements subject to special
requirements in the By-law for their use.
I-7
When evaluating development agreement proposals to expand an
existing industrial use or for new industrial development, in addition to all
other criteria set out in various policies of this Municipal Planning
Strategy, Council will consider the following matters:
a)
That the industrial use will not, by way of hours of operation,
emissions of odour, dust, smoke or noise or vibration, disrupt or
detrimentally affect abutting or nearby existing land uses nor be a
use characterized by producing wastes that can contaminate soils
or watercourses;
b)
That the primary industrial activity shall be contained within a
wholly enclosed building;
c)
That adequate screening is provided on the site to screen any
objectionable features such as the outdoor storage of equipment,
parts or waste materials so as not to be visible from abutting
residential, institutional, recreational or commercial properties or
such properties immediately across the road or from the public
roads;
d)
That the use shall not create traffic congestion or undue traffic
hazards on public roads in the neighbourhood and that all
provisions of By-law respecting minimum lot size, setbacks, and
parking, loading and unloading requirements are satisfied;
e)
That any proposed alteration or expansion to an existing building
with respect to the industrial use does not further reduce any yard
that does not conform to the requirements of the By-law;
f)
That adequate provision is made for sewage disposal, and Council
is satisfied that all necessary permissions for sewage disposal have
been received from the Department of Environment.
I-8
To encourage that the following criteria is met when considering
development proposals for expansion of existing industrial uses listed in
Schedule J of the By-law:
a)
That the setback distances and screening requirements between
residential and institutional uses and industrial uses in the By-law
are satisfied.
b)
That the proposed development is in accordance with Policy ES-4.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 28
INDUSTRIAL MARINE (IM)
The economic backbone of Barrington Municipality and Southwest Nova Scotia for
many generations has been the fishery. The fishery is dependent on a system of
decentralized wharf facilities located throughout the municipality. Local Harbour
Authorities now oversee the management and operations of wharf facilities, and the
local authorities work with the Small Craft Harbours Branch of the federal Department
of Fisheries and Oceans through various government programs to maintain and
upgrade wharf infrastructure. The active fishery and marine related industries have
traditionally located near existing wharf facilities. Most of these wharf facilities, with
the exception of several in the Woods Harbour area are located in relatively isolated
locations throughout the rural area. In order to minimize the potential for conflict
between marine industrial uses and other land uses, especially residential and
institutional land uses Council will continue to encourage fishery and marine related
industries (excluding fish reduction plants and fish composting operations) to locate in
the general vicinity of existing wharf facilities. These marine related industries include
both light and heavy industrial uses.
The downturn in some areas of the fishery over the last number of years has created
a reduction in the number of active full scale fish plants operating in Barrington
Municipality. No fish reduction plants or fish composting operations are currently
located in the municipality and any new fish reduction plants and fish composting
operations are only permitted in the Rural Development designation and zone by
development agreement subject to specific criteria.
Council will designate lands in the general vicinity of existing wharfs as Industrial
Marine (IM) on the Generalized Future Land Use Map 1 of the Municipal Planning
Strategy. Council will zone as Industrial Marine (IM) on Schedule A of the Land Use
By-law all lands within the Industrial Marine designation as well as establish the
Industrial Marine (IM) zone in the Land Use By-law to permit fishery and marine
related industrial uses except fish reduction plants and fish composting operations.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
IM-1
To designate as Industrial Marine (IM) the areas shown on Map 1 Future
Land Use of the Municipal Planning Strategy. These areas include lands in
the vicinity of existing wharf facilities located both inside and outside of
the rural centres of Woods Harbour and Barrington-Barrington Passage.
IM-2
To establish an Industrial Marine (IM) zone in the Land Use By-law, as
shown on Schedule A of the Land Use By-law, to correspond to the areas
designated Industrial Marine (IM) on the Generalized Future Land Use
Map 1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy.
IM-3
To permit in areas zoned Industrial Marine (IM) fishery and marine
related industries except fish reduction plants and fish composting
operations.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 29
IM-4
To permit new fishery and marine related industries or the expansion of
such existing uses beyond the Industrial Marine (IM) zone boundary into
the immediately adjacent Rural Development (RD), Mixed Use (MU) or
Residential General (RG) zones only by amendment to the Land Use By-
law subject to the following criteria:
a)
That the potential nuisance effects of odour and noise resulting from
the operational activities of the proposed uses does not detrimentally
affect abutting residential or institutional uses.
b)
That traffic noise and headlight glare does not cause nuisance effects
upon abutting residential or institutional uses.
c)
That the development conforms to all relevant criteria of Policy I-7.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 30
PART 9
SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND LOT ACCESS
The subdivision of land is closely related to the provision of streets and services and
the orderly progression of land development. The land development pattern that
results from the division of property is greatly influenced by the location of streets and
services. These factors can often determine or constrain future growth and
development if they are not properly planned. Some form of subdivision regulation
has been in place in Barrington Municipality since the mid-eighties. On April 1, 1995
the administration of the Provincial Subdivision Regulations became the responsibility
of the Municipality. Council recognized the need to better integrate planning,
development and the subdivision process especially in matters concerning central
sewer services as well as public and private roads. This recognition led to the adoption
of a Subdivision By-law August 19, 1996.
Council recognizes that existing lot configurations and existing development structures
on lots can create circumstances where subdivision difficulties may be encountered.
To accommodate the orderly and reasonable subdivision of land in such situations
Council will include policy to enable waiving of minimum lot requirements and
minimum yard requirements where they cannot otherwise be met, and to enable
development permits to be issued to the affected lots.
To encourage future development throughout the Municipality that has immediate
access to safe and reliably maintained public roads, Council will establish a general
provision in the By-law to require all development in any area of the Municipality to
locate on lots which abut and front on public roads. Council also recognizes there are
certain developments and conditions where the requirement for a lot to abut and front
on a public road is not always necessary or practical. In the past a series of
amendments to the Strategy and By-law were undertaken exempting certain
development from this requirement provided they met other access requirements.
These accesses include private roads, "K" roads, rights-of-way or water access. This
Strategy will maintain these exemptions for residential uses, including dwellings in the
Rural Development (RD) Zone on islands or where lots are not to be accessed except
by water. Any other uses, except commercial uses, will be permitted in the Rural
Development (RD) zone on lots abutting private roads or served by rights-of-way.
These exemptions will also be maintained for any use permitted in the Industrial
Marine (IM) Zone, including on lots abutting a "K" road.
Instruments of Subdivision enable subdivision of land without a requirement for a
legal survey plan. This mechanism for the creation of new parcels of land is
recognized by Council as being appropriate, however where subdivisions of a number
of lots are involved it is felt a legal survey plan should be undertaken. Council will
include policy in the Subdivision By-law which limits the number of lots able to be
approved by Instrument of Subdivision approval to three (3) lots.
New public and private road design and construction standards are issues of concern
for Council. Development on new private roads may result in requests for Council to
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 31
take over and maintain the private road, and Council would require assurance of
proper design and construction in order to consider such requests. New public road
design and construction standards need to consider that these road elements satisfy
the needs for all future development on the road and are sufficient to enable efficient
and affordable maintenance of the road. Council recognizes the value of the
Subdivision By-law in guiding future development in the Municipality, and it is the
intention of Council to undertake a review the Subdivision By-law following completion
of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law review process.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
SUB-1
To establish a general provision in the By-law to require all development
to locate on lots which abut and front on a public listed maintained road.
SUB-2
Notwithstanding Policy SUB-1 Council will establish a general provision in
the By-law exempting dwellings from public listed maintained road
frontage requirements:
a)
Where lots abut and front on an existing private road; or
b)
Where existing lots are served by a right-of-way and where new
lots are served by rights-of-way created pursuant to the
requirements of the Subdivision By-law; or
c)
Where existing lots or lots created pursuant to the Subdivision By-
law have water access only.
SUB-3
Notwithstanding Policy SUB-1 Council will establish a general provision in
the By-law exempting any other use permitted in the Rural Development
(RD) Zone from public listed maintained road frontage requirements,
except for commercial uses:
a)
Where lots abut and front on an existing private road; or
b)
Where existing lots are served by a right-of-way and where new
lots are served by rights-of-way created pursuant to the
requirements of the Subdivision By-law.
SUB-4
Notwithstanding Policy SUB-1 Council will establish a general provision in
the By-law exempting any use permitted in the Industrial Marine (IM)
Zone from public listed maintained road frontage requirements where lots
abut and front on a private road, "K" road or which are served by a right-
of-way.
SUB-5
Notwithstanding Policy SUB-1 Council will establish a general provision in
the By-law exempting Grouped Commercial uses east of Highway 330 in
the CG Zone Barrington Passage from public listed maintained road
frontage requirements.
SUB-6
To establish in the By-law a minimum width which shall apply to all newly
created rights-of-way.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 32
SUB-7
Notwithstanding the minimum lot area requirements of any zone, the
Development Officer may approve a final plan of subdivision where the
Department of Environment has approved the lots for the installation of
on-site sewage disposal systems, and such lots shall be deemed to meet
the minimum lot area requirements of the By-law, except for industrial
uses.
SUB-8
To enable the Development Officer to approve the subdivision of a
maximum of two lots having no less than 90% of the required minimum
frontage and/or area required by the By-law in accordance with the
Subdivision By-law and Section 279 of the Municipal Government Act,
provided the Department of Environment has approved the lots and all
other requirements of the By-law are satisfied. Such lots shall be deemed
to meet the minimum lot area requirements of the By-law.
SUB-9
To enable the subdivision of lands where a development component of a
permanent nature such as a building, structure, well, on-site sewage
disposal system or driveway is encroaching in or upon an immediately
adjacent area of land, to the extent necessary to remove the
encroachment; and to set out provisions in the Land Use By-law to allow
development to occur on any such resulting lot.
SUB-10
To enable the creation of lots containing at least one existing main
building from an existing area of land containing two or more such
buildings in any area of the Municipality pursuant to Section 5.01(a) of
the Subdivision By-law, and to establish special provisions in the By-law
that:
a)
Waive any or all of the minimum yard requirements for the use
where they cannot otherwise be met; and
b)
Waive the requirement for any such lots to abut and front upon a
public road where this requirement cannot otherwise be met.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 33
PART 10
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
WASTEWATER, WATER RESOURCES, SOLID WASTE
The need for protection of the environment and proper management of sewer
wastewater has long been recognized in Barrington Municipality, where established
older communities with their pattern of small residential lots combined with increased
water use has resulted in overloading of older septic systems. The shallow soil and
high bedrock conditions in the area create challenges for the installation of
conventional on-site sewage disposal systems, and the Municipality has invested in
the construction of substantial central sewer systems and sewage treatment facilities.
Sewers have been built in the eastern portion of Barrington from the Old Post Road to
Sterlings Road west of Highway 330 in Barrington Passage, a distance of nearly 10
kilometres. The community of Lower Woods Harbour is also served with four
kilometres of sewer main. More recently Council had initiated a proposal to install
central sewer on Cape Sable Island, however there were constraints encountered
which prevented completion of the project. This experience provided an opportunity to
establish policy to prioritize future infrastructure developments or expansion of
existing systems based on background research to determine the environmental
needs in specific areas in advance of initiation of sewer projects.
The CBCL Engineering and Environmental Design and Consulting Services 'Water
Supply Strategy' report in 2005 identified options for potential municipal drinking
water supplies in the Municipality. The study identified Barrington Lake in Argyle as
the best surface water source, however the expense for protection and monitoring of
its large watershed, much of which is located in the Municipality of Argyle, led the
consultants to recommend to Council a ground water source option as the best option
for the potential surface water supply source. Council recognizes the need to
continue to consider the potential need for the development of a municipal drinking
water supply for residents and businesses. Council will maintain an awareness of the
quality of drinking water in the municipality in the future in keeping with the
recommendations contained in the CBCL Water Supply Strategy.
Barrington Municipality participates in Region 6 of Nova Scotia's Resource Recovery
Fund Board partnerships. Solid waste and compost in the Municipality is collected by
local waste hauler contractors from all parts of the Municipality and shipped to the
Region of Queens landfill and composting facility site. Recycling and hazardous waste
are handled locally by the Enviro Depot on Oak Park Road. A construction and
demolition debris landfill site is owned and operated by the Municipality located on
Highway 3 in Goose Lake.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
GS-1
To undertake background environmental studies to determine the need
for new central sewer or expansion of existing sewer systems prior to
initiating sewer projects.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 34
GS-2
It shall be the policy of Council to provide the most efficient and cost
effective management to meet the needs of the residents of the
Municipality for disposal of waste.
ROADS
The road network in Barrington Municipality includes provincially owned local, collector
and one-hundred series highways. Maintenance is provided on all but K class roads
which are owned but not maintained by the Nova Scotia Transportation and
Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR). Some of these K class roads currently serve existing
development and are in varying states of repair. A variety of private roads also exist in
the municipality and service both year round and seasonal dwellings. Council
recognizes the need to review the current Subdivision By-law and adopt appropriate
construction standards for the construction of new public and private roads located
within the Municipality of Barrington. Policies concerning land division and access can
be found in the Subdivision and Lot Access section of this Municipal Planning Strategy.
In order to facilitate repair and maintenance of provincially owned public roads
Council will liaise with the Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
(NSTIR).
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
GS-3
To work in co-operation with NSTIR to resolve issues of mutual concern
regarding road conditions and hazards as well as the repair, maintenance
and upgrading of provincial public roads
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 35
PART 11
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AGRICULTURE
Soil and climate conditions in Barrington Municipality severely limit the potential for
food agriculture of any significant scale. Family gardens will remain popular for
individuals interested in growing their own food. There is some potential for berry
farming on a small commercial scale in the few areas where soil conditions enable
horticulture, and renewed interest and initiatives in studying local micro climate
conditions and research into alternate and innovative crops may yield results which
could lead to the development of a modest agriculture industry in the future.
Council recognizes the importance of agriculture in the broader community, and the
long term sustainable goals and objectives of the Municipality support the principles of
maintaining and improving air, water and soil quality. This emphasis on environmental
health includes the principle of sustainability of a healthy and vibrant food agriculture
into the future. The need for study and innovation with cooperation of senior levels of
government and industry is understood to be necessary to improve and expand any
potential agricultural endeavours.
With the 2018 federal legalization of cannabis use and production the Municipality has
determined that commercial cannabis production and processing should be limited to
specific areas and be subject to approval by Development Agreement in order to
minimize the potential for land use conflict. Cannabis production and processing shall
only be considered in the Business Park (BP) and Rural Development (RD) Zones.
Fur farming is a segment of the overall agricultural industry which may have a future
in the Municipality as it is not based on soil conditions. Council recognizes this
potential, and also recognizes the potential this industry has for contamination of the
environment and creating conflict with existing residential uses. To minimize any
potential conflicts the By-law will include separation distance requirements in the Land
Use By-law between fur farm structures and watercourses and existing residences,
and the By-law will require development agreements for the development of any new
fur farms in the Municipality.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
ECON-1
To require development agreements for all proposals for fish reduction
and fish composting operations, intensive livestock operations, motor
vehicle race tracks, wind farms, expansion of existing fur farms and new
fur farms subject to Policies IMP 13 to IMP 17 inclusive.
ECON-2
To require development agreements for all proposals for cannabis
production and processing uses within the Business Park (BP) and Rural
Development (RD) Zone.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 36
PART 12
RENEWABLE ENERGY
WIND TURBINE GENERATORS
A primary objective of the 2007 Nova Scotia Environmental Goals and Sustainable
Prosperity Act was to achieve one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments
in the world by the year 2020. The 2009 Nova Scotia Energy Strategy and subsequent
development of Renewable Energy Standards and more recently the Renewable
Electricity Plan of 2010 including its Community Based Feed-In Tariff program have
provided incentives for alternate energy producers. The Nova Scotia Wind Atlas
revealed an abundance of wind energy resources in South West Nova Scotia. A 17
turbine 30 MW wind farm was developed in West Pubnico in Argyle Municipality in
2004 and a 20 turbine 30 MW wind farm was developed on Digby Neck in Digby
Municipality in 2010. It is evident there is potential for both large and small scale wind
turbine generator developments in the South Western part of the province and Council
recognizes the need to update its policies to address wind turbine generator
development in the Municipality. Council recognizes that wind energy technology is
developing rapidly and there will be a need to be flexible to accommodate changes in
the industry in the future. For this reason Council will re-evaluate the wind energy
development policies from time to time.
The long term sustainable goals and objectives of the Municipality incorporate
principles of reducing pollution and encouraging development of renewable energy
sources. The primary sustainable development goal is to intend that new and existing
development strives to balance the environmental, economic, social and cultural
dimensions of the community. Large scale wind turbine generators (WTG) in groups,
single small scale turbines and micro scale turbines all have the potential to have
impacts on adjacent land uses. The Council recognizes the need to balance the
importance of encouraging and promoting development of alternate energy solutions
and the responsibility to minimize the impacts such developments may have on
communities and its citizens, and to establish appropriate development control
mechanisms and By-law provisions for the different scales of wind turbine
development. Large scale WTG developments are not considered appropriate in the
environmentally sensitive Coastal Wetlands (CW) Zone or in the built up rural centres
of Barrington, Barrington Passage and Woods Harbour or in the Residential Island (RI)
Zone on Cape Sable Island.
Large scale multiple generator wind farms which generate electric power for the
power grid are recognized as having the potential to create impacts on adjacent
communities. A separation distance in the order of 1 kilometre between wind farms
and residences has been generally recognized around the Province as an industry
standard. Council intends to limit large scale WTG development to the Rural
Development designation only and to require a development agreement approval
process for their development. Smaller scale WTG developments are also recognized
as having the potential to create impacts on adjacent land uses, but to a lesser extent
than large groups of turbines. Council intends to enable small scale WTG use in all
areas of the municipality except in the Coastal Wetlands (CW) Zone and Residential
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 37
Island (RI) Zone and to use a site plan approval process to regulate the location of
WTG in relation to existing residential and institutional uses. Recognizing that some
existing land parcel configurations in the municipality may cause siting constraints for
WTG, Council intends to incorporate special waiver provisions from setback and
separation distance requirements in the Land Use By-law to accommodate such
developments where affected abutting property owners enter into legal agreements
for the purpose of enabling the wind turbine development. Council intends to enable
micro scale WTG in all zones except the Coastal Wetlands zone using a development
permit process to regulate their location.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
WTG-1
To encourage the growth and development of alternate energy resources
including wind turbine generators and to establish policy framework and
Land Use By-law provisions to enable the development of varying sizes
and scales of wind turbine generators in areas of the Municipality.
WTG-2
To establish in the Land Use By-law definitions of and provisions for
regulating the use and location of Large Scale, Small Scale and Micro
Scale wind turbine generators.
WTG-3
To establish in the Land Use By-law provisions for regulating the use and
location of Large Scale WTG in the Rural Development (RD) Zone and to
require a Development Agreement to enable their use.
WTG-4
To establish in the Land Use By-law provisions for regulating the use and
location of Small Scale WTG in all zones except the Coastal Wetlands
(CW) Zone and the Residential Island (RI) Zone and to require a Site-
Plan approval to enable their use.
WTG-5
To establish in the Land Use By-Law special waivers from the setback
and separation distance requirements for WTG and to enable
development permits to be issued for their use where the developer
obtains registered legal agreements for the siting of the WTG from
affected adjacent land owners.
WTG-6
It shall be the intention of Council to establish a waiver provision in the
By-law to enable the issuing of development permits for WTG where the
minimum separation distance requirement to a habitable dwelling cannot
be satisfied where the WTG is situated on the same lot as the habitable
dwelling.
WTG-7
To establish in the Land Use By-law provisions for regulating the use and
location of Micro Scale WTG in all zones except the Coastal Wetlands
(CW) Zone and to require a Development Permit approval to enable their
use.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 38
WTG-8
That no advertising signage other than the manufacturer's name be
permitted on any WTG or accessory structures.
WTG-9
To review the policies and provisions regulating the use of wind turbine
generators in the municipality from time to time.
WTG-10
To consider the following criteria prior to entering into a development
agreement for Large Scale wind turbine generator developments:
a) That wind turbine generators be setback from habitable dwellings,
institutional and recreational uses a minimum of 1 kilometre.
b) That mitigation of noise, visual, shadow effects and environmental
impacts of wind turbines is undertaken to minimize any negative
effects of the development.
c) That safety concerns are addressed both on site and off site for
matters of ice throw, blade throw, turbine collapse, and emergency
response.
d) That all documentation required to demonstrate compliance with
any requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
and the Nova Scotia Environment Act for the proposal is included in
the documentation submitted by the developer to the Municipality.
e) That all documentation required to demonstrate compliance with
any requirements of the Department of National Defence,
Environment Canada, Navigation Canada, Transport Canada,
Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Nova
Scotia Department of Natural Resources for the proposal is included
in the documentation submitted by the developer to the
Municipality.
f) That a decommissioning plan be included in the development
agreement to be enacted after two (2) years of the cessation of
electrical power generation on the site.
g) That the proposed development is in accordance with Sections 15.3
in Part 15, the Implementation Chapter of this Strategy.
h) That Council may consider for inclusion in a development agreement
terms for any of the provisions enabled by Section 227 of the Act.
WTG-11
To consider the following criteria prior to approving a site plan for Small
Scale WTG developments:
a) That wind turbine generators be setback from habitable dwellings a
minimum of five times the total height of the WTG.
b) That notification of the site plan approval be sent by regular mail to
all owners of habitable dwellings within five times the total height of
the WTG from the boundary of the WTG property. The costs
associated with this notification shall be the responsibility of the
applicant.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 39
c) That mitigation of noise, visual impacts, shadow effects and
environmental impacts of wind turbines is undertaken to minimize
any potential negative effects of the development on the
community.
d) That all documentation required demonstrating compliance with any
requirements of the Department of National Defence, Environment
Canada, Navigation Canada, Transport Canada, Canadian Coast
Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Nova Scotia Department
of Natural Resources is included in the documentation submitted by
the proponent.
e) That a decommissioning plan be included in the site plan approval to
be enacted after two years of the cessation of electrical power
generation on the site.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 40
PART 13
IMPLEMENTATION
This Municipal Planning Strategy is the main policy document through which the
growth and development of the municipality shall be encouraged, co-ordinated and
controlled. The policies of this Municipal Planning Strategy will be implemented
through the powers provided Council in the Municipal Government Act and other
relevant statues. The main regulatory documents used to implement the policies of
the Municipal Planning Strategy are the Land Use By-law and the Subdivision By-law.
This Municipal Planning Strategy and any subsequent amendments shall be reviewed
pursuant to Subsection 214(2) of the Municipal Government Act when deemed
necessary by the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations(SNSMR) or
by Council within 5 to 10 years of it coming into force and effect.
The Municipal Planning Strategy approved by the Minister on March 20, 2001 and
subsequent amendments thereto is repealed upon the date of coming into force and
effect of this Municipal Planning Strategy.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
IMP-1
To maintain an ongoing, comprehensive community planning program
with advice and assistance from the Planning Advisory Committee;
IMP-2
To undertake a regular review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and
Land Use By-law within five to ten years from the date of its coming into
force or the date of the last review
IMP-3
To appoint a Development Officer to administer the Land Use By-law,
development agreements, and the Subdivision By-law and to issue or
deny permits and approvals under the terms of these By-laws and
agreements.
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
IMP-4
To require that any development permit issued shall specify, in addition
to the development, the period for implementation. Any development
permit shall lapse, becoming null and void, if the development has not
commenced within one (1) year of the date of issue of the permit.
IMP-5
Any development permit issued may be revoked by the Development
Officer where there is reason to believe that the development permit was
issued as a result of mistaken or false information.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 41
VARIANCES
IMP-6
In accordance with Municipal Government Act Section 235(2) the
Development officer may vary parking requirements for multi-unit
residential developments where appropriate.
PUBLIC HEARING
IMP-7
To hold a public hearing in accordance with the Municipal Government
Act, prior to approval of any amendment to the Municipal Planning
Strategy and Land Use By-law or entering into a development
agreement.
MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY AMENDMENTS
IMP-8
To require an amendment to the Municipal Planning Strategy:
a)
where any policy intent is to be altered; or
b)
where a text or map amendment to the Land Use By-law would
conflict with the text or maps of the MPS; or
c)
where an amendment to the Subdivision By-law would conflict
with the text of the Municipal Planning Strategy.
IMP-9
An amendment to the Municipal Planning Strategy shall not be required
to rezone areas adjacent to a given land use designation to a zone
established by policies for that designation provided all other relevant
policies of this Municipal Planning Strategy are satisfied.
LAND USE BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
IMP-10
To amend the Land Use By-law provided the amendment reflects the
intent of the Municipal Planning Strategy.
IMP-11
To consider an application for amendment to the Land Use By-law only if
the application has identified a proposed use for the property. Council
shall give consideration to both the proposed use and to the impact of
other uses permitted in the requested zone.
IMP-12
To consider an application for amendment to the Land Use By-law only if
the site meets all of the lot size and zone standards for the zone sought,
with the following exceptions:
a)
A rezoning may be granted for an existing lot or lots which meet
all zone standards but has less than the required frontage or area
specified for the zone sought; or
b)
A rezoning may be granted for an existing lot or lots with a
building or buildings on it, which meets all other zone
requirements except minimum lot area, frontage, setback or yard
standards specified for the zone sought. Any proposed addition to
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 42
such a building or replacement of such a building shall not further
reduce the setback or yard standard.
c)
To notify by direct mail, land owners located within 152 metres
(500 feet) of a property requesting rezoning. The costs associated
with this notification shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
IMP-13
To enter into development agreement pursuant to the Municipal
Government Act on the terms and conditions set forth in this Municipal
Planning Strategy a development agreement shall:
a)
specify the development, expansion, alteration, or change
permitted; and
b)
specify the conditions under which the development may occur;
and
c)
set forth the terms by which Council may terminate the
agreement.
IMP-14
A public information meeting on a proposed Development Agreement
shall be held by the Planning Advisory Committee prior to the Public
Hearing of Council required by Section 230(2) of the Municipal
Government Act.
IMP-15
When considering a development agreement proposal, to notify land
owners within 152 metres (500') of the subject property or properties by
direct mail of the proposed development agreement. The costs
associated with this notification shall be the responsibility of the
applicant.
IMP-16
The provisions of the Land Use By-law shall prevail after discharge of any
agreement.
CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND LAND USE BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
IMP-17 To consider the following in addition to all other criteria set out in the
various policies of this Municipal Planning Strategy, when considering
amendments to the Land Use By-law, or proposals for development
agreements:
a) That a development permit may be issued for any existing use on the
lot for which the development agreement or amendment has been
requested; and
b) That the proposal conforms to the intent of the Municipal Planning
Strategy and to all other applicable Municipal By-laws and
regulations, except where the application is for a development
agreement and the requirements of the Land Use By-law need not be
met; and
c) That the proposal is not in conflict with Municipal or Provincial
programs in effect in the municipality; and
d) That the proposal is not premature or inappropriate by reason of:
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 43
i. The financial ability of the municipality to absorb costs
related to the development; or
ii. The adequacy of sewer and water services, including fire
flows and water pressure or the adequacy of the site for on-
site services; or
iii. The creation or worsening of a pollution problem in the
area such as but not limited to soil erosion and siltation of
watercourses; or
iv. adequacy of storm drainage and effects of alteration to
drainage patterns, including the potential for creation of a
flooding problem; or
v. The suitability of the site regarding grades, soils and
geological conditions, location of watercourses, marshes,
bogs and swamps, and proximity to utility rights-of-way; or
vi. The adequacy and proximity of school, recreation and other
community facilities; or
vii. The adequacy of road networks in, nearby, and leading to
the development, regarding congestion and traffic hazards;
and
viii. That the proposal provides adequate off street parking to
prevent congestion, nuisance and inconvenience in the
area; and
ix. The
hours of
operation
are
appropriate
for
the
neighbourhood; and
x. That the primary architectural features of the proposal,
including but not limited to bulk, scale, roof shape, building
materials, exterior cladding and shape, and size and
relationship of doors and windows, shall be visually
compatible with nearby buildings in the case of a new
building, or with the original building in the case of an
addition; and
xi. That the proposal will not significantly alter the character or
stability of the surrounding neighbourhood.
IMP-18
Notwithstanding requirements contained in Policy IMP-17, when
considering proposals for the establishment of cannabis production and
processing uses within the Business Park (BP) Zone and the Rural
Development (RD) Zone as enabled by Policies BP-4 and RD-4
respectively, Council shall require that the proposed cannabis production
and processing facility have a two hundred (200) foot setback.
SITE-PLAN APPROVAL
IMP-19
To use the Municipal Government Act 'site-plan approval' process to
enable Small Scale WTG developments.
IMP-20
When granting a site-plan approval for small scale WTG development to
meet the provisions of Part 16 of the Land Use By-law.
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipal Planning Strategy, November 25, 2013
Page 44
IMP-21
When granting a site-plan approval for small scale WTG development to
notify land owners within five times the total height of the WTG from the
WTG property by direct mail of the site-plan approval. The costs
associated with this notification shall be the responsibility of the
applicant.
IMP-22
To establish criteria for the Development Officer to consider prior to
granting site-plan approval.
IMP-23
To consider the following criteria prior to granting a site-plan approval:
a)
That the development does not create or worsen a pollution
problem in the area such as but not limited to soil erosion and
siltation of watercourses.
d)
That mitigation of noise, visual impacts, and environmental
impacts of the operation is undertaken to minimize any potential
negative effects of the development on the community.
e)
That the proposal will not significantly alter the character or
stability of the surrounding neighbourhood.
COST OF ADVERTISING
IMP-24
To require any person who wishes to obtain an amendment to the Land
Use By-law or enter into a development agreement or an amendment
thereto to pay all the costs of advertising in accordance with Section 220
of the Municipal Government Act.
CAPITAL PROGRAM
In addition to regulating private development, Council may undertake programs of its
own to encourage development in certain areas to enhance, improve or protect the
environment of the municipality, or to provide a greater range of social, recreational
or cultural facilities and activities. As part of the Federal Gas Tax agreement Council is
required to develop five year capital investment plans outlining how they intend to
expend gas tax revenues on capital projects that improve the long term sustainability
of the municipality.
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF COUNCIL:
IMP-25
To incorporate the policies and provisions of this Municipal Planning
Strategy into the five year capital investment plan and annual budget of
the municipality wherever possible.