New Township of Muskoka Lakes Waterfront Density Bylaw

Approved!

A brief summary of the new bylaw:

On January 3, 2005, the Township Council for the Township of Muskoka Lakes approved its new waterfront density policy, after refining the details over the past year or so. This new policy is intended to reduce the impact of new waterfront development on the environment and help preserve the natural shoreline of our lakes.  The main features of this new policy are as follows:

1. The front setback from the waterfront is increased from 50 feet to 66 feet for the main building. A sun deck may protrude 15 feet into the setback.
2. The lakes and rivers in Muskoka are divided into four categories.  The maximum lot coverage is 10 percent for the three large lakes and rivers, and 8 percent for the medium sized high density lakes and rivers.
3. The minimum sideyard setbacks for docks are increased from 15 feet to 30 feet.
4. Lot frontages (straightline!) are divided into four categories, (100-200 feet, 200-300 feet, 300-400 feet, and over 400 feet). The limitations for docks and boathouses vary by category.
5. Below 300 feet of shoreline, you are not allowed a two-storey boathouse.  Between 300-400 feet, you are permitted 650 square feet of habitable space including covered areas. With over 400 feet of frontage you are allowed 650 square feet of habitable space plus an additional 250 square feet of covered area.
6. The minimum sideyard setback for any portion of the second storey of a boathouse or sundeck is 45 feet.
7. A dock may protrude to a maximum of 10 ft into the front yard and is considered a sundeck.
8. A boathouse may not contain a dwelling unit (i.e. full kitchen not allowed).
9. Within the front yard setback of 66 feet, there must be a shoreline buffer running 50 feet back and parallel to the waterfront.  This area must be left in its natural pre-construction state.
10. The maximum habitable floor area of a dwelling is 7,500 square feet, including basement areas with over 6 feet of height.