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Home My WebLink About2007-04-12 Minutes i I - 1 CLARINGTON AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Barrie Gary Jeffery Ted Watson Mark Bragg Eric Bowman Brenda Metcalf f.. Henk Mulders Mary Ann Found ,. t; q i Ross McMasterT Marlene Werry Councillor Gord Robinson Jennifer Knox Orwin Bandstra : STAFF: Faye Langmaid Susan Hajnik �t ABSENT: Donald Rickard Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Adoption of Agenda 07-08 Moved by Ross McMaster, seconded by Gary Jeffery "That the Agenda for April 12, 2007 be adopted" CARRIED Approval of Minutes 07-09 Moved by Mary-Ann Found, seconded by Orwin Bandstra "That the minutes of the March 8, 2007 meeting be approved." CARRIED Introduction of Guests: Mike Porporo and Tony Brull from MPAC to speak on the procedure for farm assessments. Rick Pigeon, Chief Building Official for the Municipality of Clarington to speak on building permits process. Presentation by Tony Brull — MPAC Assessing Farmland Properties Farmland values in Ontario are determined by extensive analysis, using only farmer-to-farmer sales as legislated by section 19(5) of the Assessment Act. Farm values are based on the land's productive capability and location. The value of a farm is not based on the land's potential use (e.g., development). Properties that are farmed by the owner and/or tenant are valued using rates based on bona fide farmer-to-farmer sales. The primary factors used in determining a farm's current value assessment are • Farmland - Farmland is assessed according to its productivity value, that is, the ability of the land to produce crops and/or maintain livestock. Productivity rates are established by considering such factors as soil texture, topography, drainage and depth to bedrock • Residence The value of the residential structure is determined by establishing a replacement cost of the improvement(s) less any depreciation • Residence Site If a farm residence is occupied by the person(s) farming the property, a one-acre parcel of land is valued at the farmland rate. If the residence is occupied by someone other than the person(s) farming the property, it is considered a non-farm residence and valued and classed at the residential rate. • Farm Outbuildings A farm outbuilding is any improvement, other than a residence, that is used for farming operations. Outbuildings are valued based on their design and classified by their use. Cold storage buildings on the farm are classified as agricultural, but buildings off the farm are classified as commercial operations. • Other Buildings All other buildings not used in the farm operation are valued based on their design and classified by their use (e.g., market). The farm tax class includes farmland and associated outbuildings. Although MPAC may assess a property as a farm, it is taxed at the residential rate unless placed in the Farm Property Tax Class by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. More productive areas have seen a boost in assessments lately. Legislative changes to the farm classification have resulted in an increase in farm lands near racetracks. MPAC and the University of Guelph are doing research and a 10 year analysis (starting a couple years ago) of the impact of the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt legislation on farmland values. Discussion ensued on obsolete buildings, value added items (like wind turbines) and on farm commercial activities that may attract a different taxation category. PRESENTATION BY RICK PIGEON- CBO Farm Buildings A building permit is required for any building over 10 square metres. A covered fabric building will require a building permit if it is over 60 square metres in area or a permanent structure. Building permits are not required for demolition of farm buildings. The Ontario Building Code defines a farm building as: "a building or part thereof, which does not contain a residential occupancy and which is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming and used essentially for housing of farming equipment, livestock or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds" What is required to obtain a permit? • A complete Building Permit Application and applicable Building Permit fee. • A signed declaration that indicates whether or not the proposed structure will house livestock. • A complete MDS (Minimum Distance Separation) Data Sheet if applicable. • Two (2) sets of drawings showing dimensions, size and type of all structural components (ie) footings, posts, beams, etc. to ensure compliance with the OBC. Schematic plumbing drawings are required if plumbing is contained within the building. • A Site Plan showing the location of all existing and proposed buildings. Include all setbacks from the proposed buildings to the property lines. If required for MDS calculations indicate the distance from the proposed building to the existing houses on adjacent properties included in the MDS. • Two (2) sets of roof trusses shop drawings sealed and signed by a Professional Engineer. • Two (2) sets of mechanical drawings (if applicable). • Other approvals as required (ie) Conservation Authority, Health, M.T.O., etc In early 2006 the new building code came into effect. As with the previous Code, all buildings must comply with applicable law. Once you are ready to apply it is suggested that you visit the MAC and speak to a plans examiner. They will review your documentation for completeness. A Planner can review your site plan for zoning and MDS requirements. Inspections once construction is started are mandatory and occur at pre-determined milestones. They are: • Footing • Foundation • Framing • Insulation, if applicable • Heating and Plumbing rough-in, if applicable • Inside services, if applicable • Building, plumbing and heating Occupancy Building permit fees in Clarington are $2.27 per square metre. Ajax and Pickering are both $3 per sq m, and Oshawa is at $2—although that is currently under review. BUSINESS ARISING Clarification: The final decision on land use designations in the Official Plan goes to Council for approval which in turn has to be approved by the Region of Durham, and must conform to the Region of Durham's Official Plan. If a member of the public objects to the designation it will go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for final decision. CORRESPONDENCE From the Association of Northwestern Ontario Municipality's a letter to Council on Species at Risk— received for information. From Gord Weir in Emergency Services an e-mail requesting Committees assistance in gathering contact information for companies and individuals who's are of expertise may be required in the event of an emergency A list of emergency response contacts will be compiled at the next meeting and forwarded to Gord Weir. REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES 407 Committee More specific input is required relating to the needs of agricultural operations as far as bridges, overpasses and underpasses, interparcel access . DAAC Currently there is a proposal for the Brock landfill site. Currently there is approximately 80 thousand tons of waste. They are waiting for MOE approval. Durham Federation of Agriculture The annual meeting will be held on October 2, 2007 at the Utica hall. Currently, committee is reviewing the proposal for the DurhamiYork Residual Waste. OTHER BUSINESS Committee was shown a presentation from the Farm Connections 2007. The AACC brochure is being revamped. Members were provided with a copy and are requested to bring their suggestions to the next meeting. FUTURE AGENDAS Possible topics for future agendas include: • Trespassing Law • Highway 407 (agriculture related issues) • Fred Horvath on illegal dumping Next meeting May 10, 2007 with special guest Mayor Jim Abernethy Adjournment moved by Eric Bowman