Locating a Building or Accessory Building

There are times when the relocation of an existing building is the preferred alternative to constructing a new building. These buildings can include such things as garages, garden sheds, and commercial/industrial buildings.

There are a number of factors that play into a building's ability to be moved, whether it be the age of the building or its current condition. Regardless, all older buildings require an inspection prior to it being considered for relocation.

Relocated buildings may not always be permissible on some properties due to Zoning or Development Agreement regulations or restrictions. To confirm whether or not the intended development is permitted within the proposed Zone, contact us. Please contact the applicable Municipality to confirm the existence of a Development Agreement and its associated requirements. You may need to apply for a Conditional Use in some zones.

NOTE: If a building is being moved from within the Mid-West Planning District and is being relocated to an area that is outside of the Planning District, a Demolition Permit from the MWPD is required prior to removal. After the building is moved, the original site must be cleaned up, i.e.: removal of old foundation, ground filled and leveled, and site made safe as to the satisfaction of the Designated Officer.

The process for relocating a building to the Mid-West Planning District is as follows:

1. Prior to moving an older building, an inspection must be conducted by an MWPD inspector for a fee in accordance with the MWPD Fee Structure By-Law. The hourly rate covers travel time, inspection time, and the time it takes to write a report. The MWPD requires written authorization from the current landowner prior to booking the inspection.

2. An inspection report is prepared by the Inspector regarding all of the Building Code requirements and deficiencies that need to be addressed once the building has been relocated to the proposed site within the Planning District. All buildings being moved must meet current building code.

3. As long as the building is deemed acceptable to move by the MWPD Inspector, and depending on where the proposed site is located, the inspection report is then presented to the applicable municipal Council with a recommendation from the Building Inspector.

In the RM of Ellice-Archie if the move is to take place during Spring Road Restrictions, a Road Use Agreement must be completed and submitted.

In the RM of Oakview an agreement is entered into with the municipality which will contain an undertaking of the owner paying all damages arising out of the move and any other terms and conditions as deemed necessary.

4. After the above stages are complete, application for Building Permit may be made (see requirements listed below). Please note that the Development Permit cannot be issued until the all of the initial conditions of the Agreement have been met.

5. For buildings relocated from a site within the Mid-West Planning District: After the building is moved, the original site must be cleaned up, i.e.: removal of old foundation, ground filled and leveled, and site made safe to the satisfaction of the MWPD.

6. For buildings that are placed onto a basement or crawlspace foundation, a Building Permit will be needed for that work.

7. If there is plumbing in the building, a plumbing permit will be required for the hook-up.

8. Once the building has been relocated, all deficiencies noted in the report and any deficiencies noted thereafter, must be rectified in order to close the permit.

Relocated building Development Permit applications must include:

• Completed Development and Building Permit Application.
• For Commercial/Industrial building ventilation requirements, the Commercial Ventilation Information Form need to be filled out and the Balance Report has to be submitted upon Pre-Occupancy/Final Inspection.
• Detailed Site Plan and Floor Plan with all rooms labeled.
• Accurate foundation plan
• Letter of Authorization is required if you are applying on behalf of the landowner.
• Status of Title(s) for all land subject to the application if the land has changed owners in the last 30 days. The Status of Title(s) cannot be more than 30 days old. Additionally, a letter from your lawyer may be required if the property is in the process of being transferred to your name.
• Total Project value (i.e., final project costs including all material and labour).
• Sewer and water connection fees (processed by the municipality). Please contact Manitoba Conservation and Climate regarding requirements for a proposed septic tank and/or well if municipal services are not available.
• Permit Fees in accordance with the MWPD’s Fee Structure By-Law prior to permit issuance.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant / owner to satisfy or adhere to any Development Agreement requirements that may pertain to the property. Some requirements may need to be fulfilled prior to the MWPD’s issuance of permits.

Electrical Permits are obtained through Manitoba Hydro.

If the proposed development is located adjacent to a Provincial Road or Highway, an additional permit may be required from the Province (Manitoba Infrastructure) when applying for a permit from the MWPD.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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