Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) guidelines regulate the amount of space between agricultural land and residential land. The distance helps prevent land-use conflicts, such as odour. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness has created an MDS Formulae to help municipalities calculate minimum distances.
MDS calculations are required by the Town's Zoning By-law and may also be required for the following development applications :
- Plans of Subdivision and Condominium
- Official Plan and Zoning amendments
- Site Plan Applications
- Oak Ridges Moraine Site Application
- Consent Applications
- Minor Variance Application
- Building Permit Application
How to Calculate MDS
Review the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document for a full description of the MDS Standards and how they apply. To Calculate MDS, follow these steps:
- Contact the Planning and Development Division
The first thing you need to do is contact Caledon's Planning and Development Department to determine if your development application requires MDS I or MDS II calculations.
MDS I calculates the minimum distance between proposed new developments and existing livestock or permanent manure storage facilities. MDS II calculates the minimum distance between proposed new or enlarged livestock or manure facilities with existing developments.
- Review the Surrounding Area
Once you've determined whether you require a MDS I or MDS II calculation for your application, you need to conduct a detailed review of the surrounding area to identify any livestock, manure, or existing developments.
- Complete an MDS Calculation
The Province has developed the ArgiSuite software to complete MDS calculations. Please review the MDS Guidelines or contact OMAFRA if you have any questions.
- Application review
In support of your application, please include the MDS calculation generated by the ArgiSuite Software. Should we require additional information, we will contact you directly.