Minimum Distance Separation

The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Formulae are land use planning tools that determine setback distances between livestock barns, manure storages or anaerobic digesters and surrounding land uses.

[emphasis: blue] The objective of the Minimum Distance Separation is to minimize land use conflicts and nuisance complaints related to odour and sensitive uses. The Minimum Distance Separation does not account for other nuisances such as noise or dust.

The Minimum Distance Separation Formulae are based on five factors

• the type of livestock housed
• the potential number of livestock housed (based on barn capacity or lot size)
• the percentage increase in the size of the operation
• the type of manure system and storage
• the type of encroaching land use

When is Minimum Distance Separation used?

• When developments (building permits, severances, rezoning applications, etc.) are located outside of the Settlement Areas of the County of Brant
• To determine the appropriate setback distances for development from sensitive land uses (i.e. proposed dwelling to livestock facility)
• A Minimum Distance Separation calculation is required for a surplus dwelling if the existing dwelling and livestock facility are on the same property prior to the severance, but not if they are on two separate parcels prior to the severance
• A Minimum Distance Separation calculation is not required for accessory structures
• A Minimum Distance Separation calculation is not required for development on the same property as the livestock facility

Minimum Distance Separation Calculations 

Minimum Distance Separation calculations are performed via the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) AgriSuite which is an online calculator and can be performed by the applicant or by a Nutrient Management Consultant.

OMAFRA has developed computer software to help municipalities, farmers and consultants calculate MDS setbacks to determine if a proposed land use application can meet MDS I and if a proposed building permit can meet MDS II.

Visit the AgriSuite web page for information on accessing AgriSuite and for help with using the MDS software. The version of the software in AgriSuite is considered the official version of the MDS software by OMAFRA for calculating setbacks in accordance with Publication 853.

For help with Minimum Distance Separation and AgriSuite, email the Agricultural Information Contact Centre or call 1-877-424-1300.

Role of the Municipality 

Municipalities are responsible for ensuring that Minimum Distance Separation setbacks are met when reviewing land use planning applications (i.e. lot creation applications) or building permits. An application may be deemed not complete without the calculation. 

Minimum Distance Separation calculations are required for building permits and Planning Act applications associated and/or near livestock facilities.