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MDS Calculator
Enter your livestock, manure storage, and scenario to estimate setback distances for barn/manure storage builds in Ontario.
Livestock
Livestock #1
Estimated NU
0.0
Select the highest-odour manure storage on your farm (this controls the setback).
Example: If your farm has a lagoon or uncovered liquid pit anywhere on the yard, select that — even if your new barn uses solid manure.
TOTAL NUTRIENT UNITS
0.0 NU
MINIMUM DISTANCE TO NEAREST HOUSE
0 m
BARN SETBACK TO NEAREST HOUSE
STORAGE SETBACK TO NEAREST HOUSE
0 m
0 m
MINIMUM SETBACK TO PROPERTY LINE
MINIMUM SETBACK TO ROAD
REQUIRED DISTANCE FOR NEW HOUSE BUILDS NEAR YOUR FARM
0 m
0 m
0 m
This calculator is a planning tool only. Final nutrient unit calculations should be confirmed as part of a formal nutrient management review.
In Ontario, livestock barn setbacks are determined using Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) formulas. These rules calculate how far a barn or manure storage must be from nearby houses, roads, and lot lines based on the number of animals, type of manure system, and whether the farm is expanding or building new.
Many farmers ask:
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How far does a barn need to be from a house in Ontario?
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How far from the road can I build a barn?
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Can I build a livestock barn on my property?
This Ontario MDS calculator calculates setback distances.
Run Your Setback & MDS Numbers
Can I Build a Barn Here?
Check whether a proposed barn location may be constrained by MDS, setbacks, or nearby land uses.
Calculate Nutrient Units
Estimate livestock nutrient units to help determine whether NMS or NMP requirements may be triggered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an NMS to build a barn in Ontario?
What are nutrient units and how does this relate to livestock?
When do I need both an NMS and an NMP?
How long does approval of a NMS or NMP take?
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