Understanding Setback Requirements
Ontario regulations require minimum distances (setbacks) between livestock barns, manure storage facilities, and sensitive features such as wells, watercourses, and property boundaries. These setbacks are in addition to MDS requirements and are designed to protect water quality and neighbouring properties.
Common Setback Requirements
Distance from municipal wells and private wells
Distance from watercourses, ditches, and drainage features
Distance from property lines
Distance from roads and road allowances
Distance from residential buildings (MDS II)
Distance from tile drainage inlets and outlets
Important
Setback distances vary depending on the type of facility, the type of well, and local municipal requirements. Always confirm specific setback requirements with a qualified professional before finalizing your site plan.
Manure Storage Setbacks
Manure storage facilities have their own set of setback requirements, which may differ from barn setbacks. Liquid manure storage (earthen or concrete) typically has more stringent setback requirements than solid manure storage.
Liquid manure storage requires greater distances from wells
Earthen manure storage has specific requirements for liner and monitoring
Temporary field storage has seasonal restrictions and setback requirements
All storage must meet O. Reg. 267/03 requirements
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.
Use the Advanced MDS Calculator
Estimate detailed MDS-related setback planning for livestock barns and manure storage.
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?
When do I need both an NMS and an NMP?
How long does approval take?