FAQs

What is a Lot Development Plan (LDP) Site Plan?

A lot development plan (LOP) is a sketch depicting the proposed development for a particular lot. It is prepared by a certified engineer for the purposes of building permit application.

  • A lot development plan shows:
  • Lot boundaries
  • Proposed building location/dimensions Proposed tree
  • Lot grading
  • Additional lot information specific to your lot (ex. ‘noncut zones’)
  • Lot dimensions
  • Proposed driveway location and size
  • Location and nature of easements affecting the lot Approximate location of swales

Proposed Tree

As per Municipal requirements Moonhill Homes is required to plant a ‘street tree’ on each lot. Tree species are determined by the Municipality at the time of Subdivision approval and are matched to the specific site conditions to ensure success of the tree. They are an important landscape feature of the neighbourhood and the City as a whole; homeowner support is imperative to the success of the tree.

Homeowners are required to water and care for trees planted in the boulevard of their lot. A “no cut zone” is an area that the developer/Municipality/Conservation Authority wishes to keep natural. Permission should be obtained from the developer when wishing to remove trees or vegetation.


I have an easement on my property, what does that mean?

The purpose of the easement is to protect buried infrastructure which has been installed on a portion of your property (i.e. Storm Sewer). This easement gives legal access to Municipal officials to enter onto the land for the purposes of inspection/ maintenance. Sheds, pools, decks, fencing or any means of blocking or altering the easement may not be permitted.

Further information may be obtained by calling the Building Department or Environmental Services.


What are Subdivision Restricted Covenants?

In some instances, a Subdivider will register on the title of new Subdivision lands Restricted Covenants dealing with issues relating to parking, fencing, landscaping etc. in the Subdivision. These Restricted Covenants are between the Subdivider and property owners. The Municipality has no involvement. These should be discussed with a Solicitor.


Can I widen my driveway and who should I contact?

Any requests for a change to the entrance width must be obtained from the Municipality. Further information may be obtained by calling the local municipality.


What is ‘over dig’ and why is it required?

Sometime excavating crews need to ‘over dig’ i.e. dig past the limits of what will be the foundation; this is required to stabilize the sub-base soil and to allow placement of footings. The extent of over dig depends on the nature of the soil – in some instances the over dig reaches the next foundation.

Homeowners may not be permitted to install fencing or landscaping along theside yard of their property while the adjacent lot remains vacant.


Do I need a building permit for a shed, deck, fence, pool, to finish my basement, or to install an air conditioner?

To determine if you require a Building Permit, please contact the Building Department. To ensure compliance with the Municipality’s Zoning By-law regarding setbacks from property lines, size etc. Always call the local utilities to locate underground services prior to digging.**


I want to install a pool on my property. How do I proceed?

You should review your Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Restrictive Covenants. The installation of a pool may result in changes to the grading or drainage; please note: all change to grading or drainage must be approved and authorization from the Municipality is required.


What are the Subdivider’s responsibilities?

The Subdivider is responsible for an overall grading and drainage plan for the Subdivision; construction of sewers, watermains, roads, curbs, and sidewalks; street lighting and perimeter fencing (if required) in the Subdivision.


What does final acceptance or assumption of new Subdivision mean?

Final acceptance and/or assumption of a Subdivision occurs when the Municipality assumes responsibility for the maintenance of all municipal services from the Subdivider. This typically occurs within three to six years after the registration of the Subdivision, or when all the Subdivider’s requirements have been fulfilled. Until this happens, the Subdivider is responsible for all municipal and regional services and maintenance of the streets with the exception of snow clearance and garbage pickup. Unassumed roads are open to the public and subject to conventional rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act including parking regulation.


ENVIRONMENTAL BUFFERS

Environmental buffers are strips or pockets of permanent vegetation planted in and around environmentally sensitive areas. They decrease edge effects, and maintain and enhance adjacent habitat characteristics by providing a stable area that protects the natural features by:

Preventing erosion      Providing naturalized migration corridors     Moderating the microclimate of the system Reducing the impacts of human influence such as noise, increase lighting, trampled vegetation etc.

Buffers create habitat for wildlife and beautify the landscape, effectively increasing the value of your land as an investment and as a place for outdoor recreation. Establishing a buffer can help prevent the destruction of habitat and loss of biodiversity.


POSITIVE SPILL-OVER

Considering these areas are in such proximity to the surrounding development what one does in his or her yard ultimately affects these features. Homeowners are not permitted to cut or alter buffer areas. Spraying or dumping waste into buffer areas is strictly prohibited.

Remember these areas were once part of a continuous linkage of green space. Live harmoniously with the species around you and help to keep these areas as natural as possible!

We strongly believe in Environmental Stewardship and encourages homeowners to help protect the environment through conservation and sustainable practices.


ENCROACHMENT

Know your property limits! Any activity extending outside your property is considered illegal encroachment. Cutting the grass, the placement of manicured gardens and any type of structure is taking away from the richness of the habitat and overall diversity of species in the area.

Environmental Stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Following best practices in sustainability and conservation can help preserve our natural resources for many generations to come!


CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Ontario has passed laws and regulations banning and restriction the use of pesticides on residential lawns. It is important to keep in mind that any chemical applied may not stay where it is sprayed. Implementing a more environmentally friend way of living will enhance not only your property but your surroundings as well.


TIPS FOR A GREEN LAWN…

Cut your grass at a higher setting to allow it to retain moisture and choke out weeds Water in the early morning and avoid watering until the lawn is completely dry
Use a mulching lawnmower to return nutrients back into the ground Use non-toxic alternatives to chemical


COMPOSTING

Composting is a simple way to add nutrients back to your soils to help fuel plant growth and restore the vitality of your soil; it is also a good alternative to chemical fertilizers!

By composting at your home, you can divert as much as 30% of household waste from landfills. This process is fun and easy, requiring little maintenance.


USE WATER WISELY

Your new home already has a number of water saving features in place, however there are some additional things you can do to help conserve water.

Implement a rain barrel system and use it to water your lawn and gardens – you can create your own or purchase a barrel at your local hardware store

Practice smart gardening-water before 9am to help reduce evaporation, choose drought resistant plants, avoid over watering (lawns only need about 2.5cm of water per week)

Overall, try to use less water; take shorter showers, only fill the bathtub up half-way, use a kiddie pool instead of a sprinkler to keep kids cool in the summer.

For more information on how to conserve water visit:
https://www.london.ca/residents/Water/Water-Conservation/Pages/defauIt. aspx


EFFECTS OF YOUR OUTDOOR PETS

There are an estimated 600 million cats worldwide living on every continent except Antarctica. Unfortunately, outdoor cars kill billions of birds and small mammals annually. Their drive to hunt is so strong that even a well-fed cat enjoys hunting birds, small mammals, and reptiles. While the impact of one cat may not seem like a big deal, it is important to consider the total impact of all outdoor cats – it is estimated that a single cat can kill about 33 birds and a dozen small mammals each year!

Did you know cats are the most popular pet globally?

The area around you is home to 25+ species of birds. Including Partners-In-Flight (PIF) species which have been flagged due to declining numbers. Additionally, there are many chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and amphibians that call the area home.

For more information on Partners-In-Flight visit: https://www.partnersinflight.org/

PLANT ONTARIO NATIVE SPECIES

Non-native species are those that do not originate in Ontario. Usually they are considered to be invasive meaning they spread very rapidly and compete with native species. When landscaping, consult your local nursery on which species are native to Ontario and would best suit your space – native species are more tolerant to our climate, soils, diseases, and insects.

To learn more about all types of invasive species in Ontario visit: www.invadingspecies.com


POLLINATORS

Did you know there are over 700 species of native pollinators in Canada?

Bees are the most common, however butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, and hummingbirds are also important pollinators. The declining health and population of bees and wild pollinators is a serious problem that requires immediate action.

The Ontario government has implemented a number of actions to help improve the health of Ontario’s native pollinators and managed bees through the Pollinator Health Action Plan; We would like to do our part to ‘Save the Bees’!

Pollinator friendly, native species are included in all naturalized areas throughout developments for long term habitat. In addition, we strive to create temporary tall grass prairie and wildflower habitats on vacant land and future development lands to increase plant diversity and available habitat.

Additional information regarding the Pollinator Health Action Plan and what you can do can be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/pollinator-health