Determining how far a building must be from a roadway, property line, or river involves consulting both the specific Bulk Requirement Tables and the General Provisions found in the RM of Reynolds Zoning Bylaw (2014).

Identify Your Zoning District

Before looking at a table, you must know your “Zone” (e.g., GD, RSR, RM1). You can find this by looking at the Zoning Maps at the end of the Bylaw or by contacting the RM office.

Consult the “Use and Bulk Requirement” Tables

The Bylaw uses specific tables to list the minimum “yards” (setbacks). A “Yard” is the open space required between a building and a property line.

  • Front Yard: Distance from the front property line.

  • Side Yard: Distance from the side property boundaries.

  • Rear Yard: Distance from the back property boundary.

Key Tables to Reference:

  • Table 4.1: “GD” General Development Zone — This is where the 75-foot front yard requirement for dwellings is found.

  • Table 4.3: “RSR” Rural Settlement Residential — Check here for smaller residential lots, which may have different requirements.

  • Table 4.6: Rural Zones (RGZ, RM1, RM2) — Use this for larger rural or agricultural parcels.

Setbacks from Rivers and Water (Hazard Lands)

Distances from a river are not usually found in the Bulk Tables. Instead, you must look at Section 3.12 (Hazard Lands).

  • The Rule: Buildings must be set back from the Ordinary High Water Mark of any natural water body (rivers, streams, or creeks).

  • Environmental Protection: These setbacks are designed to prevent erosion and protect the building from flooding. While the Bylaw defers to provincial experts for exact distances, a standard environmental buffer is often 30 metres (approx. 98 feet).

Special Provisions to Watch For

Beyond the tables, there are “Special Provisions” in Part III that might change your required distance:

  • Corner Lots (Section 3.17.3): No buildings or high fences are allowed within a 30-foot “Clear View Triangle” at the intersection of two streets to ensure traffic safety.

  • Accessory Buildings (Section 3.1): While sheds and garages generally follow the same front yard rules (e.g., 75 feet in the GD zone), they must also be at least 10 feet away from the main house.

  • Provincial Roads (Section 3.27): If your property borders a Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) or Provincial Road (PR), the province may require a much larger setback than the RM does. You may need a separate permit from Manitoba Infrastructure.