A new by-law has been passed in Timmins, saying anyone looking to put up a temporary car shelter over the winter has to get a permit from city hall. The shelter must be prefabricated, be securely anchored to the ground, and have a tubular steel frame with a flame-resistant fabric.

The shelter also must not negatively impact a neighbour’s property; that puts the onus on the owner that if their structure is causing a problem, it will have to moved. For example, if snow accumulation is falling onto a neighbour’s driveway.

In order to get a permit, a site plan has to be brought to city hall. That doesn’t require a survey, but is generally a drawing from the homeowner showing where the structure would be set up. At that point, a by-law officer would go to the property to check it out, and if everything is up to standard a permit will be granted.

Photo: Breaking down the cost for the temporary structures. Supplied.

Photo: Breaking down the cost for the temporary structures. Supplied.

The full by-law is on the city’s website under item 3A.