​​​​​​​​​The City of Brampton is at the center of North America's major transportation corridors, offering a central location to major highways and Toronto Pearson Airport for the quick and efficient moving of goods and services. It is a growing hub for business and economic growth and holds the title of Canada's largest inland port.

How to Legally Operate a Parking or Storage Facility

Truck and freight storage facilities are only permitted on lands that are zoned to permit the storage of oversized motor vehicles and outside storage. Where outside storage is permitted, it is subject to specific requirements outlined in the City of Brampton Zoning By-law, and the application of all other Municipal By-laws.

To operate an outdoor storage yard or intermodal facility on lands that do not support the use, applicants may apply for a Zoning By-law Amendment, on a temporary or permanent basis. Land use changes for truck parking are no longer considered through Minor Variance Applications.

The site plan review process examines the design and technical aspects of a proposed development to ensure compliance with all municipal requirements, standards, and objectives, including (but not limited to):

  • ​​by-law requirements,
  • grading and servicing standards,
  • transportation and traffic standards,
  • urban design objectives,
  • landscaping standards,
  • environmental conservation,
  • conformity with provincial noise, vibration, and odour guidelines, and
  • other external agencies' requirements.

A pre-consultation application is a pre-requisite for all the above-noted application types. For a detailed description of the process, guidelines on how to submit applications, and digital materials, refer to the following links:

Enforcement

The unauthorized development and conversion of land without approval is illegal, and poses risks to public safety, municipal growth, and environmental integrity, including:

  • Placing undue strains on municipal utilities and infrastructure, increasing the city's cost of maintenance and repair, including stormwater management systems and local roadways.
  • Interfering with and damaging conservation features such as valley and stream corridors, flood storage and erosion control, fish and wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge and discharge, and air and water quality.
  • Not levying property-appropriate municipal taxes or collecting the required permit application fees.

Enforcement efforts aim to protect public safety, maintain the quality of life for residents, uphold the integrity of the community, and mitigate potential negative impacts caused by unauthorized commercial parking and storage within the City.

The City takes illegal development and operation seriously and will take enforcement against those who contravene City by-laws. Property owners and businesses may be liable to fines and the City performing work at the owner's expense where there is non-compliance and non-conformity with municipal requirements.

Keeping our City Safe

If you observe a location that you think is operating or developing illegally, or could pose a threat to public safety, please call 3-1-1 or submit a service request online​.

Frequently Asked Questions