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Commercial Parking and Storage Operations

Storage Containers

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

Where They Are Permitted

Commercial storage and parking operations are only permitted on lands that are zoned to permit the parking and storage of oversized motor vehicles and outside storage. Where outside storage is permitted as an accessory use and it complies with the provisions of the Zoning By-law, storage may only be located within the designated outside storage area; generally situated in a rear yard and screened from view from a street.

Where They Are Not Permitted

The Zoning By-law, generally, does not permit outside storage or the parking or storage of oversized motor vehicles on any vacant, commercial, agricultural or residential lots; or in front yards.

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.

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 commercial operation storing trucks or containers illegally, you may ​call 3-1-1 or submit a service request online​.

 Frequently Asked Questions

No. Work, inclusive of grading, may only commence after site plan approval is approved, and may only occur in accordance with the approved plans.

You are required to submit a Pre-Consultation application to begin the site plan review process.

During the site plan review, the City will review the technical and design aspects of the project to ensure compliance and compatibility.

While the operation may have been ongoing without prior authorization, compliance is imperative to ensure that the development or change of land use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the City’s plans, policies, and by-laws.​

If your application is deemed complete under the Planning Act, then staff aim to review Site Plan Applications in 60 days and Zoning By-law Amendments in 90 days. However, delays are common when an application is not complete and is required to be sent back to the applicant.​