Building a cabin on a floodplain?

Hi Everyone, Sorry if this thread is in the wrong section. I was wondering if anyone out there has come across this situation and may be able to offer opinion.
I bought a waterfront lot with a 18' x 28' one story cabin that sits in the floodplain of our local conservation authority. This building is considered a non-conforming building but is grandfathered due to the time it has sat there. i.e. They can’t make me remove it.
I will be applying for a permit with the town and conservation authority to raise and add height to the building. A couple of locals have told me that I will not be able to do much with the building due to its location.
I was wandering if anyone has ever dealt with local town and conservation authorities when working on your grandfathered building located on floodplains or within conservation lands? Is it possible to add height to add a loft? Change the roof pitch? Any information would be appreciated.

My first concern would be the foundation and its exposure to any prolonged damp. This should be the determining factor in whether you move the structure off site or raise it.
Don't know anything about dealing with CAs but I would think if the camp was to be ultimately moved, they'd want to promote that option.

I applaud your efforts to do something, it’s not if something will happen but when! Good luck dealing with the government agencies, let us know how you make out!

Are you sure that you want to go through that process ? I’d be tempted to make your modifications and move on with life...unless you have neighbours that would rat you out ?

Oh boy
I would try to get what you have approved.
Neighbours might rat you out if you do some changing. Google earth will get you for sure

Usually a building that is grandfathered under conservation authority is only for the existing building. You can make repairs and renovate but anything beyond that would require a new permit and no longer falls under the grandfather clause. Now you’re talking about going through environmental assessment if they would even consider it. You would need a lot of time, patience and money to see it through.


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Just outside of town we have cluster of homes built on the flood plan. They got permits to lift the houses up on stilts. I don't know how insurance works of them, but no a problem modifying the building.

Myself I would just do it one side at a time and call it renovations.

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Originally Posted by Mauro

Usually a building that is grandfathered under conservation authority is only for the existing building. You can make repairs and renovate but anything beyond that would require a new permit and no longer falls under the grandfather clause. Now you’re talking about going through environmental assessment if they would even consider it. You would need a lot of time, patience and money to see it through.


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Exactly.....renovation should include altering the roof line and raising it, nothing that would increase the footprint or be obvious on GoogleEarth....

Not sure how far you’re looking to raise it to get a little higher but I imagine you’d be ok up to 3-4’ ?

The other concern of being on a floodplain is the material the camp is sitting on. Could be anything from loon **it to sand to gravel. Adding weight in an upper story might need improving the footings and that could amount to a pile of complications.

Set it on some pontoons and due what ever you want to it.
Technically it'll be a boat.

Remember their definition of a flood plain could be once every 100 years. I’m on flood plain and 100’ above Lake Erie. If I flood yeah a lot of ppl are going to drown

Do not NOT mention any kind of critters you see.

My place on a slab was fine. No basement allowed

Have another cottage on cement pillars it’s fine

Big deal is the set back from water they want

I totally agree....just be wary of nosey neighbours, all depending what the cabin is sitting on (ie. foundation - concrete slab, cinder block, stilts etc)

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Myself I would just do it one side at a time and call it renovations.

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Originally Posted by FISH-ON

I totally agree....just be wary of nosey neighbours, all depending what the cabin is sitting on (ie. foundation - concrete slab, cinder block, stilts etc)

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In that scenario, neighbours are usually more helpful than not...as they are in the same boat so to speak, so watching and learning what their neighbours are doing will be respected.

Thanks for the feedback. I will let you know what happens.

Like MP says most camps on a lake have one building or another that was built on the sly and they don't want building inspectors roaming around. As he suggests, good to have an introductory chat with neighbors prior to doing any work and any off the cuff compliment about his place can go a long ways.