Zoning

Municipal regulations administered by Ontario cities, towns, and townships that divide land into designated zones — such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural — and specify what uses, building types, heights, setbacks, and densities are permitted in each zone. Zoning in Ontario operates under the authority of the Planning Act and must conform to Official Plans. Property owners wishing to use or develop land in a manner not permitted by current zoning must apply for a zoning by-law amendment or minor variance through the municipality’s Committee of Adjustment.