Check the zoning of an address

Zoning by-laws may be passed by the councils of local municipalities: … For prohibiting the use of land, for or except for such purposes as may be set out in the by-law within the municipality or within any defined area or areas … For regulating the type of construction and the height, bulk, location, size, floor area, spacing, character and use of buildings or structures to be erected or located within the municipality or within any defined area or areas …

In plain wordsA city council can use a zoning by-law to limit what land is used for and to regulate the type, height, bulk, location, size, floor area and spacing of buildings. So the same land allows different things depending on its zoning.

Source: ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13 · checked Oct 30, 2026

The council of a local municipality may, in a by-law passed under section 34, by the use of the holding symbol “H” (or “h”) in conjunction with any use designation, specify the use to which lands, buildings or structures may be put at such time in the future as the holding symbol is removed by amendment to the by-law.

In plain wordsIf a zone code carries an H, the listed uses are allowed only in the future: council must amend the by-law to remove the H first.

Source: ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13 · checked Nov 2, 2026

to prevent the use of any land, building or structure for any purpose prohibited by the by-law if such land, building or structure was lawfully used for such purpose on the day of the passing of the by-law, so long as it continues to be used for that purpose

In plain wordsA use that was lawful before the by-law was passed is not stopped by it, as long as that use continues. A business operating against today’s zoning may be in this situation, but stopping or changing the use can lose the protection.

Source: ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13 · checked Nov 2, 2026

authorize the temporary use of land, buildings or structures for any purpose set out therein that is otherwise prohibited by the by-law. … which shall not exceed three years from the day of the passing of the by-law.

In plain wordsA city can allow an otherwise prohibited use for a limited time, no longer than three years at a time. A business running under a temporary use by-law may have to stop when it ends, so check the expiry date.

Source: ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13 · checked Nov 2, 2026

may, despite any other Act, authorize such minor variance from the provisions of the by-law, in respect of the land, building or structure or the use thereof, as in its opinion is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure, if in the opinion of the committee the general intent and purpose of the by-law and of the official plan, if any, are maintained.

In plain wordsThe committee of adjustment can allow a minor variance from the by-law. It takes an application and a hearing, and it must keep the intent of the by-law and the official plan, so the result is not guaranteed.

Source: ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13 · checked Nov 2, 2026

where an official plan is in effect, no public work shall be undertaken and, except as provided in subsections (2) and (4), no by-law shall be passed for any purpose that does not conform therewith.

In plain wordsWhere an official plan is in effect, a by-law that does not conform to it cannot be passed. So before hoping for a rezoning, check whether the official plan allows that use.

Source: ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13 · checked Nov 2, 2026