FAQ - What is a Zoning Bylaw?

A zoning bylaw is the OCP’s main regulatory tool and is sort of like a “good neighbour” bylaw that sets out community standards, not restrictions. It is a detailed legal document that that regulates land use and establishes development standards in order to:

• Reflect the Future Land Use map and applicable policies from a community's Official Community Plan.  
• Optimize the types of uses that are best suited for a particular “zoning district”.  Zoning districts:
  • Separate incompatible land uses (e.g. a house next to a landfill).
  • Set out development standards, such as how far your house must be setback from your property line or setting the maximum height of a fence.
• Enhance public safety and minimize property damage and liability by regulating development in the flood zone and in other hazardous areas.
• Protect natural resources and sensitive lands (e.g. shorelines, heritage sensitive areas) by regulating development near these lands.
• Provide a transparent "playbook" for residents, developers and businesses when development permits are being issued or the zoning bylaw is being amended.  
• Provide for the health, safety and general welfare of residents.

WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN?
Click here for more information on the purpose of an Official Community Plan (OCP).

MORE INFORMATION
​Click here for more information on Zoning Bylaws from the Community Planning branch, Ministry of Government Relations.

Good to Know
A zoning bylaw does not regulate people.  For example, a zoning bylaw cannot regulate who can live where, who can own land or buy or rent a house, or define a use by referring to a personal characteristic.  A zoning bylaw can only regulate: where and how a use can be located (i.e. by “zoning district” and through lot requirements), form, intensity of use, and related development standards and conditions.