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.

​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.