Information and updates on the City of Ottawa's new zoning by-law can be found on the project’s EngageOttawa(link is external) page.
This consolidation of the Zoning By-law is current to November 24, 2023.
This consolidation of the City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, By-law 2008-250 and the amendments thereto, is prepared for reference purposes only. While the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the reader is advised that as this publication is an office consolidation, in situations where legal accuracy is important, the By-law itself and any amending by-laws thereto must be consulted.
Please note: A listing of pending and amending by-laws to Zoning By-law No. 2008-250 can be referenced in Appendix B – the Amendment Schedule to the Zoning By-law and Interim Control By-laws. Appendix B should be read in conjunction with the consolidated Zoning By-law.
For information about these amending by-laws and the applicability of their regulations, please contact 3-1-1 and request to speak to the Development Information Officer (DIO) for the geographic area in question.
Copies of individual zoning amendment by-laws can be obtained at the following locations:
City Hall Client Service Center
1st Floor, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Central Archives
100 Tallwood Dr. (Corner of Woodroffe)
Ottawa, Ontario
tel.: 613-580-2857
fax :613-580-2614
e-mail: archives@ottawa.ca(link opens email application)
Part 1 – Administration, Interpretation and Definitions (Sections 1-54)
This page provides the text of the Zoning By-law (Parts 1 to 16) and a link to the Schedules which are site specific illustrations of provisions (Parts 17) and Zoning Maps (Part 18). Parts 1 to 5 comprise the provisions that apply City-wide, Parts 6 to 14 are the various zoning codes, Part 15 are the list of exceptions to the zoning codes and Part 16 contains additional information. The provisions of the existing zoning by-laws are not available on the City’s web site. The City of Ottawa Zoning By-law is made available on the web site for information, however confirmation on the zoning provisions should be sought through the City’s development information officers (DIO), by contacting 311 and asking for the DIO for the geographic area in question.
- Administration (Sec. 1-9) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- General Rules of Interpretation (Sec. 10-28) / Interpreting Zoning Information (Sec. 29-46) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Definitions (Sec. 54) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 2 – General Provisions (Sections 55-75)
In this part you will find provisions that apply to all land uses (e.g. adequate municipal services, frontage on a public street) or to lands located in identified areas in specific situations (e.g. heritage areas, flood plain districts).
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures (Sec. 55) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Adequate Municipal Services (Sec. 56) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Corner Sight Triangles (Sec. 57) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Flood Plain Overlay (Sec. 58) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Frontage on a Public Street (Sec. 59) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Heritage Overlay (Sec. 60) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Holding Zones - Additions (Sec. 61) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Minimum Distance Separation (Sec. 62) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Part-Lot Control (Sec. 63) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Permitted Projections Above the Height Limit (Sec. 64) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Permitted Projections into Required Yards (Sec. 65) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Provisions for the Handling and Transfer of Propane and Natural Gas (Sec. 66) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Residential use building setback from mineral aggregate zones (Sec. 67) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Setbacks from Railway Rights-of-Way in Rural Zones (Sec. 68) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Setback from Watercourses (Sec. 69) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Protection of Airport Operations (Sec. 70) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Temporary Uses, Buildings or Structures During Construction or Special Events(Sec. 71) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Setback from the Trans Canada Pipeline (Sec. 72) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Provisions for the May 2017 Flood Relief Overlay (Sec. 73) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Multiple Buildings (Section 74) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Temporary Provisions Related to COVID-19 (Section 75) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 3 – Specific Use Provisions (Sections 76-99)
Specific Use Provisions are described in this part. These provisions apply, on a City-wide basis, to a particular land use (e.g. snow disposal facilities, utility installations).
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- Office-to-Residential Conversions (Sec. 76) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Provisions for High-Rise Buildings (Sec. 77) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Payday Loan Establishment (Sec. 78) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Provisions for On-farm Diversified Uses (Sec.79A) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Agriculture-Related Uses (Sec. 79B) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Adult Entertainment Parlours (Sec. 80) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Click and Collect Facility (Section 81) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Urban Agriculture (Sec. 82) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Hydronic Heaters (Sec. 83) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Kennels (Sec. 84) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Outdoor Commercial Patios (Sec. 85) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Parking on Place of Worship Sites (Sec. 86) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Rapid-Transit Network (Sec. 87) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Security Huts for Diplomatic Missions (Sec. 88) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Small Batch Breweries (Sec. 89) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Snow Disposal Facilities (Sec. 90) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Utility Installations (Sec. 91) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Wayside Pits and Wayside Quarries (Sec. 92) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- One Lot for Zoning Purposes (Sec. 93) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Car Sharing Services (Sec. 94) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Waste Processing and Transfer Facilities in the Rural Area (Sec. 95) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Place of Worship (Sec. 96) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Medical Marihuana Production Facility (Sec. 97) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Training Facilities (Sec. 98) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Storefront Industry (Sec. 99) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 4 – Parking, Queuing and Loading Provisions (Sections 100-114)
The information contained in this part clarifies all provisions for motor vehicle and bicycle parking, loading spaces and drive-through (queuing) spaces. The City of Ottawa Zoning By-law is made available on the web site for information, however confirmation on the zoning provisions should be sought through the City’s development information officers (DIO), by contacting 311 and asking for the DIO for the geographic area in question.
- General Provisions (Sec. 100) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Minimum Parking Space Rates (Sec. 101) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Minimum Visitor Parking Space Rates (Sec. 102) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Maximum Limit on Number of Parking Spaces Near Rapid Transit Stations (Sec. 103) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Shared Parking Provisions (Sec. 104) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Tandem Parking Provisions (Sec. 105) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Parking Space Provisions (Sec. 106) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Aisle and Driveway Provisions (Sec. 107) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Steep Driveways (Sec. 108) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Location of Parking (Sec. 109) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Landscaping Provisions for Parking Lots (Sec. 110) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Bicycle Parking Space Rates and Provisions (Sec. 111) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Provisions for Drive-Through Operations (Sec. 112) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Loading Space Rates and Provisions (Sec. 113) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Reserved for future use (Sec. 114) By-law 2021-218
Part 5 – Residential Provisions (Sections 120-146)
The City of Ottawa Zoning By-law is made available on the web site for information, however confirmation on the zoning provisions should be sought through the City’s development information officers (DIO), by contacting 311 and asking for the DIO for the geographic area in question.
- Reserved for future use (Sec. 120)
- Bed and Breakfast Provisions (Sec. 121) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Short-term Rental Provisions (Sec. 121A) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Cottage Rental Provisions (Sec. 121B) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Conversions (Sec. 122) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Front Yard Setback Reductions (Sec. 123) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Reserved for future use (Sec. 124)
- Group Home Provisions (Sec. 125) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Heavy Vehicles and Recreational Vehicles Associated with a Residential Use (Sec. 126) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Home-Based Business Provisions (Sec. 127) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Home-Based Businesses in RU and AG Zones (Sec. 128) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Home Based Businesses in Villages (Section 128A) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Home-Based Day Care (Sec. 129) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Non-Residential Uses in Residential Zones (Sec. 130) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Planned Unit Development (Sec. 131) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Rooming Houses (Sec. 132) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Additional Dwelling Units and Coach Houses (Sec. 133) (By-law 2023-435 Bill 23 Provisions) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Shelter Accommodation (Sec. 134) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Through lots in Residential Zones (Sec. 135) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Maximum Number of Attached Dwelling Units in a Multiple Attached Dwelling (Section 136) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Amenity Area (Section 137) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Regulations Affecting Vertically Attached Dwelling Units (Section 138) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Low-Rise Residential Development in All Neighbourhoods within the Greenbelt (Section 139) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Low-Rise Residential Infill Development in the Mature Neighbourhoods Overlay (Section 140) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Residential Neighbourhood Commercial Suffix (Section 141) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Reserved for future use (Section 142) (By-law 2023-435 Bill 23 Provisions)
- Waste Management (Section 143) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Alternative Yard Setbacks affecting Low-rise Residential Development in the R1 to R4 Zones within the Greenbelt (Section 144) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Long Semi-detached Dwellings (Section 145) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Westboro Development Overlay (Section 146) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 6 – Residential Zones (Sections 155-168)
This part contains the Urban and Suburban residential zones that apply to the City and includes:
In the Urban/Suburban area the R1- Residential First Density (detached dwellings), R2- Residential Second Density (two unit dwellings), R3- Residential Third Density (townhouse dwellings), R4- Residential Fourth Density (low rise apartments), R5- Residential Fifth Density (mid/high-rise apartments) and the RM-Mobile Home zone applies to all areas. (By-law 2012-334)
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- R1 - Residential First Density Zone (Sec. 155-156) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- R2 - Residential Second Density Zone (Sec. 157-158) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- R3 - Residential Third Density Zone (Sec. 159-160) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- R4 - Residential Fourth Density Zone (Sec. 161-162) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- R5 - Residential Fifth Density Zone (Sec. 163-164) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Reserved for Future Use (Sec. 165-166)
- RM- Mobile Home Zone (Sec. 167-168) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 7 – Institutional Zones (Sections 169-172)
This part contains the institutional zones that are applied to the urban and suburban areas of the City, and includes the I1-Minor Institutional Zone (e.g. schools and places of worship) and the Major Institutional Zone (e.g. universities, colleges and hospitals).
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- I1 - Minor Institutional Zone (Sec. 169-170) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- I2 - Major Institutional Zone (Sec. 171-172) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 8 – Open Space and Leisure Zones (Sections 173-180)
This part contains the O1- Parks and Open Space (City-wide), L1- Community Leisure (urban local facilities), L2- Major Leisure Facility (urban City-wide facilities) and L3- Central Experimental Farm Zones.
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- L1 - Community Leisure Facility Zone (Sec. 173-174) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- L2 - Major Leisure Facility Zone (Sec. 175-176) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- L3 - Central Experimental Farm (Sec. 177) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- O1 - Parks and Open Space Zone (Sec. 179-180) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 9 – Environmental Zones (Sections 183-184)
In this part you will find information on the EP-Environmental Protection Zone that is applied to areas designated as Urban Natural Feature and Significant Wetland in the Official Plan. (By-law 2012-334)
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
Part 10 – Mixed Use/Commercial Zones (Sections 185-198)
This part comprises the zones that are applied to the urban and suburban areas of the City in accordance with the mixed-use and commercial land use designations of the Official Plan, and includes the LC- Local Commercial, GM- General Mixed Use, TM- Traditional Mainstreet, AM-Arterial Mainstreet, MC- Mixed Use Centre and MD- Mixed-Use Downtown Zones.
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- AM - Arterial Mainstreet Zone (Sec. 185-186) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- GM - General Mixed Use Zone (Sec. 187-188) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- LC - Local Commercial Zone (Sec. 189-190) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- MC - Mixed-Use Centre Zone (Sec. 191-192) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- MD - Mixed-Use Downtown Zone (Sec. 193-194) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- TD - Transit Oriented Development Zone (Sections 195 and 196) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- TM - Traditional Mainstreet Zone (Sec. 197-198) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 11 – Industrial Zones (Sections 199-206)
The information contained in this part covers the zones applied to the urban and suburban areas of the City in accordance with the industrial land use designations of the Official Plan, and includes the IP-Business Park, IL-Light Industrial, IG- General Industrial and IH-Heavy Industrial Zones.
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- IG - General Industrial Zone (Sec. 199-200) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- IH - Heavy Industrial Zone (Sec. 201-202) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- IL - Light Industrial Zone (Sec. 203-204) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- IP - Business Park Industrial Zone (Sec. 205-206) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 12 – Transportation Zones (Sections 207-210)
This part contains the transportation zones that apply to the urban and suburban areas of the City and includes the T1- Air Transportation Facility (airports) and T2- Ground Transportation Facility Zones (bus and train terminals).
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- T1 - Air Transportation Facility Zone (Sec. 207-208) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- T2 - Ground Transportation Zone (Sec. 209-210) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 13 – Rural Zones (Sections 211-236)
This section of the Zoning By-law deals with the Greenbelt and the Rural Area.
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
- AG - Agricultural Zone (Sec. 211-212) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- ME - Mineral Extraction Zone (Sec. 213-214) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- MR - Mineral Aggregate Reserve Zone (Sec. 215-216) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- RC - Rural Commercial Zone (Sec. 217-218) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- RG - Rural General Industrial Zone (Sec. 219-220) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- RH - Rural Heavy Industrial Zone (Sec. 221-222) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- RI - Rural Institutional Zone (Sec. 223-224) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- RR - Rural Residential Zone (Sec. 225-226) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- RU - Rural Countryside Zone (Sec. 227-228) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- VM - Village Mixed-Use Zone (Sec. 229-230) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- V1 - Village Residential First Density Zone (Sec. 231-232) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- V2 - Village Residential Second Density Zone (Sec. 233-234) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- V3 - Village Residential Third Density Zone (Sec. 235-236) Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
Part 14 – Other Zones (Sections 237-238)
This part contains the DR-Development Reserve Zone that applies to urban and suburban future growth areas and to the Developing Community designation of the Official Plan.
The City of Ottawa Zoning Bylaw is made available on the website for information, however if you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or e-mail DIOInquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) and include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
Part 16 - Appendices - Administrative Lists and Processes
- Appendix A - List of Land Uses Specifically Mentioned or Defined [PDF – 36 KB Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)]
- Appendix B - Amendment Schedule to the Zoning Bylaw and Interim Control Bylaws
- Appendix C - The Committee of Adjustment [PDF – 16 KB Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)]
- Appendix D - Appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal [PDF – 12 KB Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)]