Zoning Certificate of Occupancy

A Zoning Certificate of Occupancy is a permit that approves a new use or a change of use of a building or unit in accordance with the Zoning By-law.

For example changing from a retail store to a restaurant, or a vacant unit to a new use.

You are not allowed to change the use of any land, building or structure until you have a Zoning Certificate of Occupancy, according to subsection 1.1.13 of the Zoning By-law.

The certificate does not give permission to construct or occupy a building. A Zoning Certificate of Occupancy does not approve a change of use according to the Ontario Building Code.

Learn more about when a building permit is required.

Check property history

To learn more about the current approved use of a property, check the property history. If you’re still not sure, call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).

How to apply

Submit your application online through our ePlans portal using the “Zoning Certificate of Occupancy” request type.

For more information please check ePlans help and support.

Required drawings and documents

You’ll need to upload the following drawings and documents when you apply.

View Zoning Certificate Sample Drawings

Site Plan

The site plan must include the following:

Address
Property lines (dimensioned)
Outline of existing building and other structures
Unit location and number, if applicable
Location of parking areas
Setback to adjacent property line(s)
Surface treatment
Typical regular and accessible parking spaces (dimensioned)
Aisles (dimensioned)

Site Statistics

Lot area
Lot frontage
Gross floor area (GFA) non residential figure (metres squared) with breakdown of each floor
Number of regular and accessible parking spaces required
Parking rate based on use of building
Number and dimension of parking spaces and accessible parking spaces provided

Floor Plans

Interior and exterior dimensions
Rooms labels indicating the use of each room. For example, “storage”, “office”

Letter of Use

The Letter of Use must include details about the proposed business operation, such as:

What type of business you conduct
What product or service you provide
Who you provide this service to
Specify whether there will be any wholesale or retail sales or outdoor storage
List all combustible storage and quantities, if applicable
Name(s) of the tenant and/or agent with business address and phone number
Total occupant load, such as number of people, employees, patrons

Fees

The application fee is $500. You can pay the fee online when you complete your application.