New Zoning By-law

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New zoning by-law identifier

Update on Appeals regarding the New Zoning By-Law 2026-50

The appeal period for Zoning By-law 2026-50 ended on April 14, 2026. The Record of Appeal has been filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and staff can now share that Zoning By-law 2026-50 is currently under appeal.

For the time being, both Zoning By-law 2008-250 and Zoning By-law 2026-50 will be applied and the most restrictive provisions prevailing. This will continue until the unappealed portions of Zoning By-law 2026-50 are declared in effect by the OLT, which is anticipated to occur by September 2026.

Further information on the status of appeals and timelines will be shared as it's available.


ZONING PROVISIONS, as of March 11, 2026

ZONING MAP, as of March 11, 2026

Check out geoOttawa for the citywide updated Zoning Map. Be sure to turn on the “New Zoning By-law 2026-50” layer. To see the zoning under Zoning By-law 2008-250, click the layer for “Zoning By-law 2008-250”.


Additional Information on Appeals

Please note that the most restrictive provisions in Zoning By-law 2008-250 and the new Zoning By-law 2026-50 apply at this time, given statutory processes under the Planning Act which all municipalities are required to adhere to. For further details, please see below.

The new Zoning By-law does not come into force until all appeals have been withdrawn or disposed of, pursuant to subsection 34(30) of the Planning Act, and then it is deemed to have come into force on the day it was passed. Unappealed portions of the by-law may come into force by order of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and those portions are similarly deemed to have come into force on the day they were passed.

Until the OLT makes that order, including during the appeal period, the most restrictive provisions of both the current Zoning By-law 2008-250 and the new Zoning By-law 2026-50 will apply. This ensures compliance with both the currently-in-force zoning by-law 2008-250 and the new Zoning By-law, once in force retroactively. The OLT sets its own hearing schedule, however, it is anticipated the first OLT hearing to deal with appeals relating to the new Zoning By-law will occur by September 2026, including an order to bring the unappealed sections of the new Zoning By-law into effect following that hearing.

For provisions in the new Zoning By-law that remain under appeal and therefore not in force, the most restrictive provisions continue to apply from both by-laws until the appeals are resolved. The Tribunal may amend specific provisions through its decisions, and the City may also bring forward amendments to Zoning By-law 2026‑50 to resolve appeals. The online consolidation of Zoning By-law 2026-50 will have notation (bold italics and a margin note) indicating which provisions are under appeal. A reference document that outlines the status of appeals will also be available.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Check out the folders in the New Zoning By-law Documents tab on the right side of this page for more information on previous drafts of the new Zoning By-law and prior Council reports, previous consultation events and supporting materials, and classroom resources for teachers and students. Additional information can be found in the article posts below.


Honouring Statement

Ottawa is built on unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory. The peoples of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation have lived on this territory for millennia. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. The City of Ottawa honours the peoples and land of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. The City of Ottawa honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Update on Appeals regarding the New Zoning By-Law 2026-50

The appeal period for Zoning By-law 2026-50 ended on April 14, 2026. The Record of Appeal has been filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and staff can now share that Zoning By-law 2026-50 is currently under appeal.

For the time being, both Zoning By-law 2008-250 and Zoning By-law 2026-50 will be applied and the most restrictive provisions prevailing. This will continue until the unappealed portions of Zoning By-law 2026-50 are declared in effect by the OLT, which is anticipated to occur by September 2026.

Further information on the status of appeals and timelines will be shared as it's available.


ZONING PROVISIONS, as of March 11, 2026

ZONING MAP, as of March 11, 2026

Check out geoOttawa for the citywide updated Zoning Map. Be sure to turn on the “New Zoning By-law 2026-50” layer. To see the zoning under Zoning By-law 2008-250, click the layer for “Zoning By-law 2008-250”.


Additional Information on Appeals

Please note that the most restrictive provisions in Zoning By-law 2008-250 and the new Zoning By-law 2026-50 apply at this time, given statutory processes under the Planning Act which all municipalities are required to adhere to. For further details, please see below.

The new Zoning By-law does not come into force until all appeals have been withdrawn or disposed of, pursuant to subsection 34(30) of the Planning Act, and then it is deemed to have come into force on the day it was passed. Unappealed portions of the by-law may come into force by order of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and those portions are similarly deemed to have come into force on the day they were passed.

Until the OLT makes that order, including during the appeal period, the most restrictive provisions of both the current Zoning By-law 2008-250 and the new Zoning By-law 2026-50 will apply. This ensures compliance with both the currently-in-force zoning by-law 2008-250 and the new Zoning By-law, once in force retroactively. The OLT sets its own hearing schedule, however, it is anticipated the first OLT hearing to deal with appeals relating to the new Zoning By-law will occur by September 2026, including an order to bring the unappealed sections of the new Zoning By-law into effect following that hearing.

For provisions in the new Zoning By-law that remain under appeal and therefore not in force, the most restrictive provisions continue to apply from both by-laws until the appeals are resolved. The Tribunal may amend specific provisions through its decisions, and the City may also bring forward amendments to Zoning By-law 2026‑50 to resolve appeals. The online consolidation of Zoning By-law 2026-50 will have notation (bold italics and a margin note) indicating which provisions are under appeal. A reference document that outlines the status of appeals will also be available.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Check out the folders in the New Zoning By-law Documents tab on the right side of this page for more information on previous drafts of the new Zoning By-law and prior Council reports, previous consultation events and supporting materials, and classroom resources for teachers and students. Additional information can be found in the article posts below.


Honouring Statement

Ottawa is built on unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory. The peoples of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation have lived on this territory for millennia. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. The City of Ottawa honours the peoples and land of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. The City of Ottawa honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

  • Form and Function Discussion Paper

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    The Form and Function Discussion Paper serves as an overview of regulation for low-rise infill development in residential neighbourhoods. This report builds onto the Neighbourhood Character and Neigbhourhood Zoning Discussion Papers that were released earlier this year. This paper delves deeper into considering the interplay of functional site design elements, such as where a residential site's waste storage, bicycle parking, landscaping, balconies, and other essential functions should be located.

    Making rules for neighbourhoods involves finding a balance among all these different things so that a property works well. The City welcomes feedback and input from members of the public. The survey for this discussion paper will be available until November. The comments received will be summarized the received responses in an "As We Heard It" report in Q1 next year.

    Consultations on this and the previous discussion papers will inform the development of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law. We encourage members of the public to review the discussion papers and share their thoughts and ideas, as their input will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city.

    The Form and Function Discussion Paper serves as an overview of regulation for low-rise infill development in residential neighbourhoods. This report builds onto the Neighbourhood Character and Neigbhourhood Zoning Discussion Papers that were released earlier this year. This paper delves deeper into considering the interplay of functional site design elements, such as where a residential site's waste storage, bicycle parking, landscaping, balconies, and other essential functions should be located.

    Making rules for neighbourhoods involves finding a balance among all these different things so that a property works well. The City welcomes feedback and input from members of the public. The survey for this discussion paper will be available until November. The comments received will be summarized the received responses in an "As We Heard It" report in Q1 next year.

    Consultations on this and the previous discussion papers will inform the development of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law. We encourage members of the public to review the discussion papers and share their thoughts and ideas, as their input will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city.

  • Changes from Bill 23

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    Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022,(External link) received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022. The Bill made changes to the Planning Act and other provincial acts. Changes to the Planning Act include overriding municipal zoning by-laws to allow up to three “gentle intensification” principal units on any urban-serviced residential parcel, including in a detached, semi-detached or townhouse and prohibiting a zoning by-law from restricting such from occurring. Residents will find the most up-to-date information on Bill 23 on this webpage.

    Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022,(External link) received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022. The Bill made changes to the Planning Act and other provincial acts. Changes to the Planning Act include overriding municipal zoning by-laws to allow up to three “gentle intensification” principal units on any urban-serviced residential parcel, including in a detached, semi-detached or townhouse and prohibiting a zoning by-law from restricting such from occurring. Residents will find the most up-to-date information on Bill 23 on this webpage.

  • New Zoning By-law Discussion Papers and Surveys

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    Consultation on developing a new Zoning By-law is now open with the release of seven Discussion Papers and corresponding surveys. These papers address key issues relating to the implementation of the new Official Plan, including:

    • Climate Change, Resiliency, and Public Health

    The release of these discussion papers is the first chance for the public to consult on the implementation of the recently approved new Official plan through the development of a new Ottawa Zoning By-law. The City welcomes feedback and input from members of the public and will summarize the received responses in an "As We Heard It" report later this year. Consultations on the discussion papers will inform the development of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law. We encourage members of the public to review the discussion papers and share their thoughts and ideas, as their input will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city. The surveys close Friday, July 28.

    Consultation on developing a new Zoning By-law is now open with the release of seven Discussion Papers and corresponding surveys. These papers address key issues relating to the implementation of the new Official Plan, including:

    • Climate Change, Resiliency, and Public Health

    The release of these discussion papers is the first chance for the public to consult on the implementation of the recently approved new Official plan through the development of a new Ottawa Zoning By-law. The City welcomes feedback and input from members of the public and will summarize the received responses in an "As We Heard It" report later this year. Consultations on the discussion papers will inform the development of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law. We encourage members of the public to review the discussion papers and share their thoughts and ideas, as their input will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city. The surveys close Friday, July 28.

  • Discussion Papers - Timeline Update (REVISED)

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    The Zoning Discussion Papers will be residents’ first opportunity to have their say about the future of zoning in the city of Ottawa. The Discussion Papers focus on key policy directions in the Official Plan that must be implemented in the Zoning By-law:

    • Climate Change, Resiliency and Public Health
    • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Land Use
    • Neighbourhood Zoning
    • Neighbourhood Character
    • Rural Zoning Issues
    • Trees


    Timeline (REVISED)

    Recent changes to Provincial planning legislation, including Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act, April 2022) and the recently proposed Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act), have the potential to cause significant

    The Zoning Discussion Papers will be residents’ first opportunity to have their say about the future of zoning in the city of Ottawa. The Discussion Papers focus on key policy directions in the Official Plan that must be implemented in the Zoning By-law:

    • Climate Change, Resiliency and Public Health
    • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Land Use
    • Neighbourhood Zoning
    • Neighbourhood Character
    • Rural Zoning Issues
    • Trees


    Timeline (REVISED)

    Recent changes to Provincial planning legislation, including Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act, April 2022) and the recently proposed Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act), have the potential to cause significant changes to the planning framework underlying Ottawa’s growth and housing objectives. The Province has also announced that changes will be made to the Provincial Policy Statement and that new regulations relating to planning issues in Ontario will be coming into effect. Additionally, the new Official Plan’s recent approval will require an evaluation of the thirty (30) Ministerial modifications made to the Plan as part of its approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

    As such, the release of the discussion papers will be placed on hold pending the resolution of the above issues, and a review of how this may impact Ottawa’s planning framework and zoning strategy. A new timeline will be developed following a review of the impact of the above changes to Provincial legislation.

    November 17, 2022


  • Zoning Implementation Report

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    The Zoning Implementation Report was approved by Ottawa City Council on July 6th.

    The report provides an overview of the strategy for implementing the policies of the Council-approved new Official plan through the development of a new zoning by-law. Specifically, it looks at how the policies in the Official Plan concerning equity, inclusion and diversity, the growth management strategy, public health, housing, 15-minute neighbourhoods, climate change and the urban forest tree canopy will be implemented in the new Zoning By-law.

    The report also includes an overview of best practices in zoning in Canada and other jurisdictions, renderings that illustrate the proposed strategy for achieving the density targets in the growth management strategy, information on the enhanced interactive capabilities in the new Zoning Map, an overview of the content of upcoming discussion papers, and information concerning the public engagement strategy and project timelines.


    The Zoning Implementation Report was approved by Ottawa City Council on July 6th.

    The report provides an overview of the strategy for implementing the policies of the Council-approved new Official plan through the development of a new zoning by-law. Specifically, it looks at how the policies in the Official Plan concerning equity, inclusion and diversity, the growth management strategy, public health, housing, 15-minute neighbourhoods, climate change and the urban forest tree canopy will be implemented in the new Zoning By-law.

    The report also includes an overview of best practices in zoning in Canada and other jurisdictions, renderings that illustrate the proposed strategy for achieving the density targets in the growth management strategy, information on the enhanced interactive capabilities in the new Zoning Map, an overview of the content of upcoming discussion papers, and information concerning the public engagement strategy and project timelines.


  • Zoning Best Practices Review

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    A Best Practices Review of Zoning in Canada and other jurisdictions was conducted in 2021 to inform and support the development of the new Zoning By-law. The Review examines zoning practices in 15 Canadian jurisdictions and seven American jurisdictions to offer contemporary perspectives on various zoning issues including affordable housing, infill, density targets, character and housing typologies. To view the Best Review of Zoning, please go here.


    A Best Practices Review of Zoning in Canada and other jurisdictions was conducted in 2021 to inform and support the development of the new Zoning By-law. The Review examines zoning practices in 15 Canadian jurisdictions and seven American jurisdictions to offer contemporary perspectives on various zoning issues including affordable housing, infill, density targets, character and housing typologies. To view the Best Review of Zoning, please go here.


Page last updated: 01 May 2026, 03:30 PM