Planning and Development

Non-Residential Zoning Clearance Certificate

This application is for Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, Multi-Residential (more than 10 living units), Business Licenses (including Home Based Business) or Other Non-Residential Uses.

Please make sure your Zoning Clearance Certificates are approved before applying for a building permit or business license.

Non-Residential Zoning Clearance Certificate Application Form Process

We are accepting online submissions for Zoning Clearance Certificates. Hard copy submissions are not being accepted at this time.

Complete the Zoning Clearance Application E-Form

Please submit your application for Non-Residential Zoning Clearance Certificate online.
Please review the submission standards and fee schedule before you apply.
Applications which do not meet submission standards and incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Do NOT use this application form for Low-Density Residential or Residential Swimming Pool Applications.

Application Requirements

Each application checklist has what you need to apply for your approvals. If your project is not included in these checklists or you have questions about your submission, please email us at planning@burlington.ca.

Industrial/Commercial/Institutional:

New, Internal Renovations, Partition and Change in Use, Business Licenses [PDF]
Temporary Tents [PDF]
Home-Based Business Zoning Handout [PDF]

Application Checked for Completion

The application review process may take several days so we can make sure that your application is complete. We will let you know if we need any more supporting documents to support your application. We may ask you to resubmit your application. An application is not considered complete until all required documents have been received by the City of Burlington.

Payments of Fees

When your application has been deemed complete, we will send you an application file number and let you know about your application fees. Our preferred payment method are E-Transfers from a bank that recognizes auto-deposit.

Application Review and Approval

Non-Residential Zoning Certificate Applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted. The processing time for approval may be up to 4 weeks due to current volumes.
Once you have received your Zoning Clearance Certificate Approval, you can apply for your building permit.
For information about building permit application process, fees and forms, visit the Building Permit page.

Non-Residential Zoning Clearance Certificate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should I contact if I have questions about an active application?

For information about our application requirements, application process and/or your application status, please contact planning@burlington.ca. Non Residential Zoning Certificate Applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted. The processing time for approval may be up to 4 weeks due to current volumes.

Once you have received your Zoning Clearance Certificate Approval, you can apply for building permit.

For information about our building permit application process, fees and forms, visit the Building Permit page.