*Important information:
All Committee of Adjustment applications and Zoning Clearance Certificates will be evaluated against the new zoning by-law 2020.374 (Character area studies and low density residential areas) regulations effective immediately.
- Zoning Clearance Certificates must be approved before applying for a building permit or a pool permit.
- All zoning clearance certificates expire one year from the date they are issued.
To find zoning information for a specific property, use our interactive zoning map.
NEW – email zoning certificate applications
The City of Burlington’s Community Planning Department is now accepting email submissions for:
- Zoning Clearance Certificates and
- the new Consolidated Pre-Building Permit application process for Low Density Residential Development: combined Zoning Clearance Certificate; Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificate and Forestry Review.
Application forms are available on the City website at: https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Zoning-Clearance-Certificate.asp
While City Hall is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, complete applications should be submitted to zoning@burlington.ca. All other inquiries should be submitted to planning@burlington.ca.
The zoning mailbox is only to submit new applications. New applications require:
- Subject line to state: “New ZC application_applicant name_property address”
- Completed application form
- Applicable completed submission checklist
As of June 1, 2020, the City will no longer accept old application forms for a new Consolidated Pre-Building Permit application for Low Density Residential Development.
Staff will contact you to:
- confirm the application fees and
- provide payment options
E-transfers are the preferred payment method and must be sent from a bank that recognizes auto-deposit. If this is not possible, cheques submitted via Canada Post mail and credit card payments can be accepted; processing times will be longer.
Application Process
- Complete the Consolidated Pre-Building application Form (PDF) for Low-Density Residential applications.
- Complete the Zoning Clearance Application Form for all other applications [PDF].
- Provide all required fees (PDF).
- Ensure the application complies with the city's zoning by-law (Zoning By-Law 2020) and any other applicable laws.
- If you need approval from external agencies, obtain your approval from these agencies first and submit this with your Zoning Clearance application.
- Ensure your plans are to scale and include all required information listed on the Zoning Clearance checklists.
Have an active application?
Zoning certificate applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted.
There has been a high volume of applications received through the new electronic submission format.
We appreciate your patience as we work through processing applications.
Application Requirements
Along with your application, you must submit all applicable additional information:
Checklists
Residential
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Single Family Dwelling and Semi-Detached Dwellings
- Residential Additions
- Accessory Buildings
- Decks and Patios
- Basement Finish
- Accessory Dwelling Unit
Pools
- Zoning Certificate Checklist
- Zoning Clearance Application Form for Swimming Pools
- Site Alteration Form - Please copy mike.korobkin@burlington.ca with a pdf of this form in addition to zoning@burlington.ca
Roads, Parks and Forestry Information
Council passed a private tree by-law within the Urban Boundary of the City of Burlington, effective January 27, 2020. Please contact the Forestry Section to confirm if a tree permit is required prior to issuance of a zoning certificate for all residential applications. This can also be completed online at burlington.ca/privatetree.
Are you applying for a pool permit? Please apply for Forestry approval prior to submitting a zoning clearance certificate application.
Industrial/Commercial/Institutional