Zoning bylaws are municipal rules that sort land into different areas or ‘zones’. This determines how a property can be used, developed and maintained. It also regulates the types of structures that can be built, their size and height, and permitted uses.
The City of Burlington's Zoning Bylaw controls the use of land in the city, such as:
- How land may be used
- The types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used
- The lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street
- Where buildings and other structures can be located
Planning a project?
If a proposed use is not permitted in a zone or if it does not meet the regulations of that zone, a Zoning Bylaw amendment or Committee of Adjustment Application must be made.
You can also learn how to get an approved Zoning Clearance Certificate, which is needed before you can apply for any building, pool permit or business licence.
Zoning Clearance Certificates
Before you can apply for any building, pool permit or business licence, you must get an approved Zoning Clearance Certificate with the City.
Apply for a Zoning Clearance Certificate
Find the zoning information for your property
You can look up the zoning information for a specific property in Burlington using our online, interactive zoning map.
Look up the zoning for a property
The City of Burlington’s New Zoning Bylaw Project is underway
Visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/newzoningbylaw to learn more.
View the Zoning Bylaw
You can view the different parts of our Zoning Bylaw and the bylaw disclaimer online. Please contact us to verify all zoning designations and regulations with our zoning staff if you are planning a project.
Zoning Bylaw Disclaimer |
Corporation of the City of Burlington Disclaimer for Zoning By-law 2020, Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw and Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw Near RailPlease read the disclaimer carefully and in full before going ahead. Legal Issues:The City of Burlington website is being provided for information purposes only. The City of Burlington does not accept any responsibility for reliance thereon. The authors publishing on the City of Burlington website do not make any representations or warranty, express or implied, including without limitations, as to the quality, merchantability and fitness for the City of Burlington's website. The City shall not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, exemplary, consequential or other damages including lost profits and the user saves the City harmless. The Corporation of the City of Burlington does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of this information, nor is it responsible for any expenses or damages incurred directly or indirectly resulting from the use of this information. Please check with City staff for the most up to date information. The City of Burlington's website has not been prepared for any manufacturer or any other company and the authors have not received remuneration from any manufacturer or any other company in connection with its design. the City of Burlington makes every effort to ensure that the material provided herein is current, however the City of Burlington reserves the right to change notices or descriptions without advanced warning. In the case that information available at City Hall and that of the City of Burlington website is in discrepancy it shall be deemed that the material located at City Hall to be current and correct, overriding the material contained within the website. It is always in the best interest of the viewers of the City of Burlington's website when in doubt, to contact the City of Burlington to ensure timely and accurate information. All the material provided in this website is the sole property of the Corporation of the City of Burlington and cannot be duplicated in whole or in part without the express written permission of the City of Burlington or its legal Representatives unless for individual use. Duplication in whole or in part for distribution for sale is prohibited. The version published on this website is intended for information and general research purposes only. We cannot guarantee its accuracy, completeness or currency. Copies of the latest version of each zoning bylaw with the text and maps are available from the Planning Department at a cost of $170.00 + HST each and can be certified by the City Clerk as the official version. Users can also subscribe to receive the amendments of the bylaw at an annual cost of $45.00 + HST. For more information, please contact: The City of Burlington |
Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw and Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw Near Rail
Background
Our Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaws:
- the Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw (By-law 09-2026) and
- the Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw Near Rail (By-law 10-2026)
were approved by Burlington City Council on March 2, 2026. We did not receive any appeals during the appeal period.
This means that both bylaws are deemed to be in force and effect as of March 2, 2026.
PDF Accessibility Notice
The PDF versions of the Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw and Burlington Residential Zoning Bylaw Near Rail may contain information that may not be accessible. If you need an accessible version, please contact planning@burlington.ca
Zone Designations |
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Zoning By-law 2020
- Amendments Index
- Part 1 - General Conditions and Provisions
- Part 2 - Residential Zones
- Part 3 - Employment Zones
- Part 4 - Commercial Zones
- Part 5 - Mixed Use Corridor Zones
- Part 6 - Downtown Mixed Use Centre Zones
- Part 7 - Uptown Mixed Use Centre Zones
- Part 8 - Rural Zones
- Part 9 - North Aldershot Zones
- Part 10 - Parks and Open Space Zones
- Part 11 - Holding Zone Provisions
- Part 12 - Development Zone Utility Services Zone
- Part 13 - Interim Control Bylaw
- Part 14 - Exceptions to Zone Designations
- Part 15 - Zoning Maps
- Part 16 - Definitions
- Amendments to Zoning Bylaw 2020
Zone Designations |
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Appeals
Active Zoning By-law 2020 appeals in Burlington include:
- Appeal no. 7-A, Paletta International Corporation, 1200 King Rd.
- Appeal no. 7-G, Paletta International Corporation, 1664 Waterdown Rd., 1600, 1630, 1640 & 1751 Flatt Rd. (Eagle Heights)
- Appeal no. 7-H, Paletta International Corporation, 5164, 5366, 5470 & 5900 Upper Middle Rd., 1268 & 1278 Burloak Dr. and 5201 Mainway (Bronte Creek Meadows)
Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)
If the zoning on your property is within the area of the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC), please visit their website for your zoning information.
Zoning Bylaw amendments
If your project's proposed use is not permitted in a zone or it does not meet the regulations of that zone, you will need to apply for a Zoning Bylaw amendment.