Reference Glossary
A use or building that is secondary and subordinate to the main use of a property, such as a garage, shed, or home office. Zoning by-laws set separate standards for size, height, and location of accessory structures.
Indoor and outdoor areas in a development for the shared use of residents, such as lobbies, lounges, rooftop terraces, and play areas. Zoning by-laws often require a minimum amount per unit.
An imaginary sloped line, set at a defined angle from a lot line or street, that a building must fit under. Used in urban design and zoning to control how a building transitions in height toward neighbours and the street.
A use or building permitted under the existing zoning by-law without any further planning application. If a project is as-of-right, you can apply directly for a building permit; if it is not, you need to change the zoning first.
On a plan of subdivision, a lot is a parcel intended for a single building or use, while a block is a larger parcel for future division, multiple units, roads, parks, or servicing. The distinction affects how land can be developed and conveyed.
Draft Plan of Subdivision pricing →Municipal approval, issued under the Building Code Act, confirming that a proposed building meets the Ontario Building Code. It is a separate step from planning approval: zoning establishes what you may build, the building permit confirms how it is built.
A payment a municipality may accept instead of an on-site parkland dedication, used to fund parks elsewhere. Whether land or cash is required, and how much, is set by the Planning Act and municipal by-law.
A municipal committee, appointed by council, that hears and decides minor variance and consent applications. It operates at arm's length from council and its decisions can be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Minor Variance pricing →The shared parts of a condominium owned collectively by all unit owners, such as hallways, elevators, amenity space, private roads, and landscaping. They are managed by the condominium corporation and funded through unit owner fees.
A charge some municipalities levy under the Planning Act on higher-density development to fund community facilities and services not covered by development charges. It is capped as a percentage of land value and replaced the old Section 37 system.
A streamlined approval system, set up by a municipal by-law under the Planning Act, that combines zoning, site plan, and minor variance into a single permit for a defined area. Decisions are faster and appeal rights are limited compared to standard applications.
An application that includes all the studies, plans, and fees the municipality identified at pre-consultation. The clock for processing and appeal timelines only starts once an application is deemed complete, so a thorough pre-consultation matters.
PAC Support pricing →Permission to divide a parcel of land into two or more lots, granted under Section 53 of the Planning Act. Used to create a new lot, correct a boundary, or register an easement, and decided by the Committee of Adjustment or the municipality.
Consent pricing →A regional body that regulates development near rivers, wetlands, shorelines, and hazard lands. A permit from the local conservation authority may be required alongside municipal planning approvals where a site falls within a regulated area.
A measure of development intensity on a site, expressed as units per hectare, floor space index, or gross floor area. Official Plan and zoning policies set the maximum density a site may be developed to.
Fees municipalities collect on new development, under the Development Charges Act, to help fund the infrastructure that growth requires, such as roads, water, and transit. They are typically payable at building permit and can be a major project cost.
Approval under the Condominium Act that allows a building or land to be divided into separately owned units with shared common elements. Common for residential, commercial, and standard or vacant-land condominium projects.
Draft Plan of Condominium pricing →Approval under Section 51 of the Planning Act to divide land into multiple lots and blocks, typically with new roads and services. The standard route for creating a new community or multi-lot development.
Draft Plan of Subdivision pricing →A registered right to use part of another person's land for a defined purpose, such as utilities, drainage, or access. Easements run with the land and constrain where and how a property can be developed.
The ratio of a building's total floor area to the area of its lot. An FSI of 2.0 means the floor area is twice the lot size. Zoning by-laws use FSI, sometimes called FAR, to cap the size of buildings.
Two forms of ownership. Freehold means owning the land and building outright; condominium means owning a unit plus a share of common elements governed by a condominium corporation. The choice affects approvals, financing, and how units are sold.
Draft Plan of Condominium pricing →The width of a lot measured along the street line. Zoning by-laws set a minimum lot frontage, and insufficient frontage is a common reason a new lot needs a minor variance alongside a consent.
Consent pricing →The reference ground level from which building height and storeys are measured. Because by-laws define established grade in specific ways, how grade is determined can change whether a building complies with height limits.
An informal term for the right to continue a use or building that was legal when established but no longer complies with current rules. In Ontario this is formally a legal non-conforming use, and it has limits: it can usually continue but not freely expand or change.
Minor Variance pricing →The total floor area of a building, measured to the outside walls, used to calculate density and development charges. Definitions vary between by-laws in different municipalities on what is included or excluded, such as parking or mechanical space.
The vertical measurement of a building, regulated by the zoning by-law. How height is measured matters: by-laws define it from an established grade to the roof or a specified point, and rooftop mechanical or stair access may be excluded.
A symbol attached to a zoning category, the (H), that permits a use only once specified conditions are met, such as servicing or studies. Removing it is a council decision under Section 36 of the Planning Act.
Holding Symbol Removal pricing →A planning tool that requires a share of new units in certain areas to be affordable. In Ontario it applies in protected major transit station areas and development permit system areas.
Development on vacant or underused land within an already built-up area, as opposed to development on the edge of a community. Infill projects often need rezoning or variances to fit a denser use into an existing context.
A use that was lawful when established but no longer complies with the current zoning by-law. It may generally continue, but expanding or changing it usually requires relief, often a minor variance or recognition from the Committee of Adjustment.
Minor Variance pricing →An off-street area required for delivery and service vehicles to load and unload. Zoning by-laws set the number and dimensions of loading spaces based on the size and type of development.
The percentage of a lot covered by buildings. Zoning by-laws set a maximum lot coverage to control building bulk and preserve open space and drainage.
The area within roughly 500 to 800 metres of an existing or planned transit station, where the province directs higher-density, transit-supportive development. MTSAs are delineated in municipal Official Plans with minimum density targets.
A small departure from a zoning by-law standard, such as a reduced setback or extra height, granted by the Committee of Adjustment under Section 45 of the Planning Act. The application must meet four tests to be approved.
Minor Variance pricing →A municipality's long-range policy document guiding land use, growth, and infrastructure. All zoning and development must conform to it. Projects that do not fit its designations require an Official Plan Amendment.
A change to the Official Plan, applied for under Section 22 of the Planning Act, needed when a project does not conform to the plan's land use designation or policies. Often filed together with a Zoning By-law Amendment.
Official Plan Amendment pricing →The provincial tribunal that hears appeals of planning decisions, including refusals, non-decisions, and third-party appeals. It decides matters on planning evidence given by qualified witnesses.
OLT Representation services →The number of parking spaces a development must provide, typically expressed per unit or per square metre. Many Ontario municipalities have reduced or removed parking minimums, particularly near transit.
A requirement under the Planning Act for development to convey land for parks, or pay cash in lieu, to support the new population. Rates are set by municipal by-law.
A Planning Act restriction on dividing land within a registered plan of subdivision. A Part Lot Control Exemption by-law lifts it so individual units, such as freehold townhouses, can be conveyed on separate title.
Part Lot Control pricing →A use of land or building expressly allowed in a zone by the zoning by-law. If a use is not listed as permitted, it generally requires a Zoning By-law Amendment to be allowed.
Zoning By-law Amendment pricing →The provincial statute that governs land use planning in Ontario. It sets out the framework for Official Plans, zoning, subdivisions, consents, variances, and appeals.
A report prepared by a planner setting out the planning rationale for an application, assessing it against provincial, regional, and municipal policy. It is the central document supporting most rezoning and amendment applications.
A required meeting with municipal staff before submitting most major applications. The municipality identifies the studies and materials a complete submission must include.
PAC Support pricing →An MTSA designated through a specific Official Plan process that unlocks additional tools, including inclusionary zoning. Within a PMTSA, municipalities can require a share of affordable units in new development.
Province-wide policy that all planning decisions must be consistent with, covering matters such as housing, infrastructure, employment, and natural heritage. It sets the policy floor beneath municipal Official Plans.
A survey, prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor and deposited at the land registry office, that precisely defines parts of a property. Reference plans are used to describe lands for consents, easements, and part lot control conveyances.
Part Lot Control pricing →Municipal approval, in cities with a by-law under Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act or Section 99.1 of the Municipal Act, required to demolish or convert rental units. Replacement of the rental units is usually a condition.
Rental Demolition pricing →The common term for a Zoning By-law Amendment: changing the zoning that applies to a property to permit a use or building the current zoning does not allow.
Zoning By-law Amendment pricing →Land set aside for passage or services, such as a road allowance, laneway, or utility corridor. A right-of-way may be public or private and limits building on the affected strip of land.
The minimum required distance between a building and a lot line. Front, rear, and side yard setbacks are set by the zoning by-law; relief from them is a common reason for a minor variance.
Minor Variance pricing →A municipal review of a development's detailed design, under Section 41 of the Planning Act, covering matters such as access, landscaping, grading, and servicing. Approval is typically required before a building permit is issued.
Site Plan pricing →A public meeting required by the Planning Act before council decides certain applications, such as an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, or plan of subdivision. The public can speak, and anyone who wants appeal rights generally must participate or make written submissions.
A recess in the upper portion of a building, set back from the lower facade or podium. Distinct from a setback, which applies at ground level, a stepback shapes the tower or upper storeys to reduce visual impact and shadow.
The open space between a building and a lot line, regulated by minimum setbacks. By-laws distinguish front yard, rear yard, and side yard, each with its own required dimension.
Minor Variance pricing →The municipal by-law that regulates how each property may be used and what may be built on it, including use, height, density, setbacks, parking, and coverage. It implements the Official Plan at the property level.
An application under Section 34 of the Planning Act to change the zoning on a property, needed when a proposed use or building is not permitted as-of-right. Often paired with an Official Plan Amendment.
Zoning By-law Amendment pricing →Written confirmation from a planner or municipality of a property's zoning, permitted uses, and applicable standards. Often required by lenders, lawyers, and purchasers during a transaction.
Zoning Letter pricing →No terms for that letter.