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Town Of Ajax Zoning By-Law 95-2003 Page 3-1
Office Consolidation March 6, 2026
Section 3: Definitions
Accessory Building or Structure
Shall mean a detached building or structure that is subordinate to and customarily
incidental to the principal building, structure or use on the same lot.
Accessory Retail Sales
Shall mean the sale of products manufactured, processed or assembled on the
premises of a primary manufacturing use.
Accessory Use
Shall mean a use customarily incidental to, subordinate to and exclusively devoted to
the principal use and which operates together with the principal use on the same lot.
Adult Entertainment Parlour
Shall mean any premises or part thereof in which is providing services appealing to or
designed to appeal to, erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations.
Adult Video Store
Shall mean a premises in which the principal business is the sale or rental of slides,
films, videotape, pre-recorded magnetic tape or computerized or electronically
generated images designed to appeal to sexual appetites or depicting sexual acts.
Agricultural Operations
Shall mean general farming and shall include such uses as the breeding and rearing of
livestock, including poultry, fowl and fur-bearing animals, the general cultivation of land
and associated production, conditioning, processing, and storing of field crops, fruits,
vegetables, and horticultural crops and the selling of such produce on the premises.
Agriculturally Related Commercial Use
Shall mean a use directly related to agriculture and requiring proximity to farm
operations.
Apron (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 27-2021)
Shall mean an area of the boulevard consisting of a hard surface leading from the
travelled portion of the highway to a private driveway.
Art Gallery
Shall mean a building, place or area where paintings, sculptures or other works of art
are exhibited or sold.
Automotive Recycling Facility
Shall mean an area outside of an enclosed building where motor vehicles are
disassembled and dismantled, or where vehicles in an inoperable condition or motor
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vehicle parts are stored or re-sold. An automotive recycling facility may also include
facilities for the disposal, storage or reuse of motor vehicle fuels, lubricants and related
materials.
Banquet Facility
Shall mean a premises for the purpose of catering to banquets, receptions, weddings or
similar functions for which food and beverages are prepared and served.
Bed And Breakfast Establishment (Amended by By-Law 114-2013)
Shall mean a dwelling or part of a dwelling in which not more than 3 bedrooms are used
or maintained for the accommodation of the travelling public, in which the owner
supplies lodgings with or without meals for hire or pay but does not include a group
home or a lodging house.
Block Face (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean the distance along a street line edge between any given pair of adjacent
road intersections, or between a road intersection and an overpass.
Boarding Kennel
Shall mean a commercial establishment for the keeping, breeding, boarding or training
of domestic animals but shall not include the keeping of animals in a veterinary clinic for
the purpose of observation, and/or recovery necessary to veterinary treatment.
Body Rub
Shall mean the kneading, manipulating, rubbing, massaging, touching, or stimulating, by
any means, of a person's body or part thereof but does not include medical or
therapeutic treatment given by a person otherwise duly qualified, licensed or registered
under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
Body Rub Parlour
Shall mean any premises or part thereof where a body-rub is performed, offered or
solicited in pursuance of a trade, calling, business or occupation, but does not include
any premises or part thereof where the body-rubs performed are for the purpose of
medical or therapeutic treatment and are performed or offered by persons otherwise
duly qualified, licensed or registered to do so under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
Build-Within Zone (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean an area established by the use of a minimum and maximum building
setback, drawn parallel to the front and/or exterior lot line where a prescribed portion of
the main front building wall and/or exterior side wall of a building (excluding a public
utility building) shall be positioned. Accessory buildings and structures are not subject to
the setbacks defining a build-within zone.
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Building
Shall mean a structure occupying an area greater than 10.0 m² and consisting of any
combination of walls, roof and floor or any structural system serving the function thereof,
including all associated plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems.
Building, Principal
Shall mean a building which constitutes, by reason of its use, the primary purpose for
which the lot is used.
Building, Front Of
Shall mean the wall or walls of a building that are more or less parallel to the front lot
line; when setback regulations are applicable, "front of building" shall mean that wall or
walls of the building which front upon the street on which the setback is applicable.
Building And Construction Materials Facility
Shall mean a premises in which building or construction materials are offered or kept for
sale.
Building Storey (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean that portion of a building between any floor and the floor, ceiling or roof next
above, provided that any portion of a building partly below the average level of the
established grade shall not be deemed a storey unless its ceiling is at least 1.8 metres
above the average level of the established grade. For that portion of a building located
wholly or partly within a sloping roof, the space shall be considered an additional full
storey if the floor area is not less than one-half of the floor area of the storey next below,
all side walls are not less than 1.2 metres in height, and the ceiling has a minimum
height of 2.3 metres over an area equal to at least 50 percent of the floor area.
Cemetery
Shall mean land that is set apart or used for the interment of the dead or in which
human bodies have been buried, and may include a crematorium, a columbarium and a
mausoleum but does not include any facilities for public assembly.
Co-Generation District Energy Facility (New definition as incorporated by By-law 136-
2008)
Shall mean a central facility in wholly enclosed building(s) that generates and distributes
thermal energy (steam and/or hot and cold water) to end users through an underground
pipeline distribution system and generates electricity, including electricity for supply to
the grid.
Commercial Fitness Centre
Shall mean a private club in which facilities are provided for recreational athletic
activities and shall include associated facilities such as a sauna, office space, retail
shop and related lounge facilities.
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Commercial School
Shall mean a premises as a school conducted for gain, including a studio of a dancing
teacher or a music teacher, an art school, a golf school or business school and any
other similar specialized school.
Community Centre
Shall mean a building or structure owned and/or operated by the Town of Ajax that
provides facilities for indoor recreational activities and other community facilities such as
meeting rooms or a library for use by the general public.
Contractors Yard
Shall mean a yard of any building trade or contractor where equipment and material is
stored or where a contractor performs shop or assembly work.
Convenience Store
Shall mean a retail establishment which deals primarily in goods required by the
inhabitants of a residential area to meet their day-to-day needs.
Council
Shall mean the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Ajax.
Crematorium (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 67-2013)
A building, structure or part thereof used for the purposes of the cremation of human
remains. This use is only permitted in association with a cemetery or a funeral home.
Crisis Care Facility
Shall mean a residential facility that is licensed and funded by the Province of Ontario,
Government of Canada or an appointed agency, for the short term, temporary care of
persons requiring immediate emergency shelter and aid who are living under
supervision in a single housekeeping unit and who by reason of their emotional, mental,
social or physical condition or legal status, require a group living arrangement for their
well being.
Curb Cut (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 27-2021)
Shall mean the portion of a concrete curb that has been constructed or cut to grade
level to facilitate the passing of vehicles and pedestrians.
Daylighting Triangle
Shall mean an area of private land on a corner lot, which area is to be determined by
measuring from the point of intersection of the street lines, the distance required by this
By-law along each such street line and joining such points with a straight line. The
triangular shaped land between the intersecting street lines and the straight line joining
the points at the required distance along the street lines is the "daylighting triangle".
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Day Care Facility
Shall mean a premises where more than 5 children are provided with temporary care
and/or guidance for a continuous period not exceeding sixteen hours and which is
licensed in accordance with the applicable Provincial legislation.
Driveway
Shall mean that portion of a lot used to provide vehicular access from a roadway to an
off-street parking or loading area located on the same lot.
Driveway-Adjacent Walkway (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 27-2021)
Shall mean a hard surface alongside a driveway that is constructed to connect at-grade
with the driveway and has a maximum width regulated by this By-Law. A driveway-
adjacent walkway shall be visually delineated from the driveway through a change in
material, a change in the colour of the material or a change in the layout or pattern of
the material.
Driveway Width (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 83-2004, Amended by By-
Laws 27-2021 and 23-2025)
Shall mean the widest horizontal surface of any driveway required by this By-law,
measured along a line parallel to the lot line through which it passes. Measurements of
driveway width shall include any portion of hard surface contiguous to a driveway or
parking space, except for driveway-adjacent walkways as permitted in this By-law or
other hard surfaces elevated a minimum of 0.15 metres above the surface grade of the
driveway. Provisions relating to driveway width are applicable in front yards and side
yards, but not in rear yards.
Drive-Thru Facility
Shall mean a building or structure or part thereof where goods or services are offered to
the public within a parked or stationary vehicle by way of a service window, or offered in
a similar fashion where goods, money or materials are exchanged.
Dry Cleaning Depot
Shall mean a premises for the purpose of receiving articles or goods of fabric to be
subjected to the process of laundering, dry cleaning at another location, and may
include self serve laundry facilities.
Dry Cleaning Establishment
Shall mean a premises in which the business of laundry or dry cleaning is undertaken
and where the cleaning, drying, ironing and finishing of such goods is conducted.
Dwelling
Shall mean a building, occupied or capable of being occupied as a home, residence, or
sleeping place by one or more persons, containing one or more dwelling units.
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Dwelling, Apartment
Shall mean a dwelling consisting of four (4) or more dwelling units which units have a
common entrance from the street level and common halls and/or stairs, elevators and
yards.
Dwelling, Back-To-Back Stacked Townhouse (New definition incorporated by By-Law
86-2005)
Shall mean a dwelling that is structurally configured to resemble two stacked townhouse
dwellings attached to one another, rear wall to rear wall, such that a rear wall common
to all units in the dwelling is created, dividing the dwelling vertically.
Dwelling, Back-To-Back Townhouse (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 42-
2005)
Shall mean a dwelling that is divided vertically into three (3) or more dwelling units, each
of which has an independent entrance to the front of the dwelling. In the case of an end
unit, the entrance may be at the front or exterior side of a dwelling. The dividing walls
between the adjoining dwelling units is formed by walls joining the sides of the dwelling
units and a wall joining the rear of the dwelling units.
Dwelling, Block Townhouse (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling configured as three (3) or more horizontally-aligned
dwelling units divided by a series of shared side walls. Each dwelling unit within a block
townhouse dwelling has access to a private lane, driveway or drive aisle, as well as
independent entrances to the front and rear of the dwelling. Further, where permitted by
this By-law, each principal dwelling unit in a block townhouse dwelling may be
accompanied by one or more accessory dwelling units.
Dwelling, Detached (Amended by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling located entirely on one (1) lot and containing one (1)
principal dwelling unit. Where permitted by this By-law, the principal dwelling unit in a
detached dwelling may be accompanied by one or more accessory dwelling units.
Dwelling, Duplex (Amended by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling located on a single lot and purpose-built as two (2)
horizontally-aligned or vertically-layered dwelling units, where neither unit is subordinate
or incidental to the other. A duplex dwelling is different and distinctive from a detached
dwelling with one (1) attached accessory dwelling unit.
Dwelling, Linked Villa (Amended by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling configured as three (3) or more horizontally-aligned
dwelling units connected by single-storey private garages so the habitable space of one
dwelling unit does not adjoin the habitable space of the adjacent dwelling unit. Each
dwelling unit in a linked villa dwelling has independent entrances to the front and rear of
the dwelling. Further, where permitted by this By-law, each principal dwelling unit in a
linked villa dwelling may be accompanied by one or more accessory dwelling units.
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Dwelling, Live Work Units (Amended by By-Laws 86-2005, 55-2008)
Shall mean a dwelling unit with a minimum ceiling height of 2.75 metres on the ground
floor, and designed to accommodate a home based business in accordance with all
relevant provisions for the same, save and except that:
a)
Only an office, an archive or library, a personal service shop (excluding the sale
of goods not assembled, crafted or produced on the premises), or the studio of
an artist, photographer or craftsperson, shall be permitted as the non-residential
component of the dwelling unit; and
b)
Up to two employees, in addition to the resident(s) of the dwelling unit, may be
engaged in the business and working in the dwelling unit.
Dwelling, Maisonette
Shall mean a dwelling that is divided into three (3) or more dwelling units, each of which
has independent entrances, one to a common corridor and the other directly to the
outside yard area adjacent to the said dwelling unit.
Dwelling, Mobile Home
Shall mean a transportable, factory-built, dwelling unit designed to be transported on its
own wheels and chassis and may be supported on wheels, jacks, posts or piers, or with
a permanent foundation.
Dwelling, Quadruplex (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling located on a single lot and purpose-built as four (4)
horizontally-aligned and/or vertically-layered dwelling units, where each has an
independent exterior entrance and no unit is subordinate or incidental to the others. A
quadruplex dwelling is different and distinctive from a detached dwelling with three (3)
attached accessory dwelling units.
Dwelling, Semi-Detached (Amended by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling that spans two (2) abutting lots and contains two (2)
horizontally-aligned dwelling units divided by a shared side wall. Where permitted by
this By-law, each principal dwelling unit in a semi-detached dwelling may be
accompanied by one or more accessory dwelling units.
Dwelling, Stacked (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 75-2011)
Shall mean a residential use building containing four or more dwelling units where each
dwelling unit is divided horizontally and vertically, and in which each dwelling unit has
an independent entrance to the exterior.
Dwelling, Stacked Townhouse (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean a dwelling containing three or more dwelling units in a building vertically
configured to be two dwelling units high - ground units below upper units, exclusive of
basements - where ground units are attached side-by-side and share a common
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vertical dividing wall, and where upper units are attached side-by-side and share a
common vertical dividing wall.
Dwelling, Street Townhouse (Amended by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling that spans three (3) or more abutting lots and is
configured as three (3) or more horizontally-aligned dwelling units divided by a series of
shared side walls. Each dwelling unit within a street townhouse dwelling has frontage on
and access to a public street, as well as independent entrances to the front and rear of
the dwelling. Further, where permitted by this By-law, each principal dwelling unit in a
street townhouse dwelling may be accompanied by one or more accessory dwelling
units.
Dwelling, Triplex (Amended by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean the whole of a dwelling located on a single lot and purpose-built as three (3)
horizontally-aligned and/or vertically-layered dwelling units, where no unit is subordinate
or incidental to the others. A triplex dwelling is different and distinctive from a detached
dwelling with two (2) attached accessory dwelling units.
Dwelling Unit
Shall mean a room or a group of rooms in a dwelling used or intended to be used as a
single, independent and separate housekeeping unit in which a kitchen and sanitary
facilities are provided, and which has a private entrance from outside the dwelling or
from a common hallway or stairway inside the dwelling.
Dwelling Unit, Accessory (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean a separate, self-contained dwelling unit that is subordinate or incidental to a
principal dwelling unit on the same lot. An accessory dwelling unit may exist as an
attached accessory dwelling unit or a detached accessory dwelling unit.
Dwelling Unit, Attached Accessory (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean a separate, self-contained accessory dwelling unit located within a principal
dwelling on the same lot.
Dwelling Unit, Detached Accessory (New definition as incorporated by By-law 23-2025)
Shall mean a separate, self-contained accessory dwelling unit located within an
accessory building or structure on the same lot as a principal dwelling.
Equestrian Centre
Shall mean a commercial operation in which lands, buildings or structures are used for
the boarding of 10 or more horses, the training of horses and riders, and/or the staging
of equestrian events, but does not include the racing of horses.
Established Grade
Shall mean the average elevation of the finished ground level abutting the wall or walls
in question.
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Existing
Shall mean existing as of the date of the final passing of this By-law.
Financial Institution
Shall mean a premises where financial transactions including the borrowing, depositing,
exchanging of currency and credit occurs and may include an automated banking
machine.
Floor Area, Gross
Shall mean the aggregate of the floor area measured between the exterior faces of the
exterior walls of the building or structure at the level of each floor, excluding any
porches, verandas, sunrooms (unless habitable in all seasons of the year), basement,
cellar, garage, or mechanical penthouse.
Floor Area, Gross Leasable
Shall mean the aggregate area of all floors in a building measured from the centre line
of the joint interior partitions and from the exteriors of outside walls, and used or
capable of being used for commercial purposes, such as sales, display, storage and
offices but excluding storage areas below grade.
Floor Area, Ground
Shall mean the floor area of the lowest storey of a building approximately at or first
above the finished grade level excluding any basement, cellar or sub-cellar, which area
is measured between the exterior faces of the exterior walls at the floor level of such
storey, but:
a)
Excludes car parking areas within the building; and
b)
For the purpose of this definition the walls of an inner court are and shall be
deemed to be exterior walls.
Floor Space Index
Shall mean the aggregate of the gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the
area of the lot.
Fuel Storage Supply Yard
Shall mean the use of land for the bulk storage or wholesale distribution of gasoline, oil,
petroleum products or other flammable liquids.
Funeral Home
Shall mean a premises where the care and preparation of human bodies and the co-
ordination of rites and ceremonies with respect to dead human bodies is performed, but
does not include services provided by a cemetery or crematorium owner under the
Cemeteries Act.
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Funeral Visitation Centre (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 67-2013)
A building which typically has visitation rooms, a chapel or gathering room and a room
or rooms where a reception can be held after a service. This use is only permitted in
association with a funeral home.
Gaming Establishment
Shall mean premises accommodating up to 800 slot machines, together with related
restaurants, lounges, administrative offices and other accessory uses. For the purposes
of this definition a 'Gaming establishment' shall not include a bingo parlour or any other
casino-type game or use.
Garage, Private
Shall mean a detached accessory building, car port, or portion of a dwelling which is
designed or for the sheltering of one or more private motor vehicles and may also
include the storage of household wares or materials incidental to the residential
occupancy and which is fully enclosed and roofed.
Garden Centre
Shall mean the use of land, buildings or structures for the growing of flowers, plants,
shrubs, or trees and shall also include the retail sale of such goods, products and
equipment as are normally associated with gardening or landscaping.
Gateway Site (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean any area so identified symbolically in the Town of Ajax Official Plan, the
actual limits of which are to be defined at the time of development approval subject to
the parameters established by this By-law in Section 6.9.3, wherein either special
performance standards shall apply, notwithstanding the provisions of any Downtown
Central Area Zone that would otherwise be applicable, or which may be zoned Open
Space.
Golf Course
Shall mean a premises for the purpose of playing golf and may include such associated
uses as a restaurant, banquet facility, retail store, fitness centre and other buildings or
structures devoted to the maintenance and operation of the golf course.
Golf Driving Range
Shall mean an open air recreation facility where the sport of golf is practiced from
individual tees and which may include accessory structures to house the tees, a kiosk
for golf balls and golf club rentals, and a structure from which the golfers tee off.
Group Home
Shall mean a residence, licensed or funded under an Act of the Parliament of Canada
or Province of Ontario, that is designed for the accommodation of 3 to 10 persons,
exclusive of staff, living under supervision in a dwelling unit and whom by reason of their
emotional, mental, social, or physical condition or legal status, require a group living
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arrangement for their well-being. For the purposes of this by-law, group homes are
classified either as Group Home A or Group Home B.
Group Home A
Shall mean a group home primarily for persons who have been referred by a hospital,
recognized social services agency or health professional.
Group Home B
Shall mean a group home operated primarily for persons who have been placed on
probation, released on parole, or admitted for correctional purposes.
Height (Amended by By-Law 86-2005, 38-2008)
Shall mean the vertical distance from the average level of the established grade of the
street in front of the building to:
a)
The highest point of any exterior wall of a flat roofed building; unless the building
is located in a Downtown Central Area Zone or Village Core Mixed Use zone, in
which case the measure shall exclude the height of any parapet rising above the
roof deck.
b)
The mean height between the eaves and ridge of a pitched roof; or
c)
The deck roof line of a mansard roof.
When no grade has been established the level of the crown of the street upon which the
building fronts at right angles to the mid point of that building shall be considered the
established grade.
Home Based Business
Shall mean an accessory use within part of a dwelling unit for a lawful occupation or
business activity that results in a product or service and which is clearly secondary to
the main use of the dwelling unit.
Hospital
Shall mean any institution, building or other premises established for the treatment of
persons afflicted with or suffering from sickness, disease or injury, or for the treatment
of convalescent or chronically ill persons that is approved under the Public Hospitals Act
as a public hospital and may include a gift shop, cafeteria or other accessory use
normally associated with a hospital.
Hotel
Shall mean a commercial establishment offering accommodation to the travelling public
on a daily rate basis and may include such accessory facilities as a restaurant, banquet
facilities, meeting rooms, swimming pool and a fitness establishment.
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Landscaped Buffer
Shall mean an area of land used only for the growth and maintenance of grass, flowers,
bushes and other landscaping and includes the part of the lot unoccupied by any
parking, buildings or structures.
Lane
Shall mean a thoroughfare which affords a means of access to abutting lots and which
is not intended for general traffic circulation.
Laundromat, Self Serve
Shall mean a premises where coin-operated laundry machines, using only water,
detergents and additives, are made available to the public for the purpose of laundry
cleaning.
Licenced Outdoor Patio (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 75-2005)
An outdoor area where seating accommodation is provided, and where meals or
refreshments are served to the public for consumption which is used on a seasonal
basis in conjunction with, and in immediate proximity to, a restaurant or a drive-thru
restaurant. The establishment shall be licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission
of Ontario for the consumption of alcohol within the establishment or accessory outdoor
patio.
Library
Shall mean a building containing printed, electronic and pictorial material for public use
for purposes of study, reference and recreation.
Livestock Housing Capacity
Shall mean the total maximum number of livestock that can be accommodated in a
livestock facility at one time.
Livestock Facilities
Shall mean barns, buildings or structures where animals are housed and shall also
include beef feed lots and the associated manure storage facilities.
Livestock Unit
Shall mean the equivalent values for various types of animals and poultry based upon
manure production and production cycles.
Loading Space
Shall mean an unobstructed area of land which is provided and maintained upon the
same lot or lots upon which the principal use is located and which area is provided for
the temporary parking of one commercial motor vehicle while merchandise or materials
are being loaded or unloaded from such vehicles. Such area shall not be used for the
purpose of offering commodities for sale or display.
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Lodging House (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 114-2013)
Shall mean a building or part of a building, containing three to ten lodging units, which
does not function as a dwelling unit, although one may be included with the lodging
units. It includes, without limitation, a rooming house and a boarding house, a fraternity
house or sorority house. It does not include a hotel, a hospital, a group home, a bed and
breakfast establishment, a crisis care facility, a nursing home, a retirement home, a
seniors apartment, or a senior citizens' apartment.
Lodging Unit (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 114-2013)
Shall mean a room within a building that contains sleeping accommodations and may
contain washroom facilities.
Lot
Shall mean a parcel of land which is only capable of being legally conveyed as a single
lot pursuant to Section 50 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13.
Lot Area
Shall mean the total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot and in the case of a
corner lot having street lines rounding at the corner with a radius of six metres (6.0 m)
or less, the area of such lot is to be calculated as if the lot lines were projected to this
point of intersection.
Lot, Corner
Shall mean a lot situated at the intersection of, and abutting upon at least two streets,
provided that the interior angle of intersection of such streets is not more than one
hundred and thirty-five (135) degrees.
Lot Coverage
Shall mean the proportion of the ground floor area of all buildings and structures on the
lot to the lot area, expressed as a percentage, but shall not include porches, unenclosed
verandas or platforms.
Lot Depth
Shall mean the horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, but where the
front and rear lot lines are not parallel the lot depth is the length of a line joining the mid-
points of such lines.
Lot Frontage
Shall mean the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured along the front
lot line, but where the front lot line is not a straight line or where the side lot lines are not
parallel, the lot frontage is to be measured by a line nine metres (9.0 metres) back from
and parallel to the chord of the lot frontage, and for the purpose of this paragraph, the
chord of the lot frontage is a straight line joining the two points where the side lot lines
intersect the front lot line.
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Lot, Interior
Shall mean a lot other than a corner lot or a thru lot.
Lot Line
Shall mean any boundary of a lot.
Lot Line, Exterior Side
Shall mean a side lot line which abuts a public street or lane on a corner lot.
Lot Line, Front
Shall mean the lot line that divides the lot from the street, provided that, in the case of a
corner lot, in any residential, commercial or industrial zone, the shorter lot line that abuts
a street shall be deemed to be the front lot line; however, in residential zones, if both lot
lines abutting streets exceed the stated or implied minimum lot depth requirements for
that zone then either lot line may be considered to be the front lot line.
Lot Line, Rear
Shall mean the farthest lot line opposite the front lot line, or in the case of a triangular
lot, shall be that point formed by the intersection of the side lot lines.
Lot Line, Side
Shall mean a lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
Lot, Through
Shall mean a lot bounded on opposite sides by a public street. However, if the lot
qualifies as being both a corner lot and a thru lot, such lot is deemed to be a corner lot
for the purposes of this By-law. Such thru lot shall have a front yard on each street in
accordance with the provisions of the zone or zones in which each front yard is located.
Machinery And Equipment Sales and Rental
Shall mean a premises in which machinery and equipment are offered or kept for sale,
rent, lease or hire.
Manufacturing
Shall mean the use of land, building or structures for the manufacturing, processing,
fabricating or assembly of raw materials or goods and related accessory uses.
Manufacturing, Light
Shall mean the use of buildings or structures primarily for the purpose of manufacturing,
processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging, and incidental indoor storage
of goods and materials and may include accessory sales and distribution of such
products but does not include basic industrial processing from raw materials, all such
activities conducted wholly within one or more buildings. A food processing use shall be
considered a light manufacturing use provided that no animal or animal by-products are
used with or as a result of the use.
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Office Consolidation March 6, 2026
Medical Clinic
Shall mean a premises containing two or more offices where medical, dental, and/or
therapeutic diagnosis and treatment is provided to the general public without overnight
accommodation and may include accessory dispensary facilities.
Memorial/Nature Trail
Shall mean a meandering trail located within all of the buffer/vegetation protection
zones described in this By-law for use by cemetery patrons. In the 15 metre buffer
zones, the Memorial/Nature Trail shall include a strip of land approximately 1.5 metres
in width on either side of the trail where in-ground cremated remains may be placed
provided disruption to existing vegetation shall be minimized.
Model Home
Shall mean a new uninhabited dwelling unit constructed to the requirements and the
provisions of the zone category in which the lot upon which the model home is situated
or as specified by by-law and is used only for the purposes of displaying the
architectural design, materials and interior design or decorating of homes, the layout
and features of a draft approved or registered Plan of Subdivision or Condominium for
the purpose of selling homes to the general public. The items displayed and homes
offered for sale shall be restricted to those in the draft approved or registered Plan of
Subdivision or Condominium in which the model home is located.
Motel
Shall mean a separate building or two (2) or more connected or detached buildings that
are rented on a temporary basis to the travelling public for the purpose of sleeping
accommodation with each room being accessible from the outside and which may or
may not contain cooking facilities.
Motor Vehicle
Shall mean automobile, motorcycle, motor assisted bicycle or any other vehicle
propelled or driven other than by muscular power, but does not include a street car, or
other motor vehicles running only upon rails, or a motorized snow vehicle, traction
engine, farm tractor, self-propelled implement of husbandry or road-building machine
within the meaning of the Highway Traffic Act. R.S.O. 1990.
Motor Vehicle Gas Bar
Shall mean premises where gasoline or other motor fuels and oil are kept for sale and
delivery directly into a motor vehicle, and does not include a motor vehicle repair facility,
motor vehicle washing establishment or a motor vehicle service centre.
Motor Vehicle Rental Depot
Shall mean an office where the rental of motor vehicles is administered and where such
motor vehicles are picked up and dropped off, but shall not include facilities for the
ongoing storage of a fleet of motor vehicles.
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Motor Vehicle Rental Establishment
Shall mean a premises where motor vehicles are kept for rent, lease or hire under
agreement for compensation.
Motor Vehicle Sales Establishment
Shall mean a premises where new motor vehicles are kept for display, lease or sale,
and may include an associated motor vehicle service centre.
Motor Vehicle Used Sales Establishment
Shall mean a premises where only used motor vehicles are kept for display, lease or
sale.
Motor Vehicle Repair Facility
Shall mean a premises used to conduct repairs of motor vehicles of a mechanical or
structural nature and may include an associated towing service, motor vehicle service
station and motor vehicle rentals.
Motor Vehicle Service Centre
Shall mean a premises used for the sale of gasoline or other motor fuels delivered
directly into a motor vehicle; the servicing, repairing or equipping essential to the actual
operations of motor vehicles; the performance of diagnostic services on motor vehicles;
the sale to the motoring public of goods usual to the trade; and may include a motor
vehicle washing establishment.
Motor Vehicle Washing Establishment
Shall mean a building or part thereof used for gain or profit for the operation of washing
equipment for motor vehicles.
Motor Vehicle Washing Establishment, Automatic
Shall mean a building or part thereof with a capacity to wash more than ten (10) cars
per hour in a mechanically driven or automated fashion.
Nightclub
Shall mean a premises whose primary function is the provision of theatrical
performances, pre-recorded music, or live musical entertainment, whether such pre-
recorded music or live music is provided for listening or dancing by the patrons, or any
combination of the above functions, and whose accessory function is the sale and
consumption on the premises of food and alcoholic beverages, but does not include a
restaurant or an adult entertainment parlour.
Non-Conforming
Shall mean an existing use which is not permitted by the provisions of this By-law on the
effective date of this By-law.
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Non-Complying
Shall mean a lot, building or structure which is permitted by this By-law but which has
less than the minimum frontage and/or depth and/or area, or less than the minimum set
back and/or side yard and/or rear yard and/or minimum open space or other
performance standard required by the By-law on the effective date of this By-law.
Nursing Home
Shall mean a dwelling or other building in which lodging, with or without meals, is
provided for hire or pay, and where nursing or medical care and treatment are provided
or made available in accordance with The Nursing Homes Act, but does not include a
hospital.
Office
Shall mean a building or part thereof, intended or used for the practice of a profession,
conduct of a business or public administration.
Outdoor Amenity Space (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 81-2009)
Shall mean a common area on a property which provides benefits to the occupants,
which increase the attractiveness, functionality and value of a property and which areas
are dedicated to passive and active recreational uses, exclusive of parking lots and
drive aisles based on a ratio of 10 square metres per bed. Such areas can include but
are not limited to patios, decks, swimming pools, paths, leisure spaces or lawns.
Outdoor Display and Sales Area
Shall mean an area of land used for the display or sale of goods as an accessory use to
the principal use of the lot, which principal use is conducted wholly within one or more
buildings.
Outdoor Storage
Shall mean the storage of equipment, goods, or raw or processed materials outside of
any building or structure.
Parking Lot
Shall mean an open area, other than a street, used for the temporary parking of two or
more motor vehicles and available for public use whether free or for compensation, or
as an accommodation for clients, customers or residents, but does not include the
storage of impounded or wrecked vehicles.
Parking Lot, Principal Use (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean a lot used for the principal purpose of providing space for general purpose
public parking, offered either gratuitously or in return for a consideration or
compensation, on an hourly or daily basis, but shall not be used for the storage or
display of vehicles.
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Office Consolidation March 6, 2026
Parking Space (Amended by By-Law 27-2021)
Shall mean an area of land that is accessible by a driveway or aisle, having access to a
public street or lane, that is reserved for the purpose of the temporary parking or
storage of one motor vehicle and does not include any lands constituting a driveway-
adjacent walkway.
Parking Space, Designated
Shall mean an off-street parking space marked by a sign indicating such space to be for
the sole use of a vehicle displaying a permit in accordance with the requirements of the
Highway Traffic Act.
Parking Space, Tandem (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean a parking space from which access to the adjacent public street or road,
lane or drive aisle is obstructed by the presence of an abutting parking space.
Passive Recreational Use
Shall mean a recreation use that does not require the erection of any buildings or
structures and that does not alter the soil or topography of the land, but does not include
a golf course or golf driving range.
Person
Shall mean any human being, association, firm, partnership, incorporated company,
corporation, agent or trustee, and the heirs, executor or other legal representatives of a
person to whom the context can apply according to law.
Personal Service Shop
Shall mean a premises where professional or personal services are provided for gain
and where the sale of retail goods, wares, merchandise, articles or things is only
accessory to the provision of such services.
Place Of Assembly
Shall mean a premises in which facilities are provided for the gathering of people.
Place Of Entertainment
Shall mean a premises where entertainment is offered for gain or profit such as a
cinema, public hall, billiard or pool rooms, bowling alley, dance hall or similar activity for
the enjoyment of the general public.
Place Of Worship
Shall mean premises used by one or more religious groups for the practice of religious
services.
Platform
Shall mean a structure attached to, or abutting a dwelling, or constructed separately
from a dwelling, which may be open, or roofed, and which may be screened-in, but not
Town Of Ajax Zoning By-Law 95-2003 Page 3-19
Office Consolidation March 6, 2026
fully enclosed, with or without access to the ground, the floor of which is above finished
ground level. A platform does not include any stairs.
Porch (As Amended by By-Law 83-2004)
Shall mean a platform with a foundation that is fully roofed, unenclosed, permanent and
projecting from the front exterior wall of the building.
Premises
Shall mean the area of a building and/or lot occupied by a business or enterprise. In a
multiple tenancy building occupied by more than one business, each business area
shall be considered a separate premises.
Public Authority
Shall mean the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Regional Municipality of
Durham, or Town of Ajax.
Public Garage
Shall mean a building other than a private garage in which vehicles are parked.
Public Park
Shall mean an area of land for recreational purposes which is owned or controlled by a
public authority.
Public Storage Facility
Shall mean a premises used for the temporary storage of household items and
seasonal, recreational or commercial vehicles, boats and trailers in storage areas or
lockers within enclosed buildings, which are generally accessible by means of individual
loading doors.
Public Street Or Road
Shall mean a public thoroughfare available for use by vehicular and pedestrian traffic
which is assumed or dedicated by/under the jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of
Durham, Town of Ajax or Province of Ontario, but does not include a private lane,
private right-of-way, or unopened road allowance.
Public Use
Shall mean the use of any land, building or structure by a public authority.
Queuing Lane
Shall mean a portion of a parking area or a parking lot, other than a parking aisle or a
parking space which provides standing room for vehicles in a queue. For the purposes
of this definition, a queuing lane shall be measured by the length of a queuing space
times the number of spaces required.
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Quonset Hut (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean a prefabricated structure constructed of corrugated galvanized steel, or a
similar metal cladding, with a semi-circular cross-section that may or may not include an
enclosed front and/or rear portion.
Racetrack, Horse
Shall mean an oval race course with starting chutes including a betting theatre; pari-
mutuel lobby, together with appurtenances for the conduct of horse races; a
grandstand; restaurants; lounges and administrative offices; a museum; retail space for
the sale of racetrack and tourist related merchandise; and areas and facilities for
stabling, grooming, training and showing of horses; accommodation for staff, the
parking of motor vehicles and horse vans; and storage facilities for feed, straw,
equipment and accessories.
Recreation Facility
Shall mean a premises designated and equipped for the conduct of outdoor sports and
leisure time activities such as sports fields but shall not include facilities for any indoor
recreational activities.
Residential Care Facility (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 81-2009)
Shall mean a publicly or privately funded residential facility having 6 or more beds, not
greater than 37 beds, in which persons with physical disabilities, persons who are
developmentally delayed, persons with psychiatric disabilities, and/or pensioners are
provided care and lodging.
Resource Management Uses
Shall mean the preservation, protection, and improvement of the natural environment
through comprehensive management and maintenance of natural heritage features
including the maintenance of wildlife habitats, flood and erosion control, protection and
production of water supplies and preservation for passive recreational use and
enjoyment.
Restaurant
Shall mean a commercial establishment in which the principal business is the
preparation and serving of food and refreshments to the public for immediate
consumption within the establishment or on an abutting terrace or patio, and which may
include home delivery, catering or food pick-up/take-out services.
Restaurant, Drive-Thru
Shall mean a commercial establishment in which the principal business is the
preparation and serving of food and refreshments to the public for immediate
consumption within the establishment, on an abutting terrace or patio, or by means of
an order or window service which motor vehicles access from the parking area by using
designated lanes, and which may include home delivery, catering or food pick-up/take-
out services.
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Restaurant, Take-Out (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 93-2012)
Shall mean a commercial establishment where food or beverages are prepared and
offered for sale to patrons for consumption off the premises.
Retail Store
Shall mean a building or part thereof which is not otherwise defined in this By-law, in
which goods, wares, merchandise, substances, articles or things are offered or kept for
sale at retail directly to the public.
Retail Warehouse
Shall mean a building or structure or part thereof, where the entire floor area of the use
is occupied by a single user with integrated storage and retail sale of goods to the
general public in a warehouse format and which serves a regional trade area.
Sales Pavilion (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 55-2008)
Shall mean a permanent building intended for temporary use as a sales pavilion for
residential units prior to being used for a different permitted use.
School
Shall mean a provincially approved institution for academic instruction and may include
a public, private or separate school, college or university.
Seasonal Farm Produce Sales Outlet
Shall mean a structure from which fruits, vegetables, or other farm produce is sold
during the growing season.
Senior Citizens' Apartment (Amended by By-Law 86-2005)
Shall mean an apartment building for seniors which shall include common facilities for
the preparation, serving and consumption of meals, and may also include common
areas, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, and respite care facilities where such
uses and activities are provided only for residents, and where each dwelling unit has a
maximum of one bedroom and may or may not include a private kitchen.
Service Or Repair Shop
Shall mean a premises for the servicing, repairing or renting, of articles, goods or
materials but shall not include any form of vehicles or boats.
Shipping Container (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 23-2025)
Shall mean a structure designed for repeated use as a vessel for moving goods by one
or more means of transportation. A shipping container typically refers to a steel
intermodal freight container but may also include a vehicular trailer or other similar
transportation vessel. For the purposes of this By-law, a shipping container that has
been fully retrofitted for use as the structural elements of a dwelling shall not be
considered a shipping container.
Town Of Ajax Zoning By-Law 95-2003 Page 3-22
Office Consolidation March 6, 2026
Shopping Centre
Shall mean a group of commercial establishments designed, developed and managed
as a unit by a single owner or tenant, or group of owners or tenants, for which parking is
provided in common off-street areas.
Slot Machine
Shall mean a coin, token or slug-activated automatic machine, the results of the
operation of which are a matter of chance or uncertainty to the operator.
Sports Arena
Shall mean a building or part of a building, in which the principal facilities provide for
recreational activities such as curling, skating, hockey, lacrosse, broomball or other
similar athletic activities, and which facilities may include dressing rooms, concession
booths for the provision of food and refreshments to the general public, bleachers,
equipment for making artificial ice and other such accessory facilities.
Street Line
Shall mean the dividing line between a lot and a street.
Structure
Shall mean anything that is erected, built or constructed of parts joined together or any
such erection fixed to or supported by the soil or any other structure. But for the
purposes of this By-law, an in-ground swimming pool shall be deemed not to be a
structure.
Taxi Depot
Shall mean the use of a premises for a dispatch office for taxis and includes the area
used for the parking of taxis when not engaged in transporting persons or goods.
Temporary Sales Structure
Shall mean a temporary structure or trailer used as a sales office for the sale of
residential, commercial or industrial lots.
Tillable Hectares
Shall mean the total area of land including pasture that can be worked or cultivated.
Trailer, Vehicular
Shall mean any vehicle so constructed that it is suitable for being attached to a motor
vehicle for the purpose of being drawn or propelled by the motor vehicle and is capable
of being used for the transport of goods, materials, equipment or livestock
notwithstanding that such vehicle is jacked up or that its running gear is removed.
Transportation Depot
Shall mean a premises where goods or wares are stored and where the vehicles used
to transport such wares are stored, serviced, repaired, kept for hire, loaded or unloaded.
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Unlicenced Outdoor Patio (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 75-2005)
Shall mean an outdoor area where seating accommodation is provided, and where
meals or refreshments are served to the public for consumption which is used on a
seasonal basis in conjunction with, and in immediate proximity to, a restaurant or a
drive-thru restaurant. The selling, serving and consumption of alcohol shall not be
permitted on the outdoor patio.
Use
Shall mean the purpose for which any portion of a lot, building or structure is designed,
arranged, intended, occupied, operated or maintained.
Veterinary Clinic
Shall mean a building or part of a building where animals or pets are given medical or
surgical treatment or grooming, within which there may be shelter facilities provided for
short-term overnight medical treatment but shall not include a boarding kennel.
Warehouse/ Distribution Centre
Shall mean a building or part of a building used for the storage and distribution of
goods, wares, merchandise, substances, articles or things.
Woodwaste (New definition as incorporated by By-Law 136-2008)
Shall mean a product
a)
That is wood or a wood product, including tree trunks, tree branches, leaves and
brush;
b)
That is not contaminated with chromated copper arsenate, ammoniacal copper
arsenate, pentachlorophenol or creosote; and
c)
From which easily removable hardware, fittings and attachments, unless they are
predominantly wood or cellulose, have been removed
But does not include
a)
An upholstered article; or
b)
An article to which a rigid surface treatment is affixed or adhered, unless the rigid
surface treatment is predominantly wood or cellulose.
Yard
Shall mean an open, uncovered space on a lot appurtenant to a building and
unoccupied by buildings or structures except as may be expressly permitted in this
By-law but does not include a courtyard. In determining yard measures, the minimum
horizontal distance from the respective lot lines is to be used.
Yard, Exterior Side
Shall mean a side yard immediately adjacent to a public street or lane.
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Yard, Front
Shall mean a yard extending across the full width of a lot between the front lot line and
front walls of the nearest building or structure on the lot.
Yard, Interior Side
Shall mean a side yard other than an exterior side yard.
Yard, Rear
Shall mean a yard extending across the full width of a lot between the rear lot line and
the nearest wall or walls of any main building on the lot for which the yard is required.
Yard, Side
Shall mean a yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the side lot
line and the nearest wall of any building or structure on the lot for which the yard is
required.