This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot e54872932c43 · verified 2026-10-19 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 1
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
General Rules of Interpretation (Sections 10-28)
10.
This by-law may be cited by its long title, its short title, or by its by-law number, and any such
citation is to be taken as meaning the by-law as amended.
11.
The following rules and definitions apply to this by-law, unless a contrary intention is evident from
the context:
(1)
this by-law is written in plain language;
(2)
a deliberate attempt has been made to keep the words, the grammar and the syntax used
as simple as possible while meeting the legal requirement for clear and precise
legislation; and
(3)
the words used in the by-law have their ordinary meaning, unless otherwise
defined. (Subject to By-law 2012-180)
12.
(1)
The system of division of the provisions of this by-law is as follows:
1.
section [Arabic numeral];
(1)
subsection [bracketed Arabic numeral];
(a)
clause [bracketed lower-case letter];
(i)
sub clause [bracketed lower-case Roman numeral]; and
1.
paragraph [Arabic numeral].
(2)
Despite subsection (1), a reference to or citation of any of the above divisions as a
"section" or "subsection" does not invalidate that reference or citation, if the reference or
citation is otherwise correct.
13.
The Legislation Act, 2006 applies to this by-law.(By-law 2012-334)
14.
Despite the tense used in a provision:
(1)
every provision of this by-law is to be applied to the circumstances as they exist at the
time in question; and
(2)
every obligation imposed by this by-law is a continuing one so long as either the use, the
circumstances, the reason for the obligation, or the events which caused, precipitated or
gave rise to the obligation continue.
15.
Definitions are given in this by-law to aid in the understanding and implementation of the true
spirit, intent and meaning of the by-law. They are not to be used to avoid an obligation imposed by
the by-law or any requirement enacted in a substantive provision of the by-law.
16.
This by-law is remedial in nature and shall be interpreted in a benevolent manner and read and
applied in a way that will ensure the effective implementation of its provisions and intent. (By-law
2013-224)
17.
Without limiting the generality of section 16, where a situation arises that is not covered by a
specific regulation, the provisions of this by-law apply by analogy to that situation, so that the
application that is made of section 16 is the one that ensures the effective implementation of this
by-law.
18.
Without limiting the generality of sections 16 or 17, where a situation arises that is not covered by
a specific regulation, or where two or more regulations are equally applicable, all provisions must
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 2
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
be complied with or, where it is not possible to comply with all the provisions applicable, the most
restrictive provisions must be complied with.
19.
Despite section 18, where an exception, suffix, schedule or overlay applies, the provisions
imposed by that exception, suffix, schedule or overlay prevail over any other provision in the
zoning by-law.
20.
Except in the case of determining the number of required parking spaces for a storage yard use,
where a use does not take place within a building but a regulation imposes a requirement
premised on that use being in a building, the requirement applies as though the actual area
occupied by the use is in a building, so that the true spirit, intent and meaning of the by-law is
implemented. (By-law 2017-302)
21.
This by-law is gender-neutral and, accordingly, any reference to one gender includes the other.
22.
Words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular.
23.
Unless otherwise defined, the words and phrases used in this by-law have their normal and
ordinary meaning.
24.
Whether or not a word or term used in this by-law is defined, it is not included within the meaning
of any other word or term used in this by-law, whether or not that other word or term is defined.
25.
A comprehensive list of all terms used to name or describe a use in the by-law is appended as
Appendix A and this list is the basis for all terms used in the by-law and any amendment to the by-
law.
26.
Appendices, footnotes, headings, indices, marginal notes, tables of contents, illustrations,
references to former enactments or enabling legislation do not form part of the by-law and are
editorially inserted for convenience of reference only.
27.
Tables are part of the by-law and are used throughout to present regulations in a concise format,
and are structured with columns (vertical) and rows (horizontal) that are each numbered and titled
for reference purposes.
28.
The abbreviations "m" and "m2" are used in the zoning by-law text and mean "metres" and "square
metres" respectively.
Interpreting Zoning Information (Sections 29-45)
Interpreting the Zoning Maps
29.
The zoning maps attached to this by-law are part of the by-law and show the different areas,
called zones or subzones, into which this by-law divides the city and show the zoning codes given
to these areas; and those zones or subzones may be cited by either their zone name or their zone
code.
30.
The zones are designated by a zone code that is formed from one or more of the following parts:
(1)
the primary zone symbol;
(2)
the subzone symbol;
(3)
the exception symbol; and
(4)
the suffixes and schedules.
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 3
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
31.
The zoning maps are provided in two formats: a single electronic consolidation for the entire City;
and a hard copy version dividing the City into a grid of zoning maps numbered consecutively from
1; and these zoning maps may be individually cited as "zoning map number....".
32.
Where the boundary of any zone shown on the zoning maps:
(1)
follows a street, lane, utility right-of-way, railway right-of-way or watercourse, it is
considered to follow the centreline of such street, lane, utility right-of-way, railway right-of-
way, or watercourse;
(2)
substantially follows lot lines shown on the zoning maps or the electronic consolidation of
the zoning map, it is considered to follow such lot lines; (By-law 2013-224)
(3)
follows a street and the street is closed, the land in the said closed street is considered to
be included in the zone of the adjoining land and if such street forms a boundary between
two or more different zones, it is considered to follow the centreline of that closed street;
and
(4)
passes through a lot and the distance is not indicated, it is considered to be located as
measured using the scale of the zoning map.
33.
(1)
Where a lot is divided into more than one zone, each portion of the lot must be used in
accordance with the provisions of the applicable zone; however, the zone boundary is not
to be treated as a lot line. Where two or more regulations are equally applicable to a lot,
Section 18 applies.
(2)
Where two zone codes are applied to a vacant school site, shown on the zoning maps
separated by a diagonal line (example: I1A/R2B), the uses permitted are either those
permitted in the institutional zone, subject to the institutional zone requirements; or those
permitted in the other zone, subject to the requirements of that zone.
Interpreting the Zones and Zoning Mechanisms
34.
Purpose statements are included in each zone and:
(1)
are intended to assist in understanding the by-law's objectives and purpose, and in
understanding the planning principles underlying the use provisions and the regulatory
provisions of the zone;
(2)
are structured to reflect a prime objective of the by-law to implement the land-use related
policies of the Official Plan;
(3)
contain three basic elements:
(a)
land use designation,
(b)
the link to the policy of the Official Plan, and
(c)
the planning objective that links the zone to the policy; and
(4)
are equally applicable to the subzones and exceptions zones.
Statements of planning intent may also be included within other provisions.
35.
(1)
The organization and structure of this by-law is set out in Table 35(A), below:
TABLE 35(A)- THE STRUCTURE OF THE BY-LAW
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 4
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
(I) Name of the
Mechanism
(II) Description of the
Mechanism
(III) Legal Effect
(IV) Where Used
(1) General and Specific
Use Provisions
Regulations that apply
on a broad level
Enacts provisions that
apply to most uses or to
a specific use in most
cases
Parts 2, 3 and 5 of the
Zoning By-law
(2) Primary Zone
The basic structural unit
of the zoning by-law. A
land use category with
specific permitted uses
and regulations
Regulates areas of
similar or compatible
land uses
Indicated by one of the
symbols set out in Table
35(B), below, e.g. R1
(3) Subzone
Sub-category of primary
zone
Imposes regulations to
deal with the unique
characteristics of an
area while maintaining
the purpose of the
primary zone
Indicated by a letter or
number added to the
primary zone symbol;
e.g.,R1A
(4) Overlay
An additional layer of
regulation.
Imposes regulations
that take precedence
over the underlying
zoning or over any other
provisions in the by-law
(heritage, flood plain
area overlays)
Shown on the zoning
maps by a distinctive
marking (e.g., shading
or hatching) and may
overlap the boundaries
of the underlying zones
(5) Suffix
(By-law 2015-197)
A simple form of
Overlay
Unlike an overlay, which
can be more complex, a
suffix adds a single
regulation to a zone (H-
height, F-floor space
index, h-Holding Zone, c
- Residential
Neighbourhood
Commercial)
Shown by a "suffix" to
the primary zone on the
zoning maps (e.g.,
"H(30)"added to R5
adds a 30 metre height
limit to that R5 zone)
(6) Schedule
A document appended
to and forming part of
the by-law that contains
detailed regulations or
complex descriptions
Imposes specific or
detailed regulations that
are meant to apply only
in specific
circumstances or to
specific situations
A separate document,
plan or map appended
to the zoning by-law in
Part 17 and indicated on
the zoning maps by the
schedule number; e.g.,
S3
(7) Exception
A modification to the
zoning of a site, used
only when none of the
above mechanisms are
appropriate. All other
provisions of the by-law
continue to apply.
Allows a use that would
not be permitted
otherwise; prohibits a
use that would be
permitted otherwise, or
makes any
modifications to the
regulations applicable to
the site. Contains only
the provision being
modified and does not
repeat regulations which
already apply
The text of the
exception is contained
in Part 15 of the by-law
and the area to which
the exception applies is
shown on the zoning
map by a number within
square brackets, e.g. [1]
for the urban area and
[1r] for the rural area,
the number in the
brackets corresponding
to the number of the text
contained in Part 15
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 5
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
(2)
The list of primary zone names and zone codes used in the text and maps to create and
identify the zones in this by-law, together with the meaning of those codes, is set out in
Table 35(B), below:
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 6
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
TABLE 35(B)- LIST OF PRIMARY ZONES AND CODES
(I) Zone Name
(II) Zone Code
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
(1) Residential First Density Zone
R1
(2) Residential Second Density Zone
R2
(3) Residential Third Density Zone
R3
(4) Residential Fourth Density Zone
R4
(5) Residential Fifth Density Zone
R5
(6) Mobile Home Park Zone
RM
INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
(7) Minor Institutional Zone
I1
(8) Major Institutional Zone
I2
OPEN SPACE AND LEISURE ZONES
(9) Parks and Open Space Zone
O1
(10) Community Leisure Facility Zone
L1
(11) Major Leisure Facility Zone
L2
(12) Central Experimental Farm Zone
L3
ENVIRONMENTAL ZONE
(13) Environmental Protection Zone
EP
COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE ZONES
(14) Local Commercial Zone
LC
(15) General Mixed Use Zone
GM
(16) Traditional Mainstreet Zone
TM
(17) Arterial Mainstreet Zone
AM
(18) Mixed Use Centre Zone
MC
(19) Mixed Use Downtown Zone
MD
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 7
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
(I) Zone Name
(II) Zone Code
INDUSTRIAL ZONES
(20) Business Park Industrial Zone
IP
(21) Light Industrial Zone
IL
(22) General Industrial Zone
IG
(23) Heavy Industrial Zone
IH
TRANSPORTATION ZONES
(24) Air Transportation Facility Zone
T1
(25) Ground Transportation Facility Zone
T2
RURAL ZONES
(26) Agricultural Zone
AG
(27) Mineral Extraction Zone
ME
(28) Mineral Aggregate Reserve Zone
MR
(29) Rural Commercial Zone
RC
(30) Rural General Industrial Zone
RG
(31) Rural Heavy Industrial Zone
RH
(32) Rural Institutional Zone
RI
(33) Rural Residential Zone
RR
(34) Rural Countryside Zone
RU
(35) Village Mixed Use Zone
VM
(36) Village Residential First Density Zone
V1
(37) Village Residential Second Density Zone
V2
(38) Village Residential Third Density Zone
V3
OTHER ZONES
(39) Development Reserve Zone
DR
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 8
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
36.
Subzones are created by adding a number or a capital letter to the primary zone code, and have
the effect of modifying the uses or the regulations of the primary zone to the extent set out in the
text of the provisions for that subzone.
37.
Exception zones are created by adding a number in square brackets, e.g. [1], to the zone code
on the zoning maps, and that have the effect of:
(1)
allowing a use that would not be permitted otherwise;
(2)
prohibiting a use that would be permitted otherwise; or
(3)
incorporating other modifications to the zoning by-law as are set out in the table for that
exception, while retaining the un-modified provisions of the primary zone or subzone, as
the case may be.
38.
Holding zones are created by adding a lower-case "h" to the zone code on the zoning maps, and
that have the effect of allowing the uses set out in the corresponding text of the by-law at some
time in the future, when the holding symbol is removed by an amendment to the zoning by-law
once specified conditions, which are identified in the exception provisions, are met (e.g. such as
conditions related to environmental, transportation, servicing matters).
39.
Height limits are created by adding to the zone code on the zoning maps:
(1)
an upper-case "H";
(2)
followed by a number in parentheses, e.g.(10), and that have the effect of limiting the
height above grade, in metres, to the number indicated in parentheses; heights may also
be shown in terms of height in metres above sea level, indicated by the term 'a.s.l.'
following the number in parentheses; and
(3)
height limits may also be specified in a zone, subzone, exception, or provision.
40.
Floor space indices are created by adding an upper case "F" to the zone code on the zoning
map followed by a number in parentheses, e.g. (1.0), and that have the effect of limiting the gross
floor area that may be built on the zoned area to that which is equal to the area of the lot multiplied
by the number in parentheses following the upper case "F". Floor space indices may also be
specified in a zone, subzone, exception or provision.
41.
Schedules are shown by adding the letters "S" followed by a number added to the zone code on
the zoning maps, and are part of the by-law and enact the regulation, the description or the map
they contain.
42.
Heritage overlays are shown as a shaded area on the zoning map and referenced in the map
legend, and that have the effect of invoking the general provisions covering heritage contained in
Section 60 for the shaded area.
43.
Flood plain overlays are shown as a shaded area on the zoning map and referenced in the map
legend, and that have the effect of invoking the general provisions covering flood plain provisions
contained in Section 58 for the shaded area. Areas within the floodplain overlay which are
identified as Area Specific Provisions are also shown as a different shaded area on the zoning
map and referenced in the map legend and may have the effect of invoking area-specific
provisions contained in Section 58(4) and (5) for the shaded area.
44.
Endnotes are attached in most instances to a Residential Subzone, as noted in Column XI of
each Residential Subzone Provision Table in Part 6. These endnotes refine or modify one or more
of the provisions identified in Columns III through X and are described in Additional Zoning
Provisions Tables applicable to each Residential Zone category.
45.
The asterisk underscore symbol "*_" on the zoning map is used to identify those lands for which a
zoning amendment is pending. (By-law 2008-326)
Part 1 - Administration, Interpretation and Definitions
1 - 9
City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 2008-250 Consolidation
46.
Residential Neighbourhood Commercial regulations apply where the zone code includes a
suffix "-c". These regulations are contained in Section 141 of Part 5. (By-law 2015-197)