Zoning Occupancy Certificate Application Process

Use our interactive zoning map to view the applicable zoning designation.

Zoning Map

1. Locate the property using the search tool.
2. Select the property to determine what zone your property is in and the associated by-law number (e.g. RL3-0 sp:10, By-law 2014-014).
3. Select View Additional Details and links to the zoning regulations will be displayed.

Residential use examples that may require a zoning certificate include:

• Residential basement to an accessory dwelling / second suite
• Home occupation (home business). A business licence may be applicable.
• Bed and breakfast establishment
• Lodging house
• Short-term accommodation

All non-residential uses require a zoning certificate including:

• Expansion of an existing business
• Business licence
• Daycare licence
• Vehicle sales (even if cars are not stored on the property), Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)
• Propane distribution

The work I am planning doesn’t comply with the zoning by-law. What can I do?

If your project is not able to comply with the regulations of the zoning by-law, you have the option to submit a minor variance application to the Committee of Adjustment.

A minor variance is a small variation from the requirements of the zoning by-law. For more information, visit the Committee of Adjustment page. You may want to consult with the Planning department at 905-845-6601 before submitting an application.

Prepare your documents

Each submission for a zoning certificate requires:

• Drawings (see below for details)
• Letter of Use (upon request for more complex uses)

Drawings to provide

Drawings are assessed to confirm parking requirements and applicable zone regulations (i.e. maximum size for a proposed use such as an accessory dwelling or seasonal garden centre).

Label each drawing sheet with the property address, legal description and project name. Save drawings as scalable and clearly dimensioned so that staff can calculate floor area.

• Property survey (if available)
  • Site Plan showing birds eye view of subject land
  • Building(s) footprint and overall dimensions
  • Location of unit and/or area to be occupied (including expansion if applicable), clearly identified
  • Any outdoor areas clearly labelled such as patio, outside display and sales area
  • Parking layout (including stacking spaces if applicable) or, length and width of driveway for residential properties
  • Site statistics including but not limited to: lot area, required and proposed parking, floor area including detailed breakdown if more than one use exists or is being proposed (i.e. 25 per cent office, 75 per cent warehouse, etc.)
• Floor plan(s) including mezzanine level if applicable
  • Fully dimensioned to outside walls or centreline of party wall for multi-tenant units
  • For residential properties, internal dimensions for a private garage and/or basement
  • All rooms clearly labelled
  • Detailed area breakdown

Submission requirements

Help us process your application faster by following the document submission standards.

• Save all drawings and documents as PDFs as an independent file in proper viewing orientation, black and white and formatted to scale
• Ensure files are extractable and not secured/password protected
• Label files accurately and descriptively for easy navigation. Example: A101_Survey, A102_Site Plan, A201_BsmtFloorPlan, A202_FirstFloorPlan, A203_SecondFloorPlan, etc.
• Scanned drawings and documents must also meet these minimum quality standards: no folds or creases that cause missing information, no reduction to size and no skews

Submitting applications online

Use Chrome or Safari for the best experience. If it is your first time using our online services, you need to create a user name and password. If you have an existing account, you can use the same username and password.

Provide information about your project and upload your drawings and documents. You do not need to provide the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.

Please follow the submission standards outlined in Step Two to help us process your application quickly.

Log into Online Services

Select your application type

1. Select "Zoning Certificate of Occupancy" as your application type
2. Specify if your property is residential or non-residential.
3. Click "Continue" to move to the next step.

Property details

1. Type your address into the "Search Address" field and click "Search".
2. Your property should appear below the search bar. Click "Select"
   1. If you select the wrong property, you can click the "Remove" button to delete the selection and retry your property search.
3. Click "Continue" to move to the next step..

Project contacts

1. Identify the property owner for the project.
2. To add a new contact, select the "Add Contacts" button.
3. You can assign roles to your contacts, such as property owner, by selecting the "Assign Role" button.
4. The applicant must be the owner.

Application information

Provide application information requested from all fields.

For more information, please contact the Zoning Team at 905-845-6601, ext. 3955 or zoningrequests@oakville.ca.

Proceed to payment

Fees can be paid by credit card at time of online application submission.

The review and approval process of your submitted documents regarding your zoning occupancy certificate will be processed through the ProjectDox software if your application requires drawings to be uploaded. 

About ProjectDox

ProjectDox is a web-based program that lets customers complete the project review and approval process online. It creates an online workspace that people from different locations and disciplines can use to share information, making it easier to communicate and complete tasks.

Access ProjectDox via email

You will receive a ProjectDox Invitation email containing instructions and a link to access your project and upload and submit documents.

The ProjectDox Invitation email will come from "DoNotReplyTownofOakville@avolvecloud.com".

To log in to ProjectDox you will use your Town of Oakville account login and password. Once signed in, you can view project tasks and status.

During the review of your project, if you are required to complete a task you will be notified by email. Follow the instructions in the email to complete the required task.

If you are requested to resubmit materials, please only submit those requested. Do not resubmit the entire application package unless requested to do so.

Refusals and resubmissions

If there are issues with your application, you will be provided a notified via ProjectDox email summarizing the deficiencies to be addressed. At this point, you are eligible to resubmit your revised plans through ProjectDox to address the deficiency issues.