A zoning (occupancy) certificate confirms that a change of use to a commercial or residential building is allowed under our zoning bylaw. We look at different factors, including if there is enough parking to support the proposed use or if there are limits to the location or size of the new use. You also need a zoning certificate to operate a home-based business.

On this page:

  1. When you need a zoning certificate
  2. Apply

When you need a zoning certificate

A property owner or proposed new tenant needs a zoning certificate if they’re proposing to change:

  • the use of a commercial building (use as defined by the zoning bylaw)
  • the previously approved gross floor area of a business or on a multi-unit residential lot
  • a fully residential dwelling to include a home-based business
  • the number of residential units on a property up to 10 units (11 or more units will require a site plan)

Examples include:

  • if a restaurant is moving out and a pharmacy is taking its place
  • when a business is increasing or decreasing the current size of its unit (example: expanding into an adjacent unit)
  • opening a home-based business like a hair salon or artisan
  • converting a single detached home into a three-unit dwelling

This is a requirement under the Ontario Planning Act and our zoning bylaw.

Residential uses

You don’t need a zoning occupancy certificate to establish a residential use for:

  • single detached dwellings (one-unit)
  • semi-detached dwellings (one-unit)
  • duplexes

Check the Zoning bylaw to find the zoning of your property, and to confirm permitted uses, parking, and general regulations such as for home businesses or additional dwelling units. To find the zoning of your property enter the address into our online zoning map.

Open our zoning map

If you need help using the map:

Application and review process

Download the application form

There are three application forms for zoning certificates. Download the application form that fits your project:

Learn more about additional dwelling units and residential dwelling units.

Application process

There are four steps to the application and review process:

Step 1: submit your application

Submit your application by email or mail or drop off the completed application and the applicable fee to:

Planning and Housing Policy Division
200 King Street West
Kitchener, ON
N2G 4V6

If you want to pay by credit card, please note that on the application form and include a phone number. We will call you to arrange payment over the phone when we process the certificate.

Depending on your proposed use, you may also need to include additional information and plans with your application. These are outlined on the application forms and can include:

  • floor plan (for home businesses)
  • survey (for new residential uses)
  • zoning plan (drawings showing compliance to applicable zoning regulations for the proposed use)

Download a sample plan for additional dwelling units.

Step 2: staff review

  • Staff will review your application within 15 business days.
  • You can submit your application for Zoning (Occupancy) Certificate before you apply for a building permit, or at the same time as you apply for your Building Permit (zoning review may extend the typical review timeline of a Building Permit.)
  • Staff will share any comments or required changes, and work with you to resolve any deficiencies. This could include you making changes to your plan, or exploring whether it might be appropriate to request a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment.

Step 3: certificate issued

Once the proposal and plans comply with zoning, we’ll issue approval confirming the new use is compliant with the zoning bylaw.

Step 4: zoning inspection for residential units

  • A zoning inspection is required to confirm zoning compliance where residential units are added to a residential building/lot.
  • A development must pass this inspection before final building inspection and the building permit rebate can be issued.

Other applications:

A Zoning Certificate is a requirement of many building permits and business license applications

Resources:

These resources will help you to apply for a zoning (occupancy) certificate.

If you have any questions, send us an email or call 519-741-2426.