Zoning

Use the interactive zoning map to help you get current zoning information. 

Once you launch the map, you must click the "I Agree" disclaimer button on the page to access the map.  Users can search properties by address or zone, if seeking a specific zone.

To Search by Address - Type an address, street name, or intersection (i.e. street A & street B) into the text box at the upper left of the map, then click the magnifying glass.

You can also pan around the map by clicking and holding the map, then moving your mouse.  Use your mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

To search by zone - Type a zone code into the search box, for example, RSC2.  All the zones which match that code will be highlighted in yellow on the map. To search a compound zone, enter the entire zone code with a '/' between the parts [i.e. R3-2/OC2] and click the magnifying glass.  These can help you narrow down your search for specifically zoned properties.

Please note: Only major zone codes, such as R2-2 or OC2, for example can be searched.  The map will not search for special provision zones like R2-2(12) or OC2(1). 

Zoning information - To obtain specific information about a zone applied to a property, click on the desired property on the map.  An information box will appear providing links to existing property information, parcel information, or parking area information.  You can click on these links to get more specific information.  If you do not see the zoning information, check to see if there is more than one "page" (top left corner of the information box) to toggle between information screens.

When you click on the zone code or one of the zone modifiers a new browser window will open with the zoning regulations specific to that zone, from the zoning by-law.

Please note: This map represents only a portion of the zoning by-law.  Other regulations could apply to the property or the zone.  Should you have any questions about Zoning by-laws or properties in the city, please contact us. 

In any situation where the official printed publications of the City of London differ from the text or maps presented on this website, the official print publications take precedence.

The Zoning by-Law Z.-1 governs what uses are permitted on individual properties, and larger areas, throughout the city and regulates the scale and intensity of which individual properties can be developed. 

It establishes and regulates the use of land by implementing the policies of the City's Official Plan. It provides the municipality with a legally enforceable means of regulating land use, scale and intensity of development. Zoning also serves to protect areas by preventing or limiting incompatible uses, and establishing appropriate standards for development. Zoning by-laws contain specific, legal regulations. For example, what uses are permitted, how high buildings can be constructed, the maximum number of residential units allowed or the amount of off-street parking required.

How does zoning work?

The city is divided into zones, where different land uses are permitted. These zones are set out in the zoning by-law.  There are zones, for example, which permit single detached dwellings, others that permit apartment buildings, or shopping centres, or industrial uses, etc. In the older or developed areas of London, most of the lands are zoned for specific uses or ranges of uses commonly found in an urban municipality. In undeveloped parts of the City, land can be zoned for specific intentions, such as residential, commercial or industrial, agricultural or environmental purposes.  Sometimes it's even zoned for future growth with only a general idea of what the main purpose will be in the future, after certain studies are completed, or servicing available.

What happens if a building I'm interested in does not allow for a use?

Sometimes there are situations where the zone applied to a property does not meet the intent or the desires of a property owner.  An application to amend the Zoning by-law can be made that will be evaluated by municipal staff, through a public process, with a decision on the proposed amendment finally made by City Council.  Examples could include adding a second unit to a home where it isn't permitted, changing from residential to commercial uses, or any substantial change involving the by-law.  Generally, if you're adding a use or making a substantial (i.e. not minor) change to the by-law, a Zoning by-law amendment is necessary.

What if I only want to make a small or minor change to the by-law?

A minor variance application can be made.  These applications are reviewed and decided upon by the Committee of Adjustment.  Examples of this include raising the maximum height of a building, reducing the amount of parking required, or building closer to the property line(s) than the by-law permits.  Typically when you're adjusting one or more of the regulations, a minor variance is all that is needed.