Building Permit FAQ

How does the Zoning By-law affect construction projects?

During the preliminary planning stage of your project, you must determine the zoning by-law rules that apply to your property. Zoning by-laws regulate the use, size, location and types of buildings permitted on property in the City. The City of Owen Sound Zoning By-law contains a wide array of land use and development regulations that must be met before a property can be used or a building erected. The regulations address such matters as:

• Permitted land uses within different parts of the City
• Setbacks of buildings from property lines
• Setbacks of buildings from lands zoned hazardous
• Building heights (usually from the ground in front of the building)
• Building floor areas (can be defined as minimums or maximums)
• Lot coverage (usually a maximum percentage of the lot that may be covered by buildings)
• Accessory uses and buildings (i.e., pools and utility sheds)
• Home occupations and outside storage
• Required municipal services (water and sanitary sewer services)
• Parking requirements

Information about zoning and development permits in the City of Owen Sound can be obtained from Planning Division staff.

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