One Stop for Business
Zoning Verification Report Application
Zoning Mapping
Explore our interactive zoning mapping to find the zoning on a property.
Zoning Verification
A Zoning Verification Application will provide you with the required documentation to:
- Open your business
- Apply for a business licence
- Apply for a building permit
The zoning of a property dictates what uses are permitted on that property. Currently there are 7 different Zoning By-laws which apply throughout the City of Hamilton, depending on your location. It is important to note that Zoning can differ from property to property.
Having a use that is permitted on one property does not necessarily mean it is permitted on another, even if the property is right next door. It is very important to check the zoning of a property prior to signing a lease or purchasing a property in order to ensure that your intended use is in fact permitted at that location.
Zoning regulates:
- Where buildings and other structures can be located.
- Types of buildings such as residential, commercial, industrial and institutional uses that are permitted at a particular address.
- How the property may be used such as lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights, and distance from the street.
Zoning Verification report changes
Going forward, City of Hamilton's Zoning Verification Reports will include:
Confirmation that the intended or current use of a property is permitted within the zoning of that property
Last/current recognized use of the property
A list of permitted uses within the current zoning of the property
If the property is subject to Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
If the property requires Conservation Authority approval
Zoning Verification Reports will not include information such as:
Outstanding work orders (including outstanding building permits, Orders to Comply, Stop Work Orders, Zoning Violations and/or Property Standards Orders)
Confirmation of the issuance of any building permits for septic systems
Confirmation if a final grading certificate has been received
Learn More About How to
Apply for a Zoning Verification
If you want to open an existing business at a specific address, you can apply for a Zoning Verification/Property Report as follows:
There are two different service fees depending on how fast you need the zoning verified:
| Service Type | Fee | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Service (get zoning verified in 10 business days) | $129 | $135 |
| Express Service (get zoning verified in 5 business days) | $206 | $210 |
All fees are non-refundable.
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