Zoning by-laws are enacted at the local municipal level and set the rules and regulations that control development. Specifically, zoning defines how land can be used, the types of buildings and other structures permitted and where they can be located, and such details as the height of buildings and setbacks from other properties. Zoning by-laws provide the tools to implement and legally enforce the Official Plan. If a proposed development fails to comply with a zoning by-law, the municipality may refuse to issue a building permit. Many lower-tier municipalities have a comprehensive zoning by-law that divides the municipality into different land use zones according to permitted uses (e.g., commercial or residential) and required standards (e.g., building size and location).
