The Payment-in-Lieu of Bicycle Parking (PILOBP) program was established in 2022 (PH29.3) and expanded in 2025 (PH18.3) to give new or expanded residential development flexibility to meet the City’s bicycle parking requirements by contributing to the expansion of Toronto Bike Share. Under the program, developments which meet the eligibility criteria can receive relief for up to 50% of the “short-term” and “long-term” bicycle parking normally required on site. This approach is aligned with the City’s Official Plan policies which call for the expansion of the public Bike Share system to facilitate the use of the bicycle for short and multi-modal trips.
An applicant is eligible to apply for a payment-in-lieu for bicycle parking exemption, from a portion of their bicycle parking requirements, if all of the following apply to the development site:
If all of the above apply, an applicant can make a payment-in-lieu of providing up to 50 per cent of the “short-term” and/or “long-term” residential bicycle parking required (Zoning By-law 569-2013 230.5.10.20). The proceeds of the program will be used to fund the expansion of the Bike Share system.
To receive a reduction in their bicycle parking requirements, eligible applicants must submit an exemption request letter with their Site Plan Control Application, or any subsequent resubmission. An applicant may choose to identify their intent for a payment-in-lieu contribution earlier in the approvals process, however the approval for the payment-in-lieu of bicycle parking exemption is only given at the Site Plan Control application stage.
In instances where an applicant wishes to request a payment-in-lieu of bicycle parking exemption but the proposed development does not require a Site Plan Control application, please contact the Toronto Building representative on your file. The Toronto Building representative assigned to your file will identify the appropriate Community Planning area manager/staff to receive your exemption request letter and review the application for payment-in-lieu of bicycle parking.
With the adoption of this payment-in-lieu of bicycle parking provision, Zoning By-law amendments and minor variances for bicycle parking requirements will not be supported by staff.
An exemption request letter must be included with your Site Plan Control Application or resubmission, or with your Building Permit Application or subsequent submissions in instances where a Planning Application is not required, if you wish to request a payment-in-lieu of bicycle parking exemption. The exemption request letter shall include the following information:
For any payment-in-lieu of bicycle parking application that is not tied to a Site Plan Control Application the applicant must also include ownership and legal description information in order for the applicant to enter into an agreement with the City. In this case, the applicant must include: a current copy of the Parcel Register(s) for the land that is the subject of the application.
The exemption request information should also be identified in the Transportation Impact Study’s bicycle parking chapter, where applicable.
On February 5, 2025, City Council adopted PH18.3 – Recommended Parking Requirements for New Development – Accessible, Bicycle, Visitor. As part of this report, City Council directed the Executive Director, Development Review to use $538 per “short-term” bicycle parking space reduced and $1076 per “long-term” bicycle parking space reduced, adjusted for inflation, as the basis upon which payments under Clause 230.5.10.20 of Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, be calculated. The dollar value will be adjusted for inflation annually and will be updated on this webpage each year.
| Period | Dollar value per “short-term” bicycle parking space reduced | Dollar value per “long-term” bicycle parking space reduced |
| January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 | $500 | Not applicable |
| July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 | $520 | Not applicable |
| July 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 | $538 | Not applicable |
| April 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 | $538 | $1076 |
| January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 | To be determined | To be determined |
The applicant is required to make payment directly to Toronto Buildings (Customer Service) prior to issuance of the Building Permit.