Zoning Review for Business Licence

Required to confirm compliance with the City’s Zoning By-law(s) when applying for business licence approval.

The following Uses require written confirmation to show that a proposal complies with the Zoning By-law in support of business license applications.

  • public garages;
  • eating or drinking establishments, (including expanded activity eating or drinking establishment);
  • expanded activity eating or drinking establishments;
  • adult entertainment establishments;
  • body rub parlour;
  • holistic centres;
  • entertainment place of assembly (including Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly) (e.g. performing arts space, theatre, cinema, opera, concert hall, circus, ballet, live music performance venue, any other establishment that offers entertainment or performances for patrons (can include immersive experiences), or a space offered to other persons to host entertainment or performances for patrons such as banquet halls or event venues);
  • expanded activity entertainment place of assembly;
  • entertainment establishment/nightclub;
  • amusement establishment (e.g. include bowling, video arcades and arcade games, archery, axe throwing, carnivals, internet cafés, miniature golf, golf driving ranges, go-kart courses, roller skating rinks, billiards or pool, trampolines, rebound tumbling, other similar activities);
  • commercial parking lots

If you need any assistance in determining the applicable review that is required for your proposed business, use the Licence Finder Tool.

All drawings, reports and forms, including the completed Project Review Request must be provided in PDF format.

All drawings to be black and white, drawn on standardized sized sheets to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated.

One additional review may be provided where minor revisions are made to plans in order to comply with zoning requirements, or additional information is provided for a more complete review.

If any building alterations are proposed, or if a new major occupancy is being introduced into the building, a building permit may be required. If your proposal will require a building permit, it is recommended to apply for a Zoning and Applicable Law Certificate instead, which will allow for the future submission of a complete building permit application.

Declaration Form for Holistic Centres

From the business owner / operator stating that the premises will not be used as an adult entertainment parlour / facility as defined in the Zoning By-law.

Proof of Membership from Professional Holistic Association

Owner / operator to provide proof of membership from Professional Holistic Association

List of Services Provided – for Holistic Centres

List of services to be provided by each staff member with a description of each service. Only services stated will be reviewed and specifically identified.

Survey

Please provide a survey if available.

Site Plan

A detailed site plan, fully dimensioned and showing adjacent properties and buildings including setbacks.

Floor Plans

Floor plans, fully dimensioned indicating uses of all spaces.

Applications for an Expanded Activity Eating and Drinking Establishment Licence must show the entertainment area and proposed entertainment activities on the floor plans.

View the Sample Drawing

 

Submit the applicable application form with required documentation:

  • Eating or Drinking Establishment (including Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment)

Application Form

  • Entertainment Establishment / Nightclub

Application Form

  • Entertainment Place of Assembly (including Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly) 

Application Form

  • Amusement Establishment

Application Form

  • All other categories

Application Form

 

To submit an application by email, please complete the form and email to bldapplications@toronto.ca, or use the ‘Email’ button on top of the Application Form.

The review of a proposal to determine its compliance with the City’s Zoning By-law. The fees for the program are as follows:

Fee Effective Jan. 1, 2025 Per Request (Non-refundable)

Review for business license: $239.11/application