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The new City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 was enacted on May 9, 2013. It has been appealed under section 34(19) of the Planning Act. Even though it is under appeal, the City's Chief Building Official and the Committee of Adjustment will apply the new By-law to applications filed after its enactment. Please consult with your advisors to determine whether the new by-law has any impact.
Amendments to By-law 569-2013 have been incorporated into this office consolidation. The web version of this by-law does not include highlighting to reflect the regulations that remain under appeal as a result of appeals to the By-law as adopted on May 9, 2013. Please review the PDF version of the office consolidation for regulations that remain under appeal.
The original by-law and its amendments are with the City Clerk's office.
Zoning By-law No. 569-2013, as
amended (office consolidation),
is available in PDF format from the
Zoning By-law 569-2013 homepage
   
 
City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended (Office Consolidation)
Version Date: December 21, 2022
Table of Contents

Back to Top of Bylaw

Chapter 1Administration
Chapter 2Compliance with this By-law
Chapter 5Regulations Applying to all Zones
5.10General Regulations
5.10.1General
5.10.1.10Interpretation
5.10.1.30Restrictions
5.10.20Permitted Uses
5.10.20.1General
5.10.30Lot Requirements
5.10.30.1General
5.10.30.20Lot Frontage
5.10.30.40Lot Coverage
5.10.40Principal Building Requirements
5.10.40.1General
5.10.40.10Height
5.10.40.40Floor Area
5.10.40.70Setbacks
5.10.40.80Separation
5.10.50Yards
5.10.50.10Landscaping
5.10.60Ancillary Buildings and Structures
5.10.60.1General
5.10.75Energy Regulations
5.10.75.1General
5.10.175Fence
5.10.175.1General
Chapter 10Residential
Chapter 15Residential Apartment
Chapter 30Commercial
Chapter 40Commercial Residential
Chapter 50Commercial Residential Employment
Chapter 60Employment Industrial
Chapter 80Institutional
Chapter 90Open Space
Chapter 100Utility and Transportation
Chapter 150Specific Use Regulations
Chapter 200Parking Space Regulations
Chapter 220Loading Space Regulations
Chapter 230Bicycle Parking Space Regulations
Chapter 280Special Districts - Downtown
Chapter 300Special Districts - Centres
Chapter 400Special Districts - Avenues
Chapter 500Special Districts - Heritage
Chapter 600Regulations for Overlay Zones
Chapter 800Definitions
Chapter 900Site Specific Exceptions
Chapter 970Appendices
Chapter 990Zoning By-law Map
Chapter 995Overlay Maps

Chapter 5 Regulations Applying to all Zones

5.10 General Regulations

5.10.1 General

5.10.1.10 Interpretation

(1)Application of Chapter
The regulations in Chapter 5, "Regulations Applying to All Zones", apply to all lands, uses, buildings and structures.
(2)Multiple Uses On a Lot
If a lot is used for more than one permitted use, the regulations which apply to each permitted use on the lot are applied as if each permitted use exists and operates independently of the other.
(3)Specific Uses
If the zone regulation identifies a use as being a permitted use with conditions, and the condition requires compliance with the specific use regulations in Chapter 150, the specific use must comply with the regulations for the zone in which it is located and the regulations in Chapter 150.
(4)Substantial Demolition
A building is not lawfully existing if 50% or more of the main walls of the first storey, or above, are removed or replaced.

5.10.1.30 Restrictions

(1)Use of Unzoned lands
Lands that are on the Zoning By-law Map as lands to which this By-law applies, but are not identified on the Zoning By-law Map as being in a zone, may only be used for open space and may not have a building or structure.
(2)Habitation in a Vehicle
A vehicle may not be used for living accommodation.
(3)Dwelling Unit Below Grade
A dwelling unit may not be entirely below:
(A)established grade in the Residential Zone category and Residential Apartment Zone category; and
(B)average grade in any other zone that permits a dwelling unit.

5.10.20 Permitted Uses

5.10.20.1 General

(1)City Services
The following are permitted in any zone, if owned or operated by or for, or under the authority of, the City of Toronto or any agency of the City of Toronto:
(A)facilities for public or emergency services, other than municipal shelters;
(B)Municipally owned public parking; and
(C)on-location filming.
(2)Ancillary Uses
Uses that are ancillary to a permitted use on the same lot, are permitted if they comply with the regulations of the zone in which the lot is located.

5.10.30 Lot Requirements

5.10.30.1 General

(1)Availability of Services
No land may be used and no building or structure may be erected or used on the land unless:
(A)the land abuts an existing street, or is connected to an existing street by a street or streets, constructed to a minimum base curb and base asphalt or concrete; and
(B)all Municipal water mains and Municipal sewers, and their appurtenances, are installed to a lot line of the property and are operational.
(2)Fronting on a Street
Except for a Parcel of Tied Land, a building or structure may not be erected or used, on any lot that does not abut a street. For the purpose of this regulation, a "Parcel of Tied Land" has the meaning given to it in section 24 of Ontario Regulation 49/01 made under the Condominium Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c.19, as amended. This regulation does not apply to a lot separated from a street by a 0.3 metre reserve where vehicle access to the lot is available from a lane.
(3)Lot with Reserve Along Street - No Access
If a lot is separated from a street by a 0.3 metre reserve and the lot does not abut another street, the lot line abutting the 0.3 metre reserve is the front lot line for the purpose of establishing lot orientation. This regulation does not deem the lot to abut a street from which it is separated by a 0.3 metre reserve.

5.10.30.20 Lot Frontage

(1)Designated Front Lot Line for Corner Lots
The lot line or contiguous lot lines separating a corner lot from one street or one street segment may be selected as the front lot line, and despite the definition of front lot line, the lot line or contiguous lot lines separating the corner lot from another street or street segment is not a front lot line.
(2)Designated Front Lot Line for Through Lots
On a through lot, a lot line abutting a street may be selected as the front lot line if that lot line is not separated from the street by a 0.3 metre reserve.

5.10.30.40 Lot Coverage

(1)Ramp or Elevating Device Providing Barrier Free Access
A pedestrian access ramp or elevating device providing "barrier-free" access to a building or structure is not included in the calculation of lot coverage.

5.10.40 Principal Building Requirements

5.10.40.1 General

(1)Non-Complying Building or Structure Damaged by Acts Beyond Owner's Control
If a lawfully existing building or structure does not comply with the building regulations for the zone in which it is located and it has been damaged or destroyed as a result of matters beyond the control of the owner, it may be reconstructed or repaired if there is no increase in the noncompliance.
(2)Non-Complying Building or Structure - Restoration to a Safe Condition
If a lawfully existing building or structure does not comply with the building regulations for the zone in which it is located and it has been determined to be in an unsafe condition by the City of Toronto, the unsafe portion of the building or structure may be repaired or restored to a safe condition if there is no increase in the noncompliance; and the restoration or repair will not alter the location of any part of the building or structure unless it is authorized by a Section 45 Planning Act minor variance.
(3)Location Restriction Below a Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
On lands under the jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O 1990 c. C.27, as amended, other than in the Open Space Zone category, if the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority determines that a shoreline hazard limit or a stable top-of-bank crosses a lot, no building or structure may be located on the portion of the lot below that shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank, unless it is:
(A)an ancillary building or structure on a lot in the Residential Zone category; or
(B)for the purpose of conservation works, public utilities, or transportation uses.
(4)Lawfully Existing Buildings Not Complying With Location Restriction Below a Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
If a lawfully existing building or structure is on a portion of a lot below a shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank, that lawfully existing building or structure is permitted in that location, and regulation 5.10.40.1(3) does not apply to prevent an alteration to that lawfully existing building or structure, or its replacement in the same location, if its lawful height, length or width is not increased.

5.10.40.10 Height

(1)Height of Buildings and Structures - Flight Path
If a lot is located under a flight path regulated by the Government of Canada, the permitted maximum height of a building or structure is the lower of the maximum height permitted by:
(A)this By-law; or
(B)the Government of Canada.

5.10.40.40 Floor Area

(1)Floor Area Calculation Restriction Below a Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
On lands under the jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O 1990 c. C.27, as amended, other than in the Open Space Zone category, if the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority determines that a shoreline hazard limit or a stable top-of-bank crosses a lot, the portion of the lot below that shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank is not included in the calculation of the floor space index for that lot.
(2)Lawfully Existing Buildings Not Complying With Floor Area Calculation Restriction Below a Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
Regulation 5.10.40.40(1) does not apply to prevent the alteration of a lawfully existing building or structure, or its replacement, if the floor space index resulting from those lawfully existing buildings or structures is not increased.

5.10.40.70 Setbacks

(1)Compliance with Required Building Setback
No part of a building or structure may be in a required minimum building setback.
(2)Parts of a Building to which a Required Building Setback Applies
Building setback requirements apply only to all parts of a building or structure above ground. [ By-law: OMB PL130592 ]
(3)Application of Building Setbacks for a Building Located on More Than One Lot
If a building is located on more than one lot, the required minimum building setbacks are measured from the lot lines forming the boundary of the combined lots to the main walls of the building.
(4)Minimum Building Setbacks for a Use Not Located Within a Building or Structure
A use that is not located inside a building or structure must comply with the required minimum building setbacks for a building on the lot, unless:
(A)it is landscaping or a horticultural use;
(B)it is a park or an outdoor recreation use; or
(C)a regulation of this By-law permits an alternative minimum building setback.
(5)Rear Yard Building Setback for Triangular Shaped Lots
If a lot fronts on a street and has no rear lot line, the rear yard required minimum building setback is measured as a radius from the point where the side lot lines meet.
(6)Setback from the Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
On lands under the jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O 1990 c. C.27, as amended, other than in the Open Space Zone category, if the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority determines that a shoreline hazard limit or a stable top-of-bank crosses a lot, a building or structure on that lot must be set back a minimum of 10 metres from that shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank, unless it is:
(A)an ancillary building or structure on a lot in the Residential Zone category; or
(B)for the purpose of conservation works, public utilities, or transportation uses.
(7)Lawfully Existing Buildings Not Complying With Setback from a Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
If a lawfully existing building or structure is closer to a shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank than the required minimum building setback, that lawfully existing building or structure is permitted in that location, and regulation 5.10.40.70(6) does not apply to prevent an alteration to that lawfully existing building or structure, or its replacement on the same lot, if the alteration or replacement is no closer to the shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank than the existing building setback at every point along the main walls of the lawfully existing building or structure.

5.10.40.80 Separation

(1)Separation Distance from the Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
On lands under the jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O 1990 c. C.27, as amended, other than in the Open Space Zone category, a building or structure on a lot may be no closer than 10 metres from a shoreline hazard limit or a stable top-of-bank not on that lot, as determined by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, unless it is:
(A)an ancillary building or structure on a lot in the Residential Zone category; or
(B)for the purpose of conservation works, public utilities, or transportation uses.
(2)Lawfully Existing Buildings Not Complying With Separation Distance from a Shoreline Hazard Limit or Stable Top-of-Bank
If a lawfully existing building or structure is located closer to a shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank than the separation distance required by this By-law, that lawfully existing building or structure is permitted in that location, and regulation 5.10.40.80(1) does not apply to prevent an alteration to that lawfully existing building or structure, or its replacement on the same lot, if the alteration or replacement is no closer to the shoreline hazard limit or stable top-of-bank than the existing distance at every point along the main walls of the lawfully existing building or structure.

5.10.50 Yards

5.10.50.10 Landscaping

(1)Ramp or Elevating Device Providing Barrier Free Access
The area covered by an exterior pedestrian access ramp or exterior elevating device that provides "barrier-free" access from the ground to the first floor of the building, is landscaping.

5.10.60 Ancillary Buildings and Structures

5.10.60.1 General

(1)Ancillary Buildings and Structures
Buildings and structures that are ancillary to a permitted use on the same lot, are permitted if they comply with the regulations of the zone in which the lot is located.
(2)Satellite Dish Not Mounted on a Building
A satellite dish not mounted on a building, or a structure:
(A)may not be in a front yard or a side yard that abuts a street;
(B)may be no closer to a side lot line or rear lot line than a distance equal to the greater of:
(i)the diameter or largest width of the satellite dish; and
(ii)if it is 3.0 metres or more from the building, half the height of the structure; or
(iii)if it is less than 3.0 metres from the building, the required minimum building setback; and
(C)if on a lot that is adjacent to a lot in the Residential Zone category, the permitted maximum height of the satellite dish is 5.0 metres, measured from the ground at its base to the top of its uppermost element.
(3)Satellite Dish on the Roof of a Building
If a satellite dish is mounted on the roof of a building, it may be no closer to any main wall than the distance equal to the largest radius of the satellite dish.
(4)Satellite Dish on a Building but Not the Roof
If a satellite dish is located on a building other than on the roof, it must comply with the required minimum building setbacks.

5.10.75 Energy Regulations

5.10.75.1 General

(1)Meaning of Distribution
For the purpose of the Clause 5.10.75.1, the term "distribution" means the delivery of energy derived from renewable energy or cogeneration energy, to a distribution network connected to the lot.
(2)Relation of By-law to Green Energy Act
Despite any of the provisions of this By-law, the regulations in this By-law do not apply to:
(A)any "renewable energy undertaking", as defined in the Planning Act, respecting which the Planning Act stipulates that a zoning by-law does not apply;
(B)any "renewable energy project", "renewable energy source" or "renewable energy testing project", as defined in the Green Energy Act, 2009, S.O. 2009, Chapter 12 Schedule A, as amended, which is designated by regulation under the Green Energy Act and for which the Green Energy Act stipulates that restrictions established by a Municipal by-law are inoperative; and
(C)any goods, services and technologies designated by regulation under the Green Energy Act, 2009, S.O. 2009, Chapter 12 Schedule A, as amended, and for which the Green Energy Act stipulates that restrictions established by a Municipal by-law are inoperative.
(3)Distribution of Energy From Renewable Energy and Cogeneration Energy Sources
The distribution of energy derived from renewable energy sources and cogeneration energy sources, using wires or pipes is permitted in all zones of this By-law if:
(A)the distribution of the renewable energy and cogeneration energy produced complies with all Municipal, Provincial and Federal, by-laws, statutes and regulations; and
(B)the distribution of renewable energy and cogeneration energy is carried out in compliance with all other regulations of this By-law.

5.10.175 Fence

5.10.175.1 General

(1)Fences
A fence required by this By-law must comply with the regulations of Chapter 447, Fences, of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, as amended, and any other Code or by-law provision pertaining to fences.
(2)Fences - Exemption from Building Setback Requirements
A fence is not required to comply with the required minimum building setbacks.
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