How to Check Your New Zoning Classification in Ottawa

Find out exactly what you can now build on your property under Ottawa’s new citywide zoning rules.

The City of Ottawa has introduced major zoning reforms that open the door for more density, more housing options, and more flexibility for homeowners. Many properties across the city—including suburbs, older neighbourhoods, and even rural pockets—have been reclassified.

If you’re wondering “What’s my new zoning, and what can I build now?” this guide walks you through the exact steps.

Why the New Zoning Matters

The updated zoning bylaw determines what you can legally build on your lot, including:

• Converting your home into multiple units
• Secondary Suites
• Tiny Homes
• Coach Houses
• Triplexes & Fourplexes
• Multi-unit conversions
• Garage Conversions
• Lot severances
• Parking & setback changes

Knowing your zoning is the first step before renovating, adding a rental unit, or planning an investment.

How to Check Your Zoning in Ottawa (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the City of Ottawa Zoning Map

The city maintains an interactive zoning map where you can search any address.

Go to: City of Ottawa – Interactive Zoning Map
(Search “Ottawa Zoning GeoOttawa” on Google—it’s the first result.)

2. Enter Your Home Address

Once the map loads:

• Type your address in the top-left search bar
• Click your property outline
• A box will pop up showing your zoning classification (e.g., R1, R2, R4, RH, TM, GM)

3. Review Your Zoning Details

Inside the pop-up, you’ll see:

• Zoning code (e.g., R4-UA, R2N, TM H(19))
• Maximum number of units allowed
• Height limits
• Setbacks
• Lot coverage rules

If your home is in a newly-updated intensification zone, you may now be eligible for up to 4 units by right.

4. Check New Density Permissions

Under Ottawa’s new zoning reform:

• Many former R1 zones were eliminated
• Most residential areas now allow up to 4 units
• Key transit zones can allow 6+ units depending on frontage
• Garden suites and secondary suites are permitted almost citywide

If you aren’t sure how to interpret the zoning code, we can help (more below).

What Your Zoning Means for You

Depending on your zone, you may now have the ability to:

✔ Add a basement apartment

Fully legal and conforming if your lot meets minimum standards.

✔ Build a garden suite or coach house

Up to 40–55m² units are now permitted across most neighbourhoods.

✔ Convert to a triplex or fourplex

Many formerly low-density zones now permit multi-unit conversions.

✔ Redevelop or sever your lot

Corner lots and deep lots may qualify for severance under the new rules.

Even if your zoning stayed the same, your permissions likely changed.

Need Help Understanding What You Can Actually Build?

Zoning codes are complicated — R4-UA vs R4-UD vs R3V can mean very different things.

At Ottawa General Contractors, we help homeowners:

• Read and interpret zoning for their specific lot
• Check buildable area, setbacks, and height
• Verify eligibility for coach houses, garden suites, and legal secondary suites
• Build feasibility studies and rough budgets
• Handle permits, drawings, and full construction

Get a Free Zoning & Build Feasibility Report

If you want us to look up your property and tell you exactly what you're allowed to build:

👉 Book a free zoning check with our team
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We’ll send you:

• Your zoning
• Your new permissions
• What you can build
• Approximate build costs
• ROI estimate if you’re considering a rental suite or multi-unit development

Conclusion

Ottawa’s new zoning rules represent one of the biggest opportunities for homeowners in years. Whether you want to increase your home value, build rental income, or explore multi-unit development, knowing your zoning is the first step.

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