We invite you to find zoning for a property, check permitted uses, and look up planning and building permits. On this page you can:
Find your property's zoning by using the interactive zoning map. Agree to the terms and conditions, and search by address or by moving the map to find your property.
If you require an alternative format, please contact our Accessibility Specialist.
The Official Plan is our City's key land use document. This plan plays an important role in the development of our City. It describes what kind of community we want to become in the future. It sets goals, objectives, and policies which guide our land use planning decisions. Everything the City does related to land use needs to conform to the Plan. That includes passing any by-laws and undertaking any public works.
The Plan contains figures, appendices, and maps called schedules. These maps sort land into various categories known as "land use designations”. The Plan has policies relating to each land use designation.
View the City of Thunder Bay Official Plan and Schedules:
If you require an alternative format, please contact our Accessibility Specialist.
The Zoning By-law implements the policies of the City's Official Plan and is used to regulate the use of land throughout the City. It establishes definitions, standards, and regulations for all development in the City of Thunder Bay. You can use the Zoning By-law to determine what development is allowed on your property. The Official Plan sets goals, objectives, and policies which guide our land use planning decisions.
Zoning By-law 1-2022 came into force on April 11, 2022.
Use our Property and Permits portal to search for planning files by address, file number, application type and date. The record will include the file number, application type, date opened, status and a brief description. Please note, not all file statuses may be up to date.
Only Zoning Amendments and Minor Variances to the current Zoning By-law (after April 11, 2022) are searchable.
To use this service you will need a web browser. No account is required.
A Property Information Report should be requested when buying or leasing a property. The report will give you zoning and building compliance information. It will show if there are outstanding building orders or open building permits, any applicable heritage designation, if Site Plan Approval is required or if you need a building permit for a change of use.
Applications for the ‘Property Information Report’ can now be applied & paid for through the online portal. Follow the link below, you will be required to create an account and set up a profile then complete the steps as required.
For some Provincial Licenses, you need a zoning confirmation letter from the City. These include licences for:
To receive a zoning confirmation or agreement status letter:
If the current zoning doesn’t allow for your proposed use, you may be able to change your plans to fit the zone. Alternatively, you can apply to amend the regulations to permit the use you want. Planning applications include application fees and require time to complete consultation and review. You can plan ahead by consulting with Planning Services before you start your project.
Minor Variances to zoning regulations (e.g. maximum height, minimum setback, etc.) and Permission to expand or change a legal non-conforming use can be requested from the Committee of Adjustment. Pre-Consultation applications are not mandatory prior to applying for Minor Variance or Permission but are strongly recommended.
Projects that typically require Pre-Consultation include:
Concerns about building and developing without the proper permits can be brought to the attention of the Residential Building Technicians. They can be contacted at 807-625-2574. Zoning concerns can be directed to Municipal Enforcement Services at 807-577-6536.
