Zoning

Step 1: Locate a property of interest on the Interactive Zone Map

Use the search bar to find your property of interest.
Click on the property to open a dialogue box with the zone code, for example, C1, SLD1, etc.
Click the arrow on the dialogue box for more information.
Click on the Layer List icon in the sidebar to display additional layers.

Step 2: Review the applicable sections of the City-wide Zoning By-law 8149/24.

Use the zone code to find zone provisions for the property. If the property has an Exception number, for example, x400, use the Exception number to find the provisions that apply to your property. Properties that have an Exception may have a zone code that is unique to that property.
Section 4 (General Regulations) & Section 5 (Parking Regulations) apply to most zones in the City of Pickering.
Exceptions may have unique zone codes that only appear in the Section 15 Exception. For these properties, refer to the applicable superseded By-law.
Refer to the Zoning Schedules to cross-reference zoning boundaries.

By-law 8149/24 Exception Zones X1 to X215 Exception Zones X216 to X437 Zoning Schedules

Unconsolidated Zoning By-law Amendments (Exceptions)

The following Zoning by-law Amendments are currently in effect, and will be included in the next office consolidation of the Zoning By-law 8149/24:

(As of June 4, 2026)

Properties that are not subject Zoning By-law 8149/24

By-law 8149/24 applies to the entire City of Pickering, except for the lands within the areas marked as Brock Mixed Node and Kingston Road Corridor on the Zoning By-law 8149/24 Interactive Map and remain subject to one of the former zoning by-laws that were not repealed but superseded by Zoning By-law 8149/24. The former zoning by-laws are not available online and the process of updating zoning for the properties not subject to Zoning By-law 8149/24 is ongoing. To find zoning information for these properties, the submission of a Zoning Information Request is required.

How to Request Zoning Information

Zoning information is provided through a Request for Zoning and will not be provided over the phone or at the City Development front counter.

Requests for zoning information must be submitted online by using the Zoning Information Form Request Form with the appropriate fee. Responses to online requests for zoning information will be provided in writing by email within 3 to 5 business days.

How to Request a Preliminary Zoning Review

An Application for a Preliminary Zoning Review is a preliminary zoning review of plans to confirm zoning compliance and will also identify non-compliances. The fee includes one revision to the drawings as part of the review. Any subsequent changes (beyond the first revision) resulting in an additional review will be treated as a new application. Reviewed plans will be digitally stamped for zoning compliance. The stamped plans will be compared with plans submitted later for minor variance and site plan applications to confirm consistency between the plans. A response to preliminary zoning review will be issued by email.

A preliminary zoning review does not replace the zoning review conducted as part of a Building Permit Application.

In addition to the City Zoning By-law requirements, there may be further matters under the jurisdiction of other approval agencies, such as Provincial Conservation Authorities, Elexicon, the Region of Durham or other municipal or provincial authorities.

Minor Variance

A Preliminary Zoning Review is a requirement of an Application for Minor Variance. However, where a zoning review through a Building Permit Application or a Planning Act Application (such as an Application for Site Plan Approval, Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium Application, or Part Lot Control Request) has identified zoning noncompliance, the requirement for a Preliminary Zoning Review will not be required for an Application for Minor Variance. It is strongly recommended that if required, building permit or site plan applications be filed prior to filing a minor variance application.

Site Plan Approval

The requirement for a Preliminary Zoning Review and appropriate fee will be identified in Zoning & Administration comments at the pre-consultation meeting for an Application for Site Plan Approval.

Building Permit

A Preliminary Zoning Review is not required for a Building Permit Application as a zoning review is conducted as part of the Building Permit Application process. However, an applicant may wish to apply for a Preliminary Zoning Review prior to submitting for building permit to assist in perfecting an Application for a Building Permit. A Preliminary Zoning Review does not result in the zoning review being waived at building permit stage. Changes to the stamped drawings could result in additional zoning non-compliances being identified.

Application Form, Submission Requirements, Fees and Payment

The Preliminary Zoning Review Application Form can be completed and submitted online.

Minimum submission requirements for an Application for Preliminary Zoning Review are:

completed application form
property survey
detailed site plan – fully dimensioned showing adjacent properties and building including setbacks
floor plans – fully dimensioned indicating uses of all spaces
site grading plans for calculating height from average grade
applicable building elevations and cross-sections, and
fee

Once a completed application form is received, the applicant will be emailed a link to upload the required drawings. All drawings must be provided in a PDF format, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated. Staff may request additional drawings and information.

See the Schedule of Fees for the appropriate Preliminary Zoning Review Application fee. Online Payment is available.

Minister's Zoning Orders

The Planning Act authorizes the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to make a minister’s zoning order (MZO) for regulating the use of land, buildings and structures anywhere in Ontario. The MZO prevails if there is a conflict between an MZO and a City zoning by-law. Minister’s zoning orders applicable to the City of Pickering are found on the Minister’s Zoning Orders page. For more information on MZOs please see the Ministry’s Citizens Guide to Land Use Planning or contact Provincial staff.

The following is a list of MZOs issued by the Province of Ontario that are currently in place in Pickering. This information is provided for convenience only and the City of Pickering is not responsible for ensuring their accuracy.

Property/Address	Ontario Regulation
Various properties	O. Reg. 102/72
Various properties	O. Reg. 19/74
Durham Live	O. Reg. 607/20 as amended by O. Reg. 515/21
Orchard Villa	O. Reg. 125/23

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what uses are permitted on my property? What happens if my use is not listed?

Each zone has its own set of permitted uses. To determine the permitted uses for your property, please refer to the applicable permitted uses tables outlined in Zoning By-law 8149/24. You may follow the instructions provided above to determine other zoning provisions such as building setbacks and gross floor area for your property or submit a Zoning Information Request for a written response outlining the applicable zoning provisions.

If a use you are looking for is not listed in the zone’s permitted uses, that use is not permitted. Please contact the City’s planner of the day for more information on a potential Official Plan Amendment and/or Zoning By-law Amendment Application.

What should I do if my address does not appear on the Interactive Zoning Map?

The interactive mapping tool is in the process of being updated. While most properties are included, some may not display as expected. If you cannot find your address, you may zoom in on the map to find your property's location and cross-reference it with other mapping tools like Open Street Map or Google Maps. You may also submit a Zoning Information Request or contact the City's zoning staff for further assistance.

Why do some properties have an ‘H’ after the zone?

The "H" stands for a "Holding Symbol." A holding symbol indicates that permitted uses and further development on the property are restricted until certain conditions are met (for example, the connection of the property to municipal services).

To find the specific conditions required for a holding symbol to be lifted, you must refer to the corresponding provisions in the Zoning By-law for that property, often found in a site-specific exception zone. Once the required conditions have been fulfilled, the holding symbol can be removed by Council, and the range of permitted development is applicable.

How do I find information about easements on my property?

The City does not maintain records of easements. This information can be obtained from the Ontario Land Property Records Portal (OnLand), which provides access to historical and current property records.

Do I require a permit for driveway widening?

Yes, a driveway widening permit is required, and a curb cut may be necessary to extend your driveway. For more details, please visit the City’s Driveway Widening and Curb Cuts webpage.