Zoning use reviews

Uses that need this review

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

General Information

• 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.

Holistic centres

• Declaration Form for Holistic Centres
• Proof of Membership from Professional Holistic Association
• List of Services Provided – for Holistic Centres

Site Plan

• Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way or easements (based on a current land survey prepared by a licensed Ontario Land Surveyor).
• Location of existing or proposed buildings with overall dimensions including setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings.
• Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions that include lot area, building area (gross floor area), coverage, and grade elevations that confirm height.
• List of dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard & soft landscape treatments, or accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.), if applicable.

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.

Application forms

Submit the applicable application form with required documentation:

• Application Form
• Application Form
• Application Form
• Application Form
• 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.

Required Fees

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

• Review for business license: $248.67/application (fee effective Jan. 1, 2026, per request, non-refundable)