Ottawa’s new zoning by-law changes development permissions across the city, but residents should check the rules for an individual property before assuming a project is permitted.

The City’s July 7, 2026 update says the Ontario Land Tribunal’s July 2 oral decision allowed portions of Zoning By-law 2026-50 outside the 25 appeals to take effect, retroactive to its March 11 enactment. The City says most of the by-law is in force.

For provisions still under appeal, the City says the more restrictive requirements of the old and new by-laws continue to apply until those appeals are resolved.

Living near an LRT station does not, by itself, establish a property’s permitted height, density or uses. Residents can consult the City’s zoning map and appeal information, then ask planning staff about a specific address. Zoning permission also does not guarantee that construction will proceed.

Source: City of Ottawa — New Zoning By-law and appeal status.

Clarification — October 25, 2026: Added the appeal restrictions and property-specific checks. This is an explainer, not an announcement of a new Council decision.