Zoning Search
During the planning state of your project, you must determine what zoning requirements apply to your property. Use the online Zoning Search form to request zoning information for any property within Markham.
Zoning By-laws
Zoning Bylaws contain standards governing the development of land and the construction of buildings including permitted uses, size, height and location of structures. For example, the City's Zoning Bylaws regulate how close to the lot line you can build or if you can locate a certain type of business at an address in Markham.
The City is currently regulated by 42 separate zoning by-laws that cover various areas of the City. The City’s by-laws have been established starting in the 1950’s, with most being passed prior to 1980. Due to their age, many of the City’s by-laws, particularly for areas developed prior to 1995, are not available in a digital format, and are not available online. Commonly requested sections of those By-laws, such as applicable deck, and home occupation by-laws have been made available digitally.
Much of the City developed since 1995, including areas like Cornel, Berczy, Wismer, Angus Glen, Box Grove, and Cathedral Town, are regulated by By-law 177-96 which is available in an office consolidated version here Regulations for Decks Urban Area By-law (By-Law 177-96)
Among various other regulations, By-law Area 177-96 contains separate area specific deck and home occupation regulations.
If you ae unsure what By-law applies to your property, you can seach your address through the property details search.
If you are not sure which zoning provisions apply to your property, you can perform a zoning search online, and City Staff will provide you with extracts of the applicable zoning by-law. If you are not sure if your project complies with the applicable zoning by-law, you can perform a zoning preliminary review.
Zoning Bylaws may be viewed or purchased at the City's Planning Department, Markham Civic Centre at the Thornhill Entrance, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3, or by emailing DSC@markham.ca. Purchase prices may vary based on the size of the document.
Comprehensive By-law Project
The City is currently working on updating, and consolidating the City’s 42 zoning by-law to be in conformity with the City’s Official Plan. Additional information on the Comprehensive by-law project can be found online here: Comprehensive Zoning Project.
