Ottawa zoning map guide
Ottawa zoning map: see any property's zone and what it allows
A zoning map tells you the code. It does not tell you what fits on the lot. Here is how to read Ottawa's zoning maps, and the faster path from map colour to a real buildability answer.
The official map: geoOttawa's zoning layer
The City of Ottawa publishes its interactive zoning map through geoOttawa at maps.ottawa.ca/geoottawa. Turn on the zoning layer and click any parcel to see its zone code, and during the current transition the popup shows both the legacy By-law 2008-250 code and the new By-law 2026-50 code with links to the by-law text.
The city also publishes a comparison view for the new by-law, so you can see how the zoning changed on your street.
Reading what the map gives you
- Residential parcels now carry N codes: N1 (lowest intensity, up to 4 units) through N6 (high-rise).
- The letter after the number (A to F) is the character subzone controlling lot width and yard patterns.
- Colours and codes vary block by block: never assume your zone from a neighbour's parcel.
- Overlays and exception numbers on the map can override the base zone rules.
From map colour to buildable answer
The map stops at the code. To know whether a garden suite, addition, or multiplex actually fits, you still need the lot's dimensions, setbacks, coverage limits, and overlays interpreted together.
That is what Zoned automates: type the address and the engine reads the parcel, applies the zoning rules, and draws the buildable envelope on your actual lot, with the map view included. It is the difference between knowing the label and knowing the answer.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see the official Ottawa zoning map?
geoOttawa at maps.ottawa.ca/geoottawa is the city's interactive map. Enable the zoning layer and click a parcel to see its zone code and by-law links.
Does the zoning map show the new by-law?
Yes. During the transition the city's map shows both the legacy 2008-250 code and the new 2026-50 code for each parcel.
Can a zoning map tell me if I can build a garden suite?
Not by itself. The map gives the zone label; the answer depends on your lot's setbacks, rear-yard space, coverage, and overlays. Run the address through Zoned to see the buildable envelope on your actual parcel.
Coverage
Zoned across Canada
Zoning intelligence and buildability screening are rolling out city by city. The list below stays live as new markets come online.
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Vancouver
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Regina
- Saskatoon
- Halifax
- Quebec City
- St. John's
- Fredericton
- Charlottetown
- Whitehorse
- Yellowknife
- Iqaluit