Ottawa zoning lookup
Ottawa zoning codes: N1 to N6 lookup and every zone explained
Ottawa replaced its 2008 residential zones with N neighbourhood zones under By-law 2026-50. Use the lookup table below to see what each code means, then run your address to get the exact zone, setbacks, and buildable envelope for your lot.
By-law 2026-50 lookup
Ottawa's new zone codes, N1 to N6
Ottawa adopted Zoning By-law 2026-50 in 2026 to replace By-law 2008-250. During the transition, building permit applications are checked against both by-laws and the most restrictive provision governs, and some provisions remain under appeal. Always confirm against your exact lot.
| Zone | Official name | Scale and height | What it permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | Neighbourhood Zone 1 | Low-rise, up to 3 storeys (11 m) | Lower-density housing, up to 4 units per building |
| N2 | Neighbourhood Zone 2 | Low-rise, up to 3 storeys (11 m) | Small multi-unit housing, up to 6 units per building |
| N3 | Neighbourhood Zone 3 | Low-rise, up to 3 storeys (11 m) | Missing-middle housing, up to 12 units per building |
| N4 | Neighbourhood Zone 4 | Low to mid-rise, up to 4 storeys (14.5 m) | Apartment-scale infill, unit count set by lot and building rules |
| N5 | Neighbourhood Zone 5 | Mid-rise, up to 30 m | Mid-rise residential, some non-residential uses conditionally permitted |
| N6 | Neighbourhood Zone 6 | High-rise, per suffix or schedule | High-rise residential, some non-residential uses conditionally permitted |
Every N zone carries a character subzone letter, A through F. A is the most urban pattern (narrow lots, tight setbacks) and F the most suburban (wide lots, deep yards). The letter shapes lot width and yard rules, not the housing types the zone permits.
Source: City of Ottawa, Zoning By-law 2026-50, Part 8 Neighbourhood Zones. Read the full breakdown in the new zoning by-law guide.
Zone pages by code
Parent zones cover the code family; subzone letters (A most urban to F most suburban) tune lot width and yards.