Compliance Letters and Certificates

The City issues a Zoning Compliance Certificate to confirm that your proposed development, such as new construction or an addition, complies with the regulations outlined in the Zoning By-law. As of January 6, 2025, we have updated our Zoning Compliance process to help expedite your building permit application. Zoning compliance will now be reviewed simultaneously with your building permit application. Our zoning reviewers will use your required building permit documents—such as site plans, floor plans, and elevations—to process the zoning portion of your application. Please note that the Zoning Compliance fee is still applicable; however, there is no separate application required, and zoning review will happen concurrently with your Building Permit application.

For those who prefer to confirm that their project meets zoning requirements before applying for a Building Permit, the option to complete a Zoning Compliance Certificate (ZCC) upfront remains available.

• To apply for a zoning compliance certificate, you can submit an application through our CityView Dashboard Portal
• For help submitting your application visit our Online Submission Help page

The following Building Permit applications may not require a Zoning Compliance Certificate/Zoning Review (a Building Permit may still be required):

• Backflow prevention devices
• Demolition
• Electrical
• Fire/smoke alarms and panels
• Foundation repairs
• Plumbing
• Residential interior renovation unless related to a change of use or an accessory apartment
• Retaining wall repairs
• Roof repairs unless there is a change in height
• Roof-top solar panels
• Septic system tank replacement
• Sewer lateral replacement
• Solid fuel burning woodstoves and fireplaces, including chimney repairs
• Water meter installation
• Water service replacement
• Window replacement

Apply online through your City Dashboard Account and include:

• A Site Plan
• Architectural drawings (including floor plans and elevations)
• All required application fees to the City of Niagara Falls are found on the Schedule of Fees

Zoning compliance certificate application

Time to process application: 7 days

We use the Zoning By-law as the primary tool to regulate land use.

For more information, visit the Zoning page.

Zoning confirmation letters for OMVIC, TICO, propane exchange programs, daycares, etc.

Zoning confirmation letters confirm the zoning of the property and that the use is permitted on the property. 

For applicable fees, visit the Planning section of the Schedule of Fees.

Compliance letters are processed through the City’s By-law Division. Written requests and fee payment may be received at:

Mail: By-law Division, MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3
Email: municipalenforcementservices@niagarafalls.ca