Find Zoning and Property Information

We invite you to find zoning for a property, check permitted uses, and look up planning and building permits. On this page you can:

Find property on zoning map
Check Zoning By-Law and Official Plan
Look up planning files and building permits
Request certified property information
Apply for planning approval
Report an issue

Find property on zoning map

Find your property's zoning by using the interactive zoning map. Agree to the terms and conditions, and search by address or by moving the map to find your property.

Use Zoning Map

If you require an alternative format, please contact our Accessibility Specialist.

Check Zoning By-Law and Official Plan

Official Plan

The Official Plan is our City's key land use document. This plan plays an important role in the development of our City. It describes what kind of community we want to become in the future. It sets goals, objectives, and policies which guide our land use planning decisions. Everything the City does related to land use needs to conform to the Plan. That includes passing any by-laws and undertaking any public works.

The Plan contains figures, appendices, and maps called schedules. These maps sort land into various categories known as "land use designations”. The Plan has policies relating to each land use designation.

View the City of Thunder Bay Official Plan and Schedules:

Official Plan (Office Consolidation to August 26, 2024)

Official Plan Amendments (Appendix 3)

Use Official Plan Map

If you require an alternative format, please contact our Accessibility Specialist.

Zoning By-law

The Zoning By-law implements the policies of the City's Official Plan and is used to regulate the use of land throughout the City. It establishes definitions, standards, and regulations for all development in the City of Thunder Bay. You can use the Zoning By-law to determine what development is allowed on your property. The Official Plan sets goals, objectives, and policies which guide our land use planning decisions.

Zoning By-law 1-2022 came into force on April 11, 2022.

View the City of Thunder Bay Zoning By-law and Schedules:

Zoning By-law 1-2022 (Office Consolidation to May 27, 2024)
Interactive Zoning Map (Schedule A)
Development Holding Provisions (Schedule B)
Site-Specific Provisions (Schedule C)

Look up planning and building permits

Use our Property and Permits portal to search for planning files by address, file number, application type and date. The record will include the file number, application type, date opened, status and a brief description. Please note, not all file statuses may be up to date.

Only Zoning Amendments and Minor Variances to the current Zoning By-law (after April 11, 2022) are searchable.

To use this service you will need a web browser. No account is required.

Look up permits

Building Permit Dashboard

This interactive map shows all of the City of Thunder Bay's building activity since 2014. Information available includes number of permits issued, type of permit, new dwelling units created, and construction value.

View the Dashboard

Request certified property information

Property Information Report

A Property Information Report should be requested when buying or leasing a property. The report will give you zoning and building compliance information. It will show if there are outstanding building orders or open building permits, any applicable heritage designation, if Site Plan Approval is required or if you need a building permit for a change of use.

Applications for the ‘Property Information Report’ can now be applied & paid for through the online portal. Follow the link below, you will be required to create an account and set up a profile then complete the steps as required.

Apply Online

Zoning confirmation or agreement status letter

Find requirements

For some Provincial Licenses, you need a zoning confirmation letter from the City. These include licenses for:

Day Nurseries
Motor Vehicle Sales
Motor Vehicle Inspection Station, and
Propane Distribution Stations

For an update on the status of a planning agreement, please submit a request by following the steps below.

Submit and pay

To request a zoning confirmation or agreement status letter:

Download the Planning Letter Request Form.
Fill out the application form digitally or print it and fill it in by hand.
Bring the form to Development Services, Victoriaville Civic Centre, 2nd floor, 111 Syndicate Ave. S. or email it to Planning Services.
Pay the fee using a credit card over the phone, send a cheque, or pay in person (cash, debit, credit, or cheque).

Apply for planning approval

There are a range of planning applications to facilitate development. Request a planning pre-consultation to determine which application is right for your project. Planning applications include:

Minor variance
Permission to expand or change a legal non-conforming use
Consent to sever
Official Plan amendment
Zoning By-law amendment
Holding symbol removal
Draft plans of subdivision
Draft plans of condominium
Site plan approval

Visit our ‘Submit a Planning Application’ page for additional information.

Report an issue

Concerns about building and developing without the proper permits can be brought to the attention of the Residential Building Technicians. They can be contacted at 807-625-2574. Zoning concerns can be directed to Municipal Enforcement Services at 807-577-6536.