Applicable Laws
In addition to the City of Vaughan’s Zoning By-law, there are other laws that must be followed when applying for a building permit. These additional laws are called “applicable laws.” Proposed construction must comply with other applicable laws in accordance with the Ontario Building Code. For a complete list of applicable laws, please refer to Division A, Article 1.4.1.3. Definition of "Applicable Law" in the Code.
The chart below outlines common applicable laws that may apply to development and building applications.
| Applicable Law | Approval Required | Resource |
| Planning Act, section 34 or 38 | Requires compliance with the City of Vaughan's Zoning By-law. | City of Vaughan Zoning By-law |
| Ontario Heritage Act, section 33, 34 | Requires consent of Vaughan Council or Heritage Preservation services to alter or demolish where property is designated under the Act. | City of Vaughan Urban Design and Cultural Heritage division |
| Ontario Heritage Act, section 42 | Requires a heritage permit issued by Vaughan Council or Heritage Preservation services if the land is designated in a heritage conservation district. | City of Vaughan Urban Design and Cultural Heritage division |
| Site Plan Approval, Planning Act, section 41 | Required for Site Plan Control By-law. | City of Vaughan Development Planning department |
| Planning Act, Zoning, section 34, By-law Amendment | Required where a proposed development needs an amendment to local zoning provisions. | City of Vaughan Development Planning department |
| Planning Act, section 44, Committee of Adjustment | Requires a final and binding decision by the City’s Committee of Adjustment where an application does not comply with all local zoning provisions. | City of Vaughan Development Planning department |
| Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, section 34, 38 | Requires a Building and Land Use Permit from the Ministry of Transportation where construction is adjacent to a highway. | Government of Ontario Ministry of Transportation |
| Conservation Authorities Act, section 38 | Required where construction is in a fill-regulated area/flood plain or interferes with a watercourse. | Toronto and Region Conservation Authority |
| Environmental Protection Act, section 168 | Requires a Record of Site Condition, filed with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. Must conform to the Certificate of Property Use where an industrial or commercial property is changed to residential use. | Government of Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Site Condition Guide |
| Environmental Protection Act, section 46 | Requires confirmation of waste disposal site at a building. | Government of Ontario Ministry of the Environment waste disposal site approvals |
Additional Resources
- Build Right Ontario
- Code of Conduct for Building Officials (PDF)
- Fees and Charges By-law 010-2023 (PDF)
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs
- Ontario Association of Architects
- Ontario Building Code
- Ontario Building Code Act, 1992
- Ontario Building Officials Association
- Professional Engineers of Ontario
- Tarion
- York Region