Glossary / Ontario building rules

What is applicable law?

Plain-language definition

Requirements outside the Ontario Building Code that must be satisfied before a building permit can be issued when the Building Code identifies them as applicable law.

Make it concrete

Examples

  • Local zoning is one form of applicable law.
  • A designated heritage property can require a separate approval.
  • A permit application may remain incomplete while a required applicable-law approval is missing.

Related terms

Official sources

Toronto — Building Permit Regulations
Open official source
Ontario — Building permits
Open official source