Development permits

The Zoning & Permits office does not accept walk-in customers and permit applications can be submitted digitally. If you have any questions, call Permits Direct Line at 204-986-5140.

Le bureau du zonage et des permis ne prend pas la clientèle qui se présente sur les lieux, et les demandes de permis peuvent être soumises de façon numérique. Pour toute question, appelez la ligne directe des permis au 204-986-5140.

Before developing land or beginning a construction project, zoning and development permit approval may be required. It is important to review the Winnipeg zoning bylaws before applying for a development permit. 

What is development?

  • the construction of a building or structure on, over or under land
  • a change in the use or intensity of use of a building or land
  • removal of soil or vegetation from land
  • deposit or stockpiling of soil or material on land
  • excavation of land

What is a development permit?

A development permit is the tool the City uses to grant permission for residents and businesses to undertake new development.

A development permit governs the “what” of your project. It establishes land use and shows how you plan to use the site, as well as the size and location of any buildings or structures, exterior design elements, etc. The application will be reviewed to confirm the project complies with the Winnipeg Zoning By-law, applicable guidelines, regulations, and other City departments’ requirements before making a final decision on your permit application. Development permits, when required for your project, must be obtained prior to submitting a building permit application.  

Depending on the scope and location of the project, your development permit may require supporting development applications and/or approvals from City administration, Community Committee or City Council to proceed.

Development policy search tool

If your project is located within development policy areas, unique bylaws, regulations or guidelines may apply to your development. Search your address to confirm.

Mature community

If your project is located in a mature community, the Small-Scale and Low-Rise Residential Development Guidelines for Mature Communities may apply.

Designated Floodway Fringe Area

If your project is located in the Designated Floodway Fringe Area, the Designated Floodway Fringe Area Regulation , the Winnipeg Secondary Dyke By-law, the City of Winnipeg Charter, and any caveats or easement areas registered against your property may apply. A Geodetic Survey may be requested to assess proposed development.

Waterway

If your project is located near a waterway (i.e. 110 m from a river or 77 m from a creek), the Winnipeg Waterway By-law may apply, and you may require a separate Waterways Permit. A Geotechnical Report may be requested to assess your proposed development.

Storm water retention basin

If your project is located along a storm water retention basin, section 155 of the Zoning By-law: Lots Adjacent to Storm Water Retention Basins may apply.

Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA)

If your project is located in the AVPA, the Airport Vicinity Protection Area Regulation may apply.

Downtown

If your project is located in the downtown, the Winnipeg Downtown Zoning By-law may apply, and you may require administrative Downtown Urban Design Review and approval.

Planned Development Overlay area

Your project may require plan approval/design review as per the Planned Development Overlay requirements. Refer to the Winnipeg Zoning By-law appendix for details.

Heritage district or heritage building

If your project is located in a heritage district or you are altering a building with a heritage designation, the Heritage Conservation Districts and/or Historical Resources By-law may apply, and you may require a Heritage Permit.

Landfill

If your project is located near a landfill, the Standards and Guidelines for the Mitigation of Methane Gas at Building and Utilities and Guidelines for Construction on Landfill Sites may apply.

Secondary Plan Area

If your project is located in an existing Secondary Plan Area (and depending on the nature of the development proposal), a secondary plan amendment may be required before submitting a development permit application. A design review may also be required for approval of your development permit.

Projects that require a development permit

All development requires a development permit unless otherwise exempt by the Winnipeg Zoning By-law, Subsection 8.(1). Examples of projects that require a development permit include:

  • new structures/buildings
  • additions
  • exterior alterations
  • interior alterations
    • zoning change of use (e.g. converting an office to a restaurant) or
    • changing the occupiable floor area (e.g. adding a mezzanine), which impacts exterior requirements such as parking
  • site work
  • patios  
  • new/altered foundations (changing the footprint)
  • change of use
  • signs (including mobile signs)
  • secondary suites
  • establishing a home-based business
  • special events and temporary structures
  • barrier free ramps
  • commercial fences
  • landings
  • new driveways or modifications to existing
  • beehives on private residences

For pre-consultation on development permit applications, contact Zoning and Permits to speak with a Zoning Development Officer.

Note: Most of these projects also require a building permit. Refer to the Winnipeg Building By-law and Residential Permits and Commercial Permit Resources webpages for details.

Application requirements

Review the development and building permit process to help navigate application requirements. 

Before applying for your development permit, ensure you have obtained the following prerequisite approvals, where required for your project.

  1. Land development approvals to establish the zoning use and/or parcel of land you intend to develop:  
    • Air space plan (DAASP)
    • Condominium plan of survey (CONDO)
    • Consent application (CA)
    • Plan of survey (DAPS)
    • Plan of subdivision and rezoning (DASZ)
    • Rezoning (DAZ)
    • Secondary plan (SP) or secondary plan amendment (SPA)
    • Short form subdivision (DASSF)
    • Plan of subdivision (DAS)
    • Zoning agreement amendment (ZAA)

    For pre-consultation on DASZ, DAZ, SPA, or ZAA applications, contact Urban Planning & Design to connect with a City Planner.

  2. Land titles registration at Teranet Manitoba, where required. Ensure you have a Status of Title demonstrating ownership of the land.    

To apply for a development permit, submit the applicable application form and required documentation. Refer to the permit application for detailed information that must be included in each document.

Development permit application forms 

Residential

Commercial

Combined development & building permit application forms

Residential  

Commercial

Related links

How to apply

Please ensure you have gathered all required documentation before applying.

Apply online

Permits Online
Your one stop-shop to manage your permit applications

Apply by email

Development permits

Apply in person

View Parking Map

Zoning & Permits office
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Unit 31-30 Fort Street

Faire demande en ligne

Permis en ligne
Le service tout-en-un de gestion des demandes de permis

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Permis d’aménagement

Faire demande en personne

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Bureau du zonage et des permis
Du lundi au vendredi
De 8 h 30 à 16 h 30
30, rue Fort, unité 31

Questions

Please contact us.

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