The municipal zoning by-law
The land’s location certificate
The land registry index
Where to find the information
- The municipal zoning by-law
- The land’s location certificate
- The land registry index
- Flood and wetland maps
What blocks a project
A right of way limits siting. A wetland can prevent construction entirely.
Reading a zoning by-law
It sets permitted uses, height, setbacks and the number of units.
A single one of those rules can halve what you thought you could build.
The most common easements
- A right of way benefiting a neighbour
- A public utility easement for services
- A view easement limiting openings
- A no-build strip across part of the lot
How to confirm before buying
Ask the municipality for written confirmation. A verbal answer binds no one.
The location certificate
It shows lot boundaries, buildings and visible easements.
A certificate over ten years old is often refused by the lender.
Producing a new one takes weeks and costs a few hundred dollars.
Who can help
A land surveyor reads the lot and its real boundaries.
A notary reads the titles and registered easements.
The two readings complement each other and cost little at this stage.
