Grimsby Property & Homeowner Guide

Zoning in Grimsby

The Town of Grimsby uses Zoning By-law 14-45, as amended, to control land use throughout the municipality. The most recent consolidated version identified by the Town was completed in November 2025.

The zoning by-law establishes what land may be used for, where buildings can be located, what types of buildings and uses are permitted, and development standards such as lot dimensions, parking, height, and setbacks.

How to Check a Grimsby Property’s Zoning

Grimsby’s zoning schedules use two important map types. “A” schedules identify zone boundaries, while “B” schedules identify site-specific zoning exceptions. Both should be checked when investigating a property.

The Town also provides interactive mapping that can display property information, zoning and planning information, heritage designations, and properties on the Heritage Register.

Zoning should be reviewed as a whole because additional regulations elsewhere in the by-law may apply even when the property’s basic zone appears to permit a proposed use.

Additional Residential Units in Grimsby

Grimsby updated its Official Plan and Zoning By-law in August 2025 to align its Additional Residential Unit rules with provincial housing legislation.

An Additional Residential Unit, or ARU, is a separate dwelling unit from the principal dwelling on the property. It contains its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping, and sanitary facilities.

ARUs can take several forms. They may be located within or attached to the principal dwelling, such as a basement or attic conversion, or may be located within a qualifying detached accessory building, such as a detached garage.

Where ARU Rules Differ

The number and type of ARUs that may be permitted depend on the property. Municipally serviced lands within the Urban Settlement Boundary have broader permissions under the current framework, while privately serviced rural, agricultural, and hamlet properties have more limited permissions and additional conditions.

On privately serviced rural and agricultural lands where a single-detached dwelling is permitted, the current framework provides for one ARU subject to applicable conditions. Similar one-ARU permissions apply to qualifying privately serviced hamlet properties.

Before Creating an ARU

• Confirm the property’s zoning.
• Determine whether it is municipally or privately serviced.
• Confirm how many ARUs are permitted on the specific lot.
• Review parking requirements.
• Check setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory-building requirements.
• Review septic capacity where private servicing applies.
• Check Niagara Escarpment or environmental requirements where applicable.
• Obtain required building permits.

Niagara Escarpment & Rural Properties

The Niagara Escarpment is one of Grimsby’s defining geographic features. Properties on, near, or above the escarpment can involve planning considerations beyond ordinary municipal zoning.

Depending on the property and proposed project, review or approval may involve the Niagara Escarpment Commission, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara Region, or other agencies in addition to the Town.

• Niagara Escarpment Plan policies may affect development.
• Natural heritage and environmental features may restrict building locations.
• Slopes, valleys, and watercourses can affect development potential.
• Private water and septic servicing may apply to some rural properties.
• Agricultural uses can have additional zoning requirements.
• Driveway and road access may require separate approval.
• Site alteration and grading requirements may apply.
• ARU permissions differ for some privately serviced properties.

For escarpment or rural properties, confirm all applicable authorities before assuming that municipal zoning alone determines development potential.

Short-Term Rentals in Grimsby

Short-term rental rules should be verified directly with the Town before purchasing or converting a property based on anticipated Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar rental income.

Grimsby previously conducted public consultation on a potential dedicated short-term-rental licensing program. Because municipal approaches to short-term accommodation can change, owners should confirm the current zoning, licensing, building, fire-safety, parking, and bylaw requirements that apply to the specific property and proposed use.

Do not assume that permission to use a dwelling as a conventional long-term rental automatically permits short-term accommodation.

Before Buying or Renovating a Grimsby Property

• Confirm the property’s zoning designation.
• Check the applicable “A” zoning map and “B” site-specific exception map.
• Review the Town’s Property and Zoning Report mapping.
• Check whether the property is designated or listed for heritage purposes.
• Verify permits for existing additions, finished basements, and additional dwelling units.
• Confirm ARU permissions before planning a basement or detached unit.
• Determine whether Niagara Escarpment Commission or conservation authority requirements apply.
• Confirm municipal or private servicing.
• Review short-term-rental requirements before relying on STR income.
• Check current property-tax information and assessment.