Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

When planning to convert an industrial building to residential use, what regulatory requirement must be met?

1. Heritage approvals if the building is historically significant.

2. Immediate compliance with current residential fire codes.

3. Electrical safety approvals and other relevant regulations.

4. Zoning change approvals before any construction starts.

The correct answer is: Zoning change approvals before any construction starts.

When converting an industrial building to residential use, obtaining zoning change approvals is a crucial regulatory requirement. Zoning laws dictate the types of uses permitted on a property based on its designated zoning classifications. Industrial buildings are typically located in areas zoned for industrial use, which means that their conversion to residential use may require a change in zoning status to allow for that new use. This process often includes submitting a zoning amendment application, which may require public consultations and adherence to local planning policies. Only after receiving the necessary approvals can any construction or conversion work proceed. While other regulatory requirements, such as fire codes and electrical safety standards, are important, they usually follow after the initial zoning changes have been approved, making zoning change approvals a foundational step in the conversion process.