Which zoning by-law applies to my Ottawa ramp, the old or new one?

Both by-laws apply at the same time, and the most restrictive provision governs.

Here is how that works in practice. Zoning By-law 2008-250 (the older by-law) and Zoning By-law 2026-50 (the newer one) both apply to permit applications that were complete on or after March 11, 2026. If the two by-laws say different things about the same point, whichever rule is stricter is the one that applies to your project.

What the two by-laws say about ramps

On the question of a wheelchair ramp, the two by-laws land in the same place. By-law 2008-250, Table 65, lists wheelchair ramps with no limit on setback. By-law 2026-50, section 204, says accessibility structures and devices have no limit with respect to setback or projection. So for a plain wheelchair ramp, neither by-law requires you to stay a set distance from your lot line.

Ordinary steps and landings that are not accessibility structures are treated differently. Under both by-laws, those must stay at least 0.6 m from the lot line in a front or exterior side yard. If your project includes a landing at the base of the ramp, ask the City whether that landing is treated as part of the accessibility structure or as an ordinary landing, because the answer changes what setback, if any, applies.

A few things worth confirming with the City before you start. By-law 2026-50 does not define "accessibility structures and devices", so for anything beyond a straightforward wheelchair ramp, such as a porch lift or a platform lift with a structure around it, confirm with the City how the by-law treats it. These zoning rules are about your own lot. The road allowance in front of it belongs to the City, so ask the City about anything that would reach past your lot line.

Before any work begins, ask Building Code Services how your specific ramp, including its rise, length and any landing, will be treated under both by-laws.