Does a home-based business in Ontario need a zoning variance from the municipality?

It depends on whether your specific home-based business activity fits within what your municipality's zoning bylaw already permits as a home-occupation use, or whether it exceeds those limits. Most Ontario municipalities' zoning bylaws include a home-occupation category that permits certain low-impact business activities in a residential zone by default, usually with conditions around things like limiting the floor space used, restricting signage, limiting customer traffic, and prohibiting outdoor storage or visible commercial activity.

If your planned business fits within those conditions, you generally do not need a variance; you may just need to confirm compliance or obtain a home-based business permit if your municipality requires one. If your business exceeds what the bylaw allows, whether that is more customer visits than permitted or a use not contemplated by the category at all, you would need to apply for a minor variance through the municipality's committee of adjustment, which involves notice to neighbours and a hearing, and is not guaranteed to be approved. Checking your specific property's zoning before committing to a business model is the necessary first step.