Minor Variance

Minor Variance

Application Form

The Committee of Adjustment is appointed by Council to deal with minor problems in meeting municipal zoning by-law provisions. Minor Variances provide flexibility so that developments which do not precisely meet the requirements of a Zoning Bylaw may still proceed. Obtaining a minor variance involves an application to the Committee of Adjustment by submission of an application and appropriate fee, followed by a public hearing, full consideration of the proposal, and a decision rendered. Once the 20-day appeal period has expired, the committee's decision is binding. A minor variance does not change the existing by-law but rather provides relief from specific requirements of the by-law to suit special circumstances for a site-specific property.

There are four key tests that the Committee considers when evaluating applications:

1. The variance should be minor
2. It should be desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure.
3. It should maintain the general intent of the Zoning Bylaw.
4. It should maintain the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan.