Committee of Adjustment

The COA process usually takes about two months. Planning staff must notify the public and commenting agencies at least one month before the meeting. After the Committee makes its decision, there is a 20-day appeal period during which anyone can appeal the decision.

1. Speak with Planning: Applicants are encouraged to discuss the proposal with staff before submitting an application.
2. Obtain Preliminary Zoning Review form: Before submitting a Minor Variance or Consent Application, applicants should complete a Preliminary Zoning Review application.
3. Submission of Complete Application*: An application is considered complete when it includes all of the requested information in the application form and discussed with Planning. Submitting a complete application helps reduce the need for resubmissions and provides a clearer understanding of the proposed development.
4. Notice of Public Meeting*: A notice sign must be posted on the property at least 14 days before the meeting for a Consent Application and at least 10 days before the meeting for a Minor Variance Application. EG will notify the appropriate departments, agencies, and all property owners within 60 metres of the subject property.
5. Public Meeting and Decision**: A Notice of Decision will be issued within 15 days for a Consent Application and within 10 days for a Minor Variance Application. The notice is sent to the applicant, external agencies, and anyone who has expressed an interest in the application.
6. Opportunity to Appeal**:For a Minor Variance or Consent application, the applicant, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and specified persons can appeal the COA's decision within 20 days of the Notice of Decision. Appeals will be reviewed by the OLT.
7. Final Decision**:If no appeal is received, the decision becomesfinal and binding. The Town will provide written confirmation that no appeals were filed, and the applicant can then complete any required conditions of approval.

*This process must occur within 30 days

**This process must occur within 20 days

A Minor Variance application is a request through the Committee of Adjustment for permission to make changes to your property such as a driveway widening, enlarging an existing building, or constructing a new structure that does not meet the zoning by-law's requirements.

You may also need to apply for a minor variance if you are proposing extensions, enlargements or variations of existing legal non-conforming uses under the Zoning By-law.

Applications must meet all four of the following criteria:

• Be consistent with the intent of the Town's Official Plan.
• Be consistent with the intent of the Town's Zoning By-law.
• Be minor in nature.*
• Be appropriate and desirable for the property.

*Minor does not always refer to the size or percentage of the variance. It means the proposal is not expected to have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

Minor Variance Application

You need a Consent Application to:

• Divide your property to create one or more new lots (also called a severance)
• Create legal access over a neighbouring property (called an easement), such as:
  • Right-of-way: sharing or using part of a neighbour's driveway
  • Utility easement: accessing a neighbouring property to maintain utilities
• Sell, mortgage, or lease part of your property, including leases longer than 21 years

Consent Application