Minor Variance is the term used under the Planning Act for a site specific exception to the requirements of the Zoning By-law. It does not amend the Zoning By-law.


The Committee of Adjustment may approve the variance if:                     

1.   It is satisfied that the general intent of the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law are maintained;

2.   The development permitted by the variance will be appropriate and is the variance is desirable for the appropriate development of the site;

3.   There are no detrimental impacts to neighbouring properties and land uses;

4.   The variance is minor.

The process for reviewing an application for an minor variance is established by the Ontario Planning Act. These requirements must be met as part of the municipal review and approval procedures.

The minor variance approval process typically takes between one and a half to three months from submission of the application to a decision by the Committee. The length of time required often relates to the complexity of the application, the nature of any related applications, and issues which may arise during review and processing of the application. Following the decision, the minor variance is also subject to appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board for a twenty-day (20) period from the Notice of Decision.  

• MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION