Committee of Adjustment

Committee of Adjustment matters are administered through the Planning Division and are the responsibility of the Secretary-Treasurer. The committee is composed of five citizen members selected by Council and appointed by by-law for the term of Council.

The two main functions of the Committee of Adjustment are to consider Minor Variance and Consent applications. A minor variance is required if an owner of land wishes to deviate slightly from the standards set out in the zoning by-law or wishes to alter a legal non-conforming use or building location. A consent is a request to sever or mortgage a portion of land or enter into an agreement/lease for a period of 21 years or more. There are also other circumstances in which a consent from the Committee of Adjustment may be required. Your lawyer can help you to determine if a consent is necessary.

The requirement for a severance helps to ensure that development occurs in a controlled and orderly way, and that proper servicing is in place to accommodate it.

Facts you need to know:

• A site plan/survey and drawings must be submitted with the completed application.
• Total processing time is approximately two months.
• Each application will involve a public meeting where the applicant will be required to explain and support the application.
• A verbal decision will be rendered at the public hearing and a written decision will be sent no later than ten days from the date the decision was rendered.
• Each decision is subject to appeal.