Application has been submitted
Once the Minor Variance application has been submitted and the application fee paid, the Township’s Planner will review the application. The Planner will set a public meeting date for the Committee of Adjustment to consider the application.
Next, the application must be circulated to other Township departments and outside agencies such as conservation authorities, health unit, etc. Notice of the public meeting regarding the application will be mailed to all property owners within 60 meters of the subject lands. Following the circulation period, all correspondence will be reviewed, and the Township Planner will determine if the proposal meets all requirements and prepare a report for the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee of Adjustment will then decide to approve, approve with conditions, or not approve the application.
Committee of Adjustment Meeting
At the Committee of Adjustment meeting, the Township Planner will present the report regarding the Minor Variance application. Other individuals or agencies are also permitted to voice their support or objection to the application. The Committee will consider all information for or against the application and will make a verbal decision in the presence of all interested parties at the time of the Public Meeting. Approval of the application may be subject to such conditions and/or restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate. If an individual wishes to receive a copy of a committee decision their request must be in writing.
Applicant’s Role at the public meeting
The applicant or representative should be present at the public meeting. The applicant will be made aware if staff is recommending refusal of the application in advance of finalizing the staff recommendation report.
The applicant or representative will then have the opportunity to make a brief presentation (not a requirement). A copy of any digital presentation should be provided to Township staff before the meeting. The applicant or representative may be asked questions by the Committee regarding the application.
After the Committee of Adjustment Meeting
After the Committee of Adjustment’s meeting, a written decision from the Committee will be sent to the applicant, agent and all persons who requested a copy of the decision, by mail, within ten days from the date of the hearing. The application will then be under a twenty-day appeal period from the date the decision is signed. Once the twenty days are up and no appeal has been filed, the decision of the Committee of Adjustment will become final and binding.
Appeal Provisions
During the appeal period, any person having an interest in the application may file an appeal of the Committee's decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). The notice of appeal is filed with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment. The notice of appeal must be in writing and outline the reasons for the objection. A cheque in the amount of $125.00 payable to "The Minister of Finance" must be included with a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal, the fee and all required documents will be forwarded by the Secretary-Treasurer to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).
