Minor Variance Applications in Ontario

A Minor Variance is a request for minor relief from a specific zoning standard, decided by the local Committee of Adjustment rather than requiring a full Zoning By-law Amendment. It is used when a proposed building or site feature falls just outside what the zoning by-law otherwise permits.

A Minor Variance addresses small, site-specific deviations from an existing zoning standard, while a Zoning By-law Amendment is required when a project needs permissions beyond what a variance can reasonably grant, such as a different land use or a substantially different building form. BORDEAUX plus reviews your property and proposal to determine which route applies.

Committee of Adjustment hearings require a clear planning rationale explaining why the requested variance is minor, desirable, and consistent with the intent of the zoning by-law and Official Plan. BORDEAUX plus prepares this rationale, along with site sketches, concept plans, and application-support drawings, and represents the file through hearing and any resulting conditions.

A well-prepared Minor Variance application anticipates the questions a Committee of Adjustment and municipal staff are likely to raise. BORDEAUX plus is led by a former municipal planner with experience at the County of Brant, so our team understands municipal planning and development-review processes through prior public-sector experience, across the County of Brant and beyond.

Committee of Adjustment hearings are public meetings where neighbours and other interested parties may comment on a Minor Variance application. BORDEAUX plus prepares applicants for this process, anticipates likely questions from committee members and area residents, and presents a planning rationale that clearly addresses the tests for minor variance approval under the Planning Act. For agricultural properties in the County of Brant, variance requests often involve accessory farm buildings, setbacks from watercourses, or lot coverage for equipment storage, each of which BORDEAUX plus evaluates against the applicable zoning by-law. Most straightforward residential variance applications are scheduled within a matter of weeks once a complete application is submitted, though each Committee of Adjustment sets its own hearing calendar.

BORDEAUX plus manages the application through municipal review and decision-making; the municipality, Committee of Adjustment, Council, Conservation Authority, or other applicable approval authority makes the final decision.

Whether your project involves a residential addition, an infill lot, or an agricultural building, BORDEAUX plus can determine whether a Minor Variance applies and lead the application through to a Committee of Adjustment decision. Explore Zoning By-law Amendments or Request a Preliminary Site Review to get started.