The Committee considers and makes decisions on applications for Minor Variances from the provisions of the Township's Zoning By-Law and applications for enlargement or extension to any existing legal non-conforming building or structure. The Committee is comprised of three members of the public that are appointed by Council and obtains its authority from the Planning Act.
Minor Variances are often required by circumstances peculiar to a property which prevent the owner from developing it in a way which conforms to a Zoning By-Law. Examples of Minor Variance Applications include requests for relief from the building setback, building height, and lot coverage provisions of a Zoning By-law.
The Committee is authorized to grant a minor variance if all of the following criteria, commonly referred to as the "four tests" are met:
- The variance is minor;
- The variance is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the property;
- The general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-Law is maintained;
- The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan is maintained.
The Committee will refuse an application if, in its opinion, one or more of the above criteria have not been met.
The Committee cannot grant exemptions to the by-law which, in effect, would constitute a change of zoning. In such cases, property owners may wish to make an application for a Zoning By-Law Amendment.
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