Variance Permits

Variance Permits

A variance permit can be applied for if you would like council to relax a condition imposed by a development-related bylaw on your property. Common requests are to relax setback requirements or height limits (but not total floor areas) on buildings or to relax minimum property dimensions (not area) or service requirements in subdivisions.

Typically, there has to be some anomaly with your land parcel to justify a variance from the prescribed development-related bylaws. In Other words, you will need to convince council why some bylaw provision should not apply to your property.

The application fee for a variance permit by itself is $250. If the application is made jointly with a development permit, the combined fee is reduced to $300.

The procedures for variance permit application and approval are outlined below:

1. Submit an application form accompanied by the applicable fees and plans of the proposed development. In the case of a subdivision, these will include the proposed subdivision plans. For all other applications, it will consist of site plans showing access, parking, landscaping and building locations; building elevation or perspective drawings; and proposed signage. Your requested variance needs to be clearly indicated on the plans.
2. Before council can consider a variance permit application, staff must send notices of your application to all owners and occupants of properties within 30 metres of your property. These notices must be sent out at least 10 days prior to the date when your application is to be considered by council.
3. Staff must prepare a report to council describing your application, indicating pros and cons, provide any comments received from neighbouring properties and providing recommendations. This report is presented to a regular council meeting, typically two to four weeks after your application is received. More complex applications take longer.
4. Council reviews your application at a regular open council meeting. You are encouraged to attend this meeting to answer questions. You will also be given an opportunity to describe your proposal to council in person, if you wish. Neighbours will also be invited to state their support or concerns.
5. Council will approve or disapprove your application by resolution. If approved, it may be subject to certain conditions set by council. 

Once your development permit is approved by council and all of their conditions are met, staff are authorized to rule on your accompanying building permit or subdivision application as the case may be.