A minor variance is a small variation, allowing the property owner to seek relief from certain requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, that cannot be met or is not desirable.
General Regulations
- The minimum required distance of a building from the lot line to a maximum of 25% of the requirement;
- The minimum required distance of a building to any other building on a lot to a maximum of 25% of the requirement;
- The maximum lot coverage, and maximum building height to a maximum of 15% of the requirement;
- Minimum landscaping or landscaped area on site to maximum of 15% of the requirement; and
- On-site parking required for a change in use in an existing commercial structure to a maximum of 15%.
How do you Apply for a Minor Variance?
- Applications shall be made to the Development officer on a prescribed form and can be printed off our website or picked up at City Hall. The fee for a minor variance is $100.00 and shall be paid at the time of application. Once all the pertinent information is provided, and the request meets the requirements for a minor variance, the Development Officer will accept the application and begin the process of review.
- A notice of the request will be sent to any land owners who share a property line with the subject property. They are given 23 days to submit any comments or objections with the proposal.
- When the required time frame has elapsed and no objections have been received as a result of the neighbourhood notice, the Development Officer shall issue a Minor Variance approval.
- If there were any objections received from the neighbourhood notice, the Development Officer shall refuse the application and the applicant shall further appeal, through the Development Appeal process if desired, or re-design.
If approved, the applicant may now make application for a building permit.