Committee of Adjustment

Minor Variance

What is a Minor Variance?

A variance is a minor change to the Zoning By-law for a specific property. The Committee of Adjustment may approve the variance if it is satisfied that the variance maintains the general intent of the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law, if the proposed development will be appropriate and if the variance is minor.

View or download the Resident Guide to Minor Variance Applications.

Applying for a Minor Variance

An application for Minor Variance or Relief from Municipal Code Sign or Fence Regulation is required. The Committee of Adjustment meets on a regular basis as outlined below. Meeting dates are subject to change. The deadline for submissions is typically six weeks before a scheduled meeting.

Consent/Severance

What is a Consent/Severance?

Consent of the Committee of Adjustment is required to:

• Divide/sever property for the purpose of selling it
• Validate title
• Lease land for a period of over 21 years
• Establish a right of way
• Create an easement, or
• Adjust a lot line

The Planning Act stipulates that consent must be granted before a parcel of land can be divided to create an additional lot(s). This process is referred to as a land severance. Controlling the division of land through “severance” gives the City of Brantford a mechanism for ensuring that the creation of lots is consistent with the planning policies of the Province and the City of Brantford.

View or download the Resident Guide to Consent Applications.

Applying for a Consent

An application for Consent/Severance Approval is required. The Committee of Adjustment meets on a regular basis as outlined below. Meeting dates are subject to change. The deadline for submissions is typically six weeks before a scheduled meeting.

Site Plan Control

What is a Site Plan Control?

After a severance application is approved by the Committee of Adjustment (or required as a condition of approval for a minor variance), any development on the created lot or vacant retained lot is required to go through the Site Plan Control process. Site Plan Control is a tool that the City uses to make sure that development is appropriately designed, and will function as proposed. It also makes sure that the City’s standards are respected and aids in minimizing the impact of development on neighbouring properties.

View or download the Resident Guide to Site Plan Control Application for Small Infill Development.

Applying for a Site Plan

An application for Site Plan Control is required. The Committee of Adjustment meets on a regular basis as outlined below. Meeting dates are subject to change. The deadline for submissions is typically six weeks before a scheduled meeting.