When a particular application by virtue of a site regulation such as a setback, site coverage, height or other regulation will not comply with the Zoning Bylaw, a variance may be pursued. With the exception of “use” and “density”, zoning, subdivision and sign bylaw regulations may be varied by Council.
Development Variance Permit applications are usually considered where the site characteristics or other unique circumstances do not permit strict compliance with an existing regulation. In some cases, where a zoning regulation may impose hardship on the owner/developer, you may submit an application to the Board of Variance, instead. Here are the two different types of variances:
Development Variance Permit: (DVP)
A Development Variance Permit is required when a development requires relief from a bylaw regulation. Examples include Zoning Bylaw requirements affecting siting, size or dimensions of a building including lot coverage or building height restrictions.
Board of Variance: (BOV)
A Board of Variance application is required when the development is minor in nature and there is undue hardship caused by a bylaw regulation i.e. for example the siting, size or dimension of a building. Other examples include prohibitions against structural additions or alterations to a legal non-conforming use, or to subdivision servicing requirements.
For a copy of the Variance application see Applications on the left side.