Variance

A variance is a deviation from the set of rules a municipality applies to land use and land development, typically a municipal zoning by-law.

Applications are processed by the RRPD and heard by the respective Municipal Council or Planning Commission. Approvals or rejections are determined on a case-by-case basis. Within a Zoning By-law, "Bulk Table" regulations are listed according to the zoning of a property. These regulations provide minimum, or, in some cases, maximum, requirements for building placement and size or regulate aspects of operation related to use. These include, but may not be limited to, setbacks from property lines, height, and size of structure or number of employees, hours of operation and exterior storage requirements.

In some circumstances, the quantity of structures allowed to be placed on a property is also determined by the Bulk Table regulations and/or the General Provisions. If a property owner wants to exceed these minimum or maximum requirements greater than 10%, approval must be granted through a zoning variation. Council may place any condition(s) subject to their approval.

If a property owner wants to exceed these minimum or maximum requirements less than 10%, approval may be granted by way of an “In-house” zoning variation.

Brochures

Zoning Variance

Application

Variance Application

Letter of Authorization (Required if someone is filling out the application on behalf of the applicant) Letter of Authorization - An authorization letter gives a third party permission to act on the owners behalf. In the event that the owner is not making the permit application, the owner will need to draft a letter providing the name of the persons authorized to make application for required development permit for proposed work to be completed. Letter must be signed and dated.