Committee of Adjustment

The City of Barrie has established a Committee of Adjustment to make decisions on applications for consents and minor variances. The Committee is made up of five members (including a chair), appointed by City Council to serve a four-year term. 

Committee of Adjustment Applications for Consent and Minor Variance can now be made applied for and viewed online at barrie.ca/apli.​

Consent Applications

A consent application is an approval required to subdivide land without the requirement of a plan of subdivision. Consent applications can take the form of the creation of new lots, lot boundary adjustments, the creation of easements, and leases exceeding a period of 21 years.

In accordance with section 54(5) of the Planning Act, Council has delegated the authority to grant a Consent to the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee of Adjustment may g​rant a Consent if satisfied that a Plan of Subdivision is not necessary for the proper and orderly development of land.

Minor Variance Applications

A Minor Variance application is a permission or relief from the requirements of the City's Zoning By-law where circumstances make it difficult to comply with the specific zoning standards.

In accordance with section 45 of the Planning Act, Council has delegated the authority to authorize a minor variance to the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee of Adjustment may authorize a minor variance if the Committee is satisfied that:

1. The variance requested is minor in nature.
2. The general intent and purpose of the City's Official Plan is maintained.
3. The general intent and purpose of the City's Zoning By-law is maintained.
4. The proposal is desirable for the development of the land.
   

Applications Process

It is recommended that prior to the submission of an application for Consent or Minor Variance, an applicant should consult with planning staff to determine all application requirements. This consultation will ensure that each application is processed in an effective and efficient manner.

Applications for Consent or Minor Variance can be made online at barrie.ca/apli or at the Planning Department, first floor, City Hall, 70 Collier Street, Barrie. Applications must include all required documentation and the prescribed fees. Required documentation includes:

1. A survey
2. A site plan
3. The owner's consent if applicable
4. Supporting documentation if applicable (i.e. technical reports and studies, elevation drawings, floor plans, civil engineering and landscape plans, etc.)

Once an application has been deemed complete, the applicant will be required to post a public notice sign on the subject property. The public notice sign will provide details of the application including the project description, Committee meeting information and who members of the public can contact for additional information. In addition, a public notice will be sent to all property owners within 60 metres of the subject property.

A Committee meeting is scheduled each month. At the Committee meeting, members of the public have an opportunity to provide comments and the Committee will make a decision on the application. Once a decision has been made, a notice of decision will be sent to all interested parties and the application will be subject to a 20 day appeal period.

If no appeal is received within the 20 day appeal period, the decision is final and binding.

Committee of Adjustment Public Meetings

All Committee of Adjustment Meetings are open to the public and any interested party can appear before the Committee to express their views in support or opposition of an application.

The Committee will announce the application(s) to be heard and the applicant will provide a brief overview of the application to the Committee and the public. The Secretary-Treasurer will provide a summary of staff and agency comments, after which the chair will open the floor to members of the public to provide comments on the application. Members of the public may also submit written comments to the Secretary-Treasurer in advance of the meeting.

A decision will be made by the Committee at the meeting, which will be subject to a 20 day appeal period.​

Additional resources

• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
  
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
• Land Registry Office