Committee of adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is comprised of five citizens appointed by Council to consider applications for minor variances to zoning by-law regulations and applications for consent (severances) under the Planning Act. The Committee of Adjustment meets regularly on a monthly basis. Please refer to our 2020 Hearing Schedule.

Minor Variance Applications

A land owner who is unable to comply with the provisions of the Zoning By-law may apply to the Committee of Adjustment through a Minor Variance Application.

These minor changes to the Zoning By-law may be granted if, in the opinion of the Committee of Adjustment, the request is:

• Minor in nature;
• Desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure;
• The general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law is maintained; and
• The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan is maintained.

How do I apply for a Minor Variance?
A completed application form, the appropriate fee(s) and any necessary plans/drawings are to be submitted. The application form details the exact information required on the Site Plan and the number and size of the plans required. If you have any questions on the nature of the relief from the Zoning By-law, please consult the Planning department.

Completed applications shall be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Application packages are available online (see below) or by contacting the Secretary-Treasurer at the Municipal Offices, 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill. Please note, all plans shall be provided on A3/Ledger (11"x17") sized paper.

Minor Variance Application Kit Forms

Consent Applications

Consent applications are required when a land owner wishes to sell, convey or transfer an interest of "part" of their land.

Consent is also required when the terms of an agreement, such as a lease, an easement or a mortgage commits the use of land for a period in excess of 21 years.

In addition to Consent, the Committee of Adjustment also has the power to issue a "Certificate of Validation" and to give "Approval of a Foreclosure of or an Exercise of a Power of Sale in a Mortgage or Charge".

How do I apply for a Consent?
Prior to consent application, all applicants are required to have a Pre-Consultation meeting with Town staff. This can be scheduled through the Planning department. 

A completed application form, and the appropriate fee(s) are to be submitted along with 15 copies of a plan completed by an Ontario Land Surveyor. The application form details the exact information required on the survey. If you have any questions on how to complete the application form the Secretary-Treasurer is available to assist.

If there is a person acting as an agent for the purposes of the application, a letter of authorization is required from the registered owner of the property.

Consent Application Kit Forms 

Committee of Adjustment Agenda and Minutes