Committee of Adjustment and Public Planning Meetings

The Committee of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial tribunal and an independent body of Council-appointed citizen members. It reviews applications for minor variances to land and building use to ensure changes are in line with the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw and makes decisions under Section 45 and Section 53 of the Planning Act.

It exercises its independent statutory power of decision in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act on the following applications:

• Applications for minor variances in the Zoning By-law
• Permit enlargements, extensions, or changes to legal non-conforming uses
• Give consent to sever a parcel of land into more than one lot, or as a lot addition to abutting properties
• Give consent to mortgages (or charges) on part of a property, or partial discharge of mortgages (or charges)
• Issue certificates of validation
• Give consent to create easements and grant leases for a period of 21 years or more

Consent for Land Severance

• New lot creation
• Lot addition or lot line change
• Consent to mortgage
• Consent to lease
• Consent to create a shared right-of-way.

Minor Variances
The Zoning Bylaws regulate how land and buildings are used and where buildings and structures can be located. The zoning by-law also specifies lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and other provisions.  Minor Variances are intended to address small, technical changes to the Zoning Bylaw, and provides relief from a specific Zoning Bylaw requirement, excusing a property owner from meeting the exact requirements of the Bylaw.

Public meetings are an essential part of the decision-making process, and are an opportunity for Council to receive input from the public.

Every person who attends a statutory public meeting that is required under the Planning Act shall be given an opportunity to make representations in respect of the proposed Bylaw.

All submission materials for applications are available at the West Grey Municipal Office during regular business hours.

Recent amendments to the Planning Act by the province now limit appeal rights on zoning bylaw amendment applications to the applicant, public bodies, and specified persons who made oral or written submissions to the municipality prior to a decision being made. Specified persons generally include energy, railroad, and  telecommunication providers, as well as NAV Canada.

Feedback received will be considered in the decision of West Grey Council. An explanation of how the public and agency comments factored into the decision will be included in the notice of passing of the bylaw. 

Where changes made in the proposed bylaw after the holding of the public meeting, Council will determine if any further notice will be given respecting the proposed bylaw, and the determination of council as to the giving of further notice is final and not subject to the review in any court, no matter the extent of the change made in the proposed bylaw.