Committee of Adjustment

The City of Burlington's Committee of Adjustment is an independent body, appointed by Council, to review and make decisions on applications for:

• Minor variances to the Zoning Bylaw
• Land divisions and changes to land configuration
• The enlargement or extension of a building or structure that is legally non-conforming
• Validations of title and power of sale

The committee has seven members and two alternates, who are all residents of the City of Burlington. To learn more about the committee, view the Committee of Adjustment Terms of Reference, or contact committee staff at 905-335-7629 or committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca.

Submit an application for a minor variance or consent

Learn how to submit an application for a minor variance if your development proposal does not comply with the Zoning Bylaw.

On-call Zoning Examiner and Planner

Applicants are encouraged to consult with staff prior to the submission of a formal application to obtain feedback on the proposed development for applicable zoning regulations and official plan policies. This can be done through our daily on-call Zoning Examiner and Planner. We encourage you to contact us early in your development process to ensure a smooth Committee of Adjustment process.

If you would like to get more information on applicable zoning regulations for your property or applicable Official Plan policies for the evaluation of Minor Variance or Consent applications, please contact us at 905-335-7698 or planning@burlington.ca.

Submit an application for consent

You can submit an application for consent if you are looking to sever a property to:

• Create one or two new lots
• Create a lot addition
• Establish easements or right-of-ways
• Establish a Validation of Title
• Establish a lease

Meetings

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, committee meetings are held virtually via Zoom. All committee members, staff, applicants and delegations will participate remotely. If you are participating in a meeting, please make sure you have a viable internet connection and working audio/video.

Viewing meetings

View our City meeting calendar to watch and follow along with the Zoom meeting. We post instructions, links and phone numbers for joining one day prior to each meeting.

If you have an application before the committee, it is mandatory that either the applicant or an authorized agent of the applicant is present at the hearing. Committee of Adjustment staff will contact the applicant/agent with a meeting date, sign posting instructions, and meeting information at the appropriate time during the application process.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the committee for your application, please contact our Secretary-Treasurer at committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca. This will entitle you to be advised of a possible Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing. An appeal can be made by the applicant or a member of the public within 20 days of the decision being made.

Meeting schedule and agendas

View our Committee of Adjustment Meeting Schedule . Meetings take place bi-weekly on Wednesdays, alternating between 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Submitting comments

You can submit your written comments, photos or plans, etc. for an application by email to committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca with the subject line: "Comments_Your Name_Application Number_Property Address".

You can also submit comments by regular mail or drop box at City Hall's Locust Street entrance. Please make sure we get your written comments no later than noon the day before the hearing date and that they include your name, address, application number and application property address. Mail your comments to:

Committee of Adjustment Secretary-Treasurer
426 Brant St., PO Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6

Participating by webinar or phone

You can register as a delegation to a committee meeting at committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca or 905-335-7629 no later than by noon on the day before the hearing date. We encourage you to register as soon as possible.

All requests must contain a copy of your remarks, which will be circulated to all members of the committee in advance as a backup, in case of technology issues. We provide delegates with all applicable access codes and instructions to enter the electronic hearing. Please test your audio/video before the meeting.