Committee of Adjustment Update
Update on Mandatory Pre-Consultation for Committee of Adjustment Minor Variance Applications
At the onset of 2020, Community Planning piloted a program requiring mandatory pre-consultations for Committee of Adjustment (CofA) applications for Consents and Minor Variances, including: new dwellings and within Character Study Areas. In early 2021, this requirement for a mandatory CofA pre-consultation expanded to include substantial renovations, and secondary dwelling units. The intent of this pilot program was to engage applicants early on in the CofA process and provide them with a high-level overview about what they can expect during the review process as it related to their proposed development. After careful review of the program, Community Planning has decided to put the program on pause for minor variance applications. This change is effective immediately. Mandatory pre-consultations will still be required for all Consent applications.
What this means going forward
City staff will continue to consult with applicants on an informal basis and provide guidance and feedback on proposed minor variance applications through our daily on-call Zoning Examiner and Planner of the day. We strongly encourage this dialogue early in the development process to ensure a smooth and efficient CofA process. If you would like to speak to a planner regarding variances, or have questions about the zoning on a property, please email planning@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7698.
If you have any questions regarding pre-building permit submission requirements from other City Departments, please call:
Roads, Parks and Forestry – Tree Management – 905-333-6166
Engineering Services - Site Engineering – 905-335-7600 ext. 7694
If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Committee of Adjustment staff by e-mailing us at committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca or by calling us at 905-335-7629.
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Committee of Adjustment is now accepting new applications digitally. Please submit a complete digital application and drawings to committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca and ensure the subject line reads: “New MV or Consent (chose one) Application_Applicant Name_Property Address.” All documents should be submitted in PDF. Staff will contact you to:
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As updates related to the Committee of Adjustment process become available, they will be posted on this webpage. If you have any questions, you may send us an e-mail at committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca
Committee of Adjustment Virtual Meetings
Due to COVID-19, Committee of Adjustment meetings will be held virtually via Zoom Webinar. All Committee Members, staff, applicants and delegations will participate remotely. If you are participating in a meeting please ensure you have a viable internet connection, and good working audio/video technology.
Committee of Adjustment meetings will take place weekly, on Wednesdays, alternating each week between afternoons beginning at 1 p.m. and evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Applications are scheduled on an agenda based on the complexity of the file.
How to participate if I have comments or concerns?
| Submit written correspondence |
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You can send your written comments (photos, plans, etc) regarding the application by e-mail (preferred) to committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca with the subject line to read “Comments_Your Name_Application No._Address of the Property” OR by regular mail. The mail drop box can also be used and is located at City Hall Locust St. entrance and addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer noted below. Include your name, address, application number and address of the property for which you are providing comments. To allow all Committee of Adjustment members the opportunity to review and consider your comments, please provide your written submissions to be received no later than noon the day before the hearing date. |
| Participate in the electronic hearing by webinar or telephone |
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Pre-register as a delegation by contacting the Secretary-Treasurer by email committeeofadjustment@burlington.ca or telephone no later than 12 p.m. (noon) the day before the hearing date. You are encouraged to pre-register as a delegate as soon as possible to facilitate an orderly registration process. All requests to delegate must contain a copy of your intended remarks which will be circulated to all members of Committee in advance as a backup should any technology issues occur. Pre-registered delegates will be provided with all applicable access codes and instructions to enter the electronic hearing and will also be asked to test their audio/video capabilities prior to the hearing. |
| Watch or listen to the Committee of Adjustment Hearing |
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If you do not wish to participate, but would like to follow along, the hearing will be held live through a Zoom Webinar. Instructions, links and phone numbers for joining the meeting will be posted on the Committee of Adjustment webpage and City meeting calendar the day prior to the scheduled meeting. The link will be active just before 1 p.m. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment in respect to this application, you must submit a written request to the Secretary-Treasurer. This will also entitle you to be advised of a possible Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing. The Committee of Adjustment decision may be appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal by the applicant or another member of the public. The applicant is advised that it is mandatory that either the applicant or an authorized agent of the applicant must be present at the hearing. |
Responsibilities and Objectives
The Committee of Adjustment (COA) is an independent body appointed by Council under authority granted by the Province of Ontario. The Committee has five members and two alternates who are all residents of the City of Burlington.
The COA is authorized by Ontario’s Planning Act to consider and makes decisions on applications for:
- Minor Variances from the provisions of a Zoning Bylaw
- Changes to land configuration by way of a Consent to “sever” a property, or for any agreement, mortgage or lease that extends for more than 21 years
- Permission, which deal with the enlargement or extension of a building or structure that is legally non-conforming, or a change in non-conforming use
- Validation of Title and Power of Sale.
See the Committee of Adjustment Terms of Reference (PDF).
Steps for Pre-consultation Submission
Pre-consultation submission will consist, at a minimum, of:
- Completed 2021 pre-consultation form
- Details of the proposed development, as described in the form
- Pre-consultation fee of $1200 for Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments and Subdivisions; and $300 for Site Plans, Minor Variances and Consents
Once the pre-consultation submission is received by City staff, a pre-consultation meeting between City staff and the applicant will be scheduled. Pre-consultation meetings take place on Wednesdays at Burlington City Hall at 426 Brant St.
A minimum of three weeks will be provided, between the submission of the pre-consultation materials and the meeting, to allow City staff time to circulate the submission materials to departments and agencies for their comments.
Applicants will be contacted directly with the date and time of their pre-consultation meeting with City staff once it has been determined.
For more information please view the Development Applications webpage
Application Forms
- Minor Variances [PDF]
- Land Division [PDF]
Past Committee of Adjustment documents
- 2019 Committee of Adjustment - Notice of Hearing and Agendas
- 2018 Committee of Adjustment - Notice of Hearing and Agendas
- 2018 Variance Application Form, Land Division Application Form
- 2017 Committee of Adjustment - Notice of Hearing, Agendas, Minutes, and Decisions
- 2016 Committee of Adjustment - Notice of Hearing, and Agendas
- Pre 2016 Committee of Adjustment Agendas and Minutes
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June 30, 2021 |
5:30 PM |
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July 14, 2021 |
1:00 PM |
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July 28, 2021 |
5:30 PM |
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August 11, 2021 |
1:00 PM |
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August 25, 2021 |
5:30 PM |
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September 8, 2021 |
1:00 PM |
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September 22, 2021 |
5:30 PM |
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October 6, 2021 |
1:00 PM |
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October 20, 2021 |
5:30 PM |
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November 3, 2021 |
1:00 PM |
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November 17, 2021 |
5:30 PM |
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December 8, 2021 |
1:00 PM |