Committee of Adjustment

Committee of Adjustment

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: Confirm the application fees and, Provide payment options: E-transfers are the preferred payment method and must be sent from a bank that recognizes auto-deposit. If this is not possible, cheques submitted via Canada Post mail and credit card payments can be accepted; processing times will be longer.

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:

Confirm the application fees and,
Provide payment options: E-transfers are the preferred payment method and must be sent from a bank that recognizes auto-deposit. If this is not possible, cheques submitted via Canada Post mail and credit card payments can be accepted; processing times will be longer.

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.

COA Virtual Meetings

How to participate if I have comments or concerns?

Submit written correspondence

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

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

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]
Consent application - lot creation - additions - easements - leases [PDF]

Past Committee of Adjustment documents

COA Meeting Agendas

2022 COA Meeting Schedule

Jan. 19, 2022	5:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 2022	1:00 p.m.
Feb. 16, 2022	5:30 p.m.
March 2, 2022	1:00 p.m.
March 23, 2022	5:30 p.m.
April 6, 2022	1:00 p.m.
April 27, 2022	5:30 p.m.
May 11, 2022	1:00 p.m.
May 25, 2022	5:30 p.m.
June 15, 2022	1:00 p.m.
June 29, 2022	5:30 p.m.
July 13, 2022	1:00 p.m.
July 27, 2022	5:30 p.m.
Aug. 17, 2022	1:00 p.m.
Aug. 31, 2022	5:30 p.m.
Sept. 14, 2022	1:00 p.m.
Sept. 28, 2022	5:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, 2022	1:00 p.m.
Oct. 26, 2022	5:30 p.m.
Nov. 9, 2022	1:00 p.m.
Nov. 23, 2022	5:30 p.m.
Dec. 7, 2022	1:00 p.m.