A minor variance is a special permission to excuse a landowner from one or more of the rules set out in the the Zoning By-law.  A minor variance cannot add new uses or allow prohibited uses, but can help with things like reducing a setback, increase in height or other zoning regulations. 

The authority for the Township to give a minor variance is from Section 45(1) of the Planning Act.

When evaluating an application for minor variance, Staff and the Committee of Adjustment must consider how the proposal meets the what is known as the ‘four tests’ of a minor variance. Each test must be met in order for the Committee to approve an application.

Four Tests:

1. The variance must be minor
2. The variance must be desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure
3. The general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law must be maintained
4. The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan must be maintained

Should you be interested in submitting an application for Minor Variance, you are encouraged to consult with planning staff to ensure your proposal is supported by the four tests. 

• Download the Minor Variance Application Form

If you are thinking about severing land from your property, you need the “consent” of the Municipality. 

Section 50 of the Planning Act sets out specific circumstances where land can be subdivided or by which an interest in land can be conveyed to another person.

The Consent process, under Section 53 of the Act, is typically used to provide for the creation of a new lot; the enlargement of a lot/alteration to existing lot boundaries; or the creation of a right-of-way or easement that extends beyond 21 years in duration.

The Township of Georgian Bluffs Committee of Adjustment has been delegated the authority of Council to make decisions on applications for consent. All decisions of the Committee must conform to applicable Official Plans and must be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024.

Should you be interested in pursuing an application for consent, Staff strongly recommend you participate in a pre-submission consultation. At this meeting, we will review the applicable policy, discuss the procedure and requirements, and help you to determine the costs and timeframes involved with completing your consent transaction.

For additional information on severances, please visit the Ontario’s Citizen’s Guide to Land Use Planning – Land Severances (Consent)

Download the application form to apply for a Land Severance: Consent Application Form (Severance)

By-law 2022-042, being a By-law to establish a Committee of Adjustment and Committee procedures was adopted by Council on July 13, 2022.

Committee of Adjustment meetings are open to the public and provide opportunities for input on applications. You can participate in a meeting by:

Committee of Adjustment – Now Online

• Joining virtually via videoconference (registration required).

Please note that, following the passing of By-law 2025-018, the Township of Georgian Bluffs Committee of Adjustment meetings are now being held online.

To attend a meeting, participants must register in advance. 

All meetings continue to be available for public viewing on the Township of Georgian Bluffs YouTube channel.

To register to speak at a hearing, complete the Committee of Adjustment Meeting Registration Form or contact the Planning Department at planning@georgianbluffs.ca.

Meeting agendas, supporting materials, and decisions are available on the Agendas and Minutes Page. Videos of past meetings can be viewed on the Township YouTube Channel.

The usual meeting schedule for the Committee of Adjustment is the third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise posted below.  

To be considered for an upcoming meeting, Complete Applications are due on the third Monday of the previous month, unless noted otherwise.  Late applications will be placed on the next month's agenda.