A minor variance is an application for formal approval to use your property in a manner that does not quite follow the requirements of the Zoning By-law (see our Zoning page for a copy of Neebing's current comprehensive Zoning By-law 2017-030). The fee to apply for a minor variance is $1,000.00 PLUS the fees charged by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (see Fee Schedule below).
A similar application is considered when your property has legal non-conforming use rights and you wish to change or extend those rights.
Where you wish to use the property with a change that is minor in nature, an application for a minor variance may be what you need.
Whether a change is minor may be difficult to figure out. There are 4 tests applied to a change to determine if it is minor.
- it is in compliance with the Official Plan
- it is in keeping with the spirit and intent of the zoning by-law
- it is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the property
- it is truly minor in nature – so that it does not have impacts on neighbouring properties, municipal operations, etc.
In Neebing, applications for minor variances are considered by the Municipal Council. A general time frame for approval for a simple application is approximately 3 months, provided no one appeals the Council decision. For information on appeals, see the question "What is the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)?" on the frequently asked questions page.
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Fee Schedule
The municipality also collects fees on behalf of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) for their review of planning applications. The LRCA fee is $275 for a Minor Variance Application.
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