Glossary / Ontario building rules

What is minor variance?

Plain-language definition

An approval route through a municipality’s Committee of Adjustment for certain proposals that do not comply with the zoning by-law.

Make it concrete

Examples

  • A proposed addition may need relief from a required setback.
  • A project may comply with the Building Code but still need a zoning variance.
  • The variance process is separate from the building-permit review.

Related terms

Official sources

Ottawa — Apply for a minor variance / permission
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Ontario — Building permits
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