Minor Variances

A minor variance is a request to change or adjust a City of Cornwall by-law passed under Section 34 of the Planning Act. If your project does not meet the rules set in our Zoning By-Laws, Fence By-Laws, Site Plan Control By-Laws and Signs By-Laws, you may apply for a minor variance. You can also apply for a variance to change or extend a legal non-conforming use or other uses not clearly defined in the Zoning By-Law. However, if the change you want is major, you will need to apply for a full Zoning By-Law amendment.

Examples of variance requests include:

• Changing lot dimensions

• Adjusting building setbacks

• Reducing parking requirements

• Altering sign size or height

• Changing fence height

• Making minor changes to a legal non-conforming use

Apply for a minor variance

To apply, please email us your completed application [link to email] or you can drop it off in person to:

• 100 Water St E

• Cornwall ON K6H 6G4

Contact us [link to email] if you have any questions about your application. If the form or draft plans are incomplete or unclear, we will return your application for corrections. Please include all required Development Charges. The property owner or an authorized agent must complete the application. If an agent is applying, you must include written permission on the draft plan. 

Our process and what happens next

We will contact you and you will need to to pick up a package. It includes a yellow sign, a copy of the Notice of Public Hearing and a copy of your application. You must post the yellow sign in a front window or door where it can be seen.

The Secretary-Treasurer prepares the Notice of Public Hearing and mails it to all property owners within 60 metres (200 feet) of the property. The application and Notice are sent to City departments for comment. They may also forward the information to outside agencies if needed. Some external agencies may charge a review fee. We will prepare a report summarizing comments and conditions from the departments and agencies.

Public hearings

At the Public Hearing, the Chairperson will present your application and ask you to speak. You may be asked questions about your proposal. The meeting is open to the public. Neighbouring residents and property owners are welcome to attend. The Committee of Adjustment makes a decision at the meeting. You can call the Secretary-Treasurer the next day to find out the result.

Appealing the decision

There is a 20-day appeal period starting the day after the decision. The decision is not final until this period ends. If you wish to appeal the decision, you must file within the 20-day period. A copy of the file will be sent to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a $400 fee. It is your responsibility to arrange legal representation if you choose to appeal.