Minor Variance

Pre-consultation with City Staff is required prior to the submission of any development applications. The purpose of the pre-consultation is to identify the information and supporting documentation that will be required prior to processing a 'complete application'. Applicable fees for a pre-consultation meeting may apply. 

Please complete the pre-consultation form found below and submit it along with any supporting documentation to the CityView Application Portal: 

• Pre-consultation Form

If a pre-consultation meeting has already occurred, you will need to complete the Minor Variance Application Form and submit it along with any supporting documentation to the CityView Application Portal: 

• Minor Variance application form

Tips:

• Your application must include the exact nature and details of the minor variance you are requesting. Please ensure that all information is detailed and accurate.
• If helpful, we suggest seeking professional planning and / or legal advice before you submit your application.
• If you are using an agent, you must submit your written authorization and identify the agent.
• There is a box near the end of the application marked 'Affidavit'. The applicant's signature in this section must be witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths who must also sign. Most lawyers offices have commissioners available, or certain members of staff at City Hall can also provide that service.

Application Checklist

Ensure your application is complete with a:

• Completed application form with all appropriate signatures;
• Cheque made payable to the City of Belleville for the application fee. 
• Any associated plans or materials identified in the pre-consultation meeting
  • Two (2) paper copies of survey plan or sketch plan in ledger size or smaller
  • Three (3) Photographs illustrating the intent of the application. The pictures should be taken from various locations.
  • A digital copy (PDF) of the application and all supporting documentation on a thumb drive or e-mailed to planning@belleville.ca
  • Attention: Committee of Adjustment Secretary-Treasurer

Note: Incomplete, incorrect, or inaccurate applications will not be accepted or processed until all required information is provided.

Please visit our Planning Fees Webpage for a complete list of application fees.

You can submit the application through the CityView Application Portal.

Please ensure that all completed forms and any necessary submittal items are submitted through the portal. 

The application will go through the following approval process, which may take six to eight weeks or longer for complex applications.

1. Pre-consultation

An informal pre-consultation is required prior to the submission of the minor variance application. This pre-consultation meeting will allow the applicant to explain the proposal and give staff the opportunity to provide preliminary comments and advice to help support the formal application.

2. Application Circulation and Notice of Public Hearing
After your application has been received and deemed complete, a notice of Public Hearing is sent to:

• you, the applicant;
• property owners within a 60 metre radius of the land identified in your application;
• members of the Committee of Adjustment; and
• anyone who has requested notice.

Your application will then be circulated to other City Departments and relevant local agencies for review and comment.

3. Public Notice Sign

There must be a sign placed on the land identified in the application that notifies the public of your application and proposal.

• The City of Belleville will:
  • provide the signage to the applicant/agent or will contact you to pick up a sign for the subject property 
• You will need to:
  • post the sign on the property in a place where it is visible to the public a minimum of 14 days in advance of the meeting.
  • the sign must remain on the property until the Committee of Adjustment meeting has been held

4. Recommendation Report

We will prepare a staff report in regard to your application. This report will go to the public meeting for the Committee of Adjustment for their consideration.

5. The Committee of Adjustment Meeting

• Be prepared to address the public, you may be asked to answer questions and support your application.
• Other interested parties have an opportunity to speak in favour or against your application during this meeting.
• Written submissions regarding your application will also be accepted.

6. Notice of Decision

• Once the application has been heard the Committee members will make a decision.
• The Secretary-Treasurer will send the applicant/agent a ‘Notice of Decision’ as well as anyone who filed a written request for notice of decision.

7. Appeal Period

• There is a 20 day appeal period in which the applicant or public agencies can can make a verbal or written submission prior to the decision can file a notice of appeal, accompanied by the required information, and appeal fee (made payable to the Minister of Finance) to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), through the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee.
• The applicant/agent will receive a final letter when the 20 day appeal period expires to notify them if an appeal has been filed.

  • If no appeals are filed within 20 days of the notice the decision will be considered final.

  • If an appeal is filed within the 20 day appeal period, the appeal will be forwarded to OLT for processing.

Note: Please be advised that the above information is intended to provide an overview of the OLT appeal process. This document should not replace any formal instruction provided through the OLT website.

8. Final & Binding Decision

• If no appeal has been made by the end of the 20-day appeal period, the decision is final and binding.