The Committee of Adjustment is composed of five members, who are appointed by Council. The Committee of Adjustment is authorized by the Ontario Planning Act to: grant minor variances from the provisions of the Zoning By-law and to permit extensions, enlargements or variations of existing legal non-conforming uses; and, to grant land severances and other types of consent dealing with the long-term use of land.

Minor Variance Applications
Minor Variances may be granted, provided that, in the opinion of the Committee, the request is minor in nature, is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure and, if in the opinion of the Committee, the general intent and purpose of the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-law are maintained.  Minor Variance Fee Schedule and Information Sheet -- Application

Consent Applications
The Committee may give "consent" to convey part of a parcel of land or enter into a long-term lease if, in its opinion, the application conforms to the provisions of the Planning Act, Official Plan and the Zoning By-law. Consent Fee Schedule and Information Sheet -- Application

Opportunity for Appeal
A decision of the Committee of Adjustment may be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board by filing with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment an appeal form, available from the Ontario Municipal Board web site http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/.  The appeal must be accompanied by a certified cheque or money order in the amount of $125.00 made payable to the Minister of Finance.  Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal decisions in respect of applications for minor variance/consent to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or group on its behalf.

The appeal period for consents is 20 days from the date the Secretary-Treasurer mails the notice of decision. The appeal period for variances and permissions is 20 days from the date of the decision.

How to Apply
Any person wishing to apply to the Committee of Adjustment, should obtain and complete the appropriate application form which can be obtained above or from the Clerk's Office at 87 Broadway, Orangeville. Susan Lankheit, Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, may be contacted for further information at: phone 519-941-0440, ext. 2223, e-mail .