Committee of Adjustment

Applications to the committee are closed for this council term (2023-2026).

• Visit the City Dashboard to submit an online application
• Need help? Check the online submission page for instructions on how to submit an application
• For important deadlines, go to the committee dates section

Application types

The Committee handles two types of applications: consent or severance and minor variance. Visit these web pages to learn more:

• Consents and Severances
• Minor Variances
• Pre-Consultation

It is the responsibility of the applicant to post a Public Notice Sign(s) about the Committee of Adjustment application. The Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment will provide the applicant with a sign and instructions for installation.

If a minor variance or severance application affects you:

• Learn as much as you can about the application by visiting the Current Planning Applications page
• Talk to the Planning Department about your concerns
• Send written comments to the Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment. Address your concerns early so the Committee can review your comments and get more information.

You can join the public Committee of Adjustment hearings in two ways:

1. Email your comments to the Secretary-Treasurer, who will share them with the Committee
2. Join the meeting via Zoom or in person

Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, limits who can appeal Committee of Adjustment decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The OLT hears and decides on matters related to land use planning.

Only the applicant, the Minister, a specified person or a public body interested in the matter may appeal a decision to the OLT. 

If you are eligible and disagree with a decision of the Committee of Adjustment, you can appeal to the OLT within the 20-day appeal period.

Visit the Civic portal for meeting information, agendas and minutes.

Meeting location: City Hall (4310 Queen Street) – Committee Room 2 or via Zoom
Time: 4:00 pm
Dates:

• Submission deadlines: To comply with Provincial regulations, we must provide notice, so it is important to submit your applications by the deadline
• Consent applications:  A pre-consultation meeting is strongly encouraged before applying. Pre-consultation meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Learn more on our Pre-Consultation page.

You can find the list of committee members on the Civic portal.

Term: Committee members serve a term of four years.

Staff liaison:
Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment
Tel: 905-356-7521 ext. 4362
coa@niagarafalls.ca 

• To learn more about the rules of etiquette at public meetings, visit the Decorum Policy for Public Meetings page
• Procedural By-law

• Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
• O.Reg. 200/96: Minor Variance Applications
• O.Reg. 197/96:  Consent Applications
• Government of Ontario – Citizen’s guide to land use planning - Land severances (consents)
• Ontario Land Tribunal