How long does a variance application take in Ottawa?

A variance application in Ottawa typically takes 8-12 weeks from submission to decision, though complex applications or those requiring additional studies can take up to 16 weeks.

The City of Ottawa Committee of Adjustment meets twice monthly, and your application needs to be complete and submitted by specific deadlines to make each meeting. Here's the typical timeline breakdown:

Week 1-2: Application Review
Once you submit your variance application to the City of Ottawa Planning Department (613-580-2424), staff conduct a completeness review. If anything is missing - like proper drawings, neighbour notification forms, or the application fee - they'll contact you for additional information, which can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.

Week 3-6: Circulation and Review
Your complete application gets circulated to various City departments (Building Code Services, Transportation, Parks, etc.) and external agencies like Hydro Ottawa or conservation authorities if applicable. Each department has 21 days to provide comments. During this period, you must also notify all neighbors within 60 meters of your property using the forms provided by the City.

Week 7-8: Committee of Adjustment Meeting
Your application is scheduled for the next available Committee of Adjustment meeting. The committee meets on the first and third Thursday of most months. You'll receive notice of the meeting date, and you (or your agent) should attend to present your case and answer any questions.

Decision Timeline
The Committee typically renders a decision at the meeting or within a few days. However, there's a 20-day appeal period after the decision where neighbors or other parties can appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly OMB).

What Can Delay Your Application:

• Incomplete submissions (most common delay)


• Objections from neighbors requiring additional consultation


• Requests for additional technical studies or professional reports


• Holiday periods when committee meetings are cancelled


• Appeals that trigger Ontario Land Tribunal hearings

Current Fees in Ottawa (2024):

• Minor variance application: $1,247 plus $412 for each additional variance requested


• Consent application: $2,078


• These fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied

Tips for Faster Processing:
Hire a qualified planning consultant or architect familiar with Ottawa's process - they know exactly what the City wants to see and can prevent the delays caused by incomplete applications. Also, consider having a pre-consultation meeting with City planning staff before submitting to identify potential issues early.

For current application forms and detailed submission requirements, visit ottawa.ca/planning or call the Planning Department at 613-580-2424. The Committee of Adjustment office can also provide specific meeting dates and deadlines for your timeline planning.