How long does a variance application take in Ottawa?

A variance application in Ottawa typically takes 6-8 weeks from submission to decision, though complex cases can extend to 10-12 weeks.

The City of Ottawa's Committee of Adjustment meets twice monthly, and your application needs to be submitted at least 21 days before the meeting date you're targeting. Once submitted, there's a mandatory public notice period where neighbors are notified and can provide input or objections.

Here's the typical timeline for Ottawa variance applications:

Week 1-2: Application Review
After you submit your complete application to the City of Ottawa Planning Department (613-580-2424), staff review it for completeness. If anything's missing, they'll contact you immediately, which can add 1-2 weeks to your timeline.

Week 3-4: Public Notice Period
The City posts notice signs on your property and sends letters to neighbors within 60 meters. This 21-day notice period allows the public to review your proposal and submit comments or objections. You'll also need to post the required yellow sign on your property during this time.

Week 5-6: Committee Review
Your application goes before the Committee of Adjustment, which meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. The committee reviews the application, considers public input, and makes their decision. You or your representative should attend this meeting.

Week 6-8: Decision and Appeal Period
If approved, there's a 20-day appeal period where anyone can challenge the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal. If no appeals are filed, your variance becomes final and you can proceed with your building permit application.

What Can Delay Your Ottawa Variance:
Strong neighborhood opposition can extend the process if the committee requests additional information or defers the decision. Complex variances involving multiple zoning requirements often take longer. Applications submitted during busy periods (spring/summer) may face longer processing times.

Current Ottawa Variance Fees (2024):
The application fee is $1,442 for residential properties, plus $142 for each additional variance requested on the same property. If you need to resubmit due to incomplete information, there may be additional processing fees.

Pro Tip for Ottawa Homeowners:
Before applying, schedule a pre-consultation meeting with City planning staff (available for $150). This 30-minute meeting can identify potential issues and save weeks of back-and-forth. Many Ottawa contractors experienced with variance applications recommend this step.

Contact the City of Ottawa Committee of Adjustment at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/planning for current meeting schedules and to submit your application. The online portal allows you to track your application status throughout the process.