What is the Committee of Adjustment in Ottawa?

The Committee of Adjustment in Ottawa is a quasi-judicial body that grants minor variances and consents for property divisions when your project doesn't quite meet the zoning requirements. This is crucial for Ottawa homeowners who need small exceptions to build or renovate.

What the Committee Does

The Committee of Adjustment handles two main types of applications that affect Ottawa homeowners:

Minor Variances are the most common for renovation projects. If your planned addition, deck, or renovation doesn't meet setback requirements, lot coverage limits, or height restrictions by a small amount, you can apply for a minor variance rather than going through a full zoning amendment. For example, if you want to build a deck that's 1.5 meters from your property line but Ottawa's zoning requires 2 meters, the Committee can grant permission.

Consents (also called severances) allow you to divide your property. This is essential if you're creating a secondary dwelling unit that requires separate legal ownership, or if you want to sever part of your lot.

The Four Tests for Minor Variances

The Committee must be satisfied that your application meets four criteria under the Planning Act:

• The variance maintains the general intent of the Official Plan


• The variance maintains the general intent of the zoning bylaw


• The variance is desirable for appropriate development of the land


• The variance is minor in nature

Ottawa Application Process

You apply through the City of Ottawa's Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department. The application fee is approximately $1,500-$2,000 for minor variances and $2,500-$4,000 for consents, plus additional fees for notices and signs.

The process typically takes 6-8 weeks from complete application to decision. You'll need detailed drawings, a survey, and a planning rationale explaining how you meet the four tests. The City posts a sign on your property and notifies neighbors within 60 meters.

Public Hearings and Decisions

Committee meetings are held monthly at Ottawa City Hall, and they're open to the public. Your neighbors can support or oppose your application. The Committee consists of citizen volunteers appointed by City Council, not City staff.

If approved, you receive a Certificate of Official that's valid for two years. If denied, you can appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal within 20 days.

When You Need This for Renovations

Many Ottawa renovation projects trigger Committee applications: additions that exceed lot coverage, garages closer to property lines than allowed, secondary suites requiring parking variances, or decks in required yard areas.

Important: Don't start construction before getting approval. Building without proper permissions can result in stop-work orders and forced removal of completed work.

For Committee of Adjustment applications, contact the City of Ottawa at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/planning. The Planning Department can help determine if your project needs Committee approval before you hire contractors.