Minor Variances By-law No. 1312

Minor Variances By-law no. 1312 regulates construction and subdivision projects that do not fully comply with the regulatory provisions applicable to them. Specifically, it applies to the provisions respecting:

  • lot area
  • lot width
  • front setback
  • rear setback
  • side setbacks

By-law No. 1312 sets out the procedures to follow to submit an application for a minor variance and the necessary conditions for approving the application.

Obtaining a variance is especially useful for owners seeking to sell their property despite its non-compliance with an urban planning by-law.

View By-law No. 1312 [PDF 1.37MB]

Finding your way through Urban Planning By-Laws

Although they are all part of the Town’s urban planning framework, it is important not to confuse the zoning, subdivision, building and related by-laws. To help you understand the differences, we offer the following summary:

  • 1310 (Zoning)
    Permitted uses, setbacks, fence heights, content and location of commercial signs, private parking spaces, etc. Think of zoning in terms of regulating how space is used.
  • 1311 (Building)
    Materials, construction methods, construction safety, etc.
  • 1312 (Minor Variances)
    Procedure to follow to obtain a minor variance from the subdivision and zoning by-laws.
  • 1313 (Subdivision)
    Cadastre, property lines, servitudes, etc.
  • 1314 (CCU)
    Makeup and operation of the Planning Advisory Committee.
  • 1316 (Permits and Certificates)
    Procedure for obtaining a permit (subdivision, construction, demolition) or a certificate of authorization (transport and installation of a building, change of use, temporary use, landscaping, posting of signs, occupation), including the applicable fees.
  • 1317 (PIIA)
    Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program.
  • 1318 (PAE)
    Comprehensive Development Planning (large-scale projects).