Apply for a minor variance

Ontario's Planning Act gives the Committee of Adjustment authority to consider requests for minor variances to the Zoning Bylaw.

Follow these steps to apply for a minor variance.

On this page:

1. Determine which application you need
2. Prepare your documents
3. Make sure you meet source water protection requirements
4. Get a signed affidavit
5. Check fees
6. Check submission deadlines and meeting dates
7. Apply
8. Contact us

1. Determine which application you need

Apply for a minor variance if your project will not meet the minimum development requirements set out in the Zoning Bylaw.

Examples include:

• reducing the required setback of a proposed building from a property boundary
• increasing the floor area of a building from what is normally permitted

If you’re requesting a severance, right of way, easement or lease, you should apply for consent, not a minor variance.

If you’re not sure which application you need, contact the Committee of Adjustment coordinator for help.

2. Prepare your documents

Prepare the following documents before you apply:

• letter of authorization, signed by the property owner
• if the applicant is the purchaser or the purchaser’s agent, include a copy of the section of the purchase and sale agreement that authorizes the purchaser to apply for the land
• a sketch of the proposed change that includes:
  • project name
  • applicant name
  • name of the firm preparing the plans (if applicable)
  • dimensions in metric
  • scale of the drawing
  • north symbol
  • municipal address
  • names of adjacent streets
• Environmental Screening Questionnaire (PDF) from the Region of Waterloo
• source water protection screening form
• Notice of Source Protection Plan document (if relevant)
• signed and commissioned affidavit
• any other documents identified during a pre-application consultation with city staff

Check the terms of reference documents to help you create the supporting documents.

3. Make sure you meet source water protection requirements

All applications must comply with the Region of Waterloo’s source water protection plan. Follow these steps to make sure your application is complete:

1. Go to the Region's Source Water Protection Map.
2. Select "I need a document for a building permit or development application" and enter the location.
3. Answer the questions as prompted and download the Notice of Source Protection Plan document.
4. Print and sign the document. Include it in your Committee of Adjustment application.

To confirm this step, include both the screening form (PDF) and the Notice of Source Protection Plan document with your application.

4. Get a signed affidavit

An affidavit (also called a declaration of oath) that was signed in the presence of a commissioner must be submitted as part of your complete application.

Fill out the form

Complete the Statutory Declaration of Oaths form (PDF).

Get it commissioned

You can use a commissioner or notary public of your choice. In-person or remote commissioning is acceptable, as long as the person taking the oath is authorized to do so.

In-person commissioning is available at City Hall at the Legislative Services desk on the third floor. The City of Waterloo does not offer remote commissioning.

For more information or current fees, visit the commissioning documents page.

5. Check fees

City of Waterloo fees:

• Pre-application consultation – $245
• Minor variance application – $1,550
• Subsection 45(2) Planning Act application (per individual lot) – $1,550
• Request per Subsection 45(1.3) and (1.4) of the Planning Act – $460

City fees will increase on September 1, 2026.

Additional fees

Visit the Grand River Conservation Authority website to check if they have additional fees.

Pay in person

All payments must be made in person at the IPPW counter on the second floor of City Hall after you apply. We accept payment by cash, debit or cheque.

Committee of Adjustment application fees are non-refundable after the application has been circulated.

6. Check submission deadlines and meeting dates

Each meeting has a set submission deadline. Use the table to find the date for your application.

Check the Committee of Adjustment calendar for meeting times and agendas.

7. Apply

Check the meeting schedule and submit your application by the deadline.

When you apply, include:

• all supporting documents
• Environmental Screening Questionnaire (PDF)
• Source Water Protection Screening Form
• Notice of Source Protection Plan document (if relevant)
• signed and commissioned affidavit
• any other documents identified during a pre-application consultation with city staff

Apply for minor variance